Eaton County’s Konnor Visger just made his dream come true. The 14-year-old dirt bike racer has qualified for the largest amateur motocross race in the world, the 36th Annual Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, presented by Lucas Oil, to be held this August at the historic Loretta Lynn Ranch.
Konnor took on more than 22,000 hopefuls from across America to earn one of just 1,446 qualifying positions.
“The Amateur National at Loretta Lynn’s is the event every motocross racer in the country wants to compete in,” said Event Director Tim Cotter. “A win at Loretta’s gives a racer instant national notoriety and can serve as a springboard to a lucrative professional motocross career.”
Most of America’s top professional motocross racers, including James Stewart, Ricky Carmichael, Travis Pastrana and Ryan Dungey, have won AMA Amateur National titles at Loretta Lynn’s.
Konnor, who will attend Maple Valley High School in the fall in the ninth grade, has been riding dirt bikes since he was 2 years old.
With the help of sponsors such as US 27 Motorsports, Fly Racing, Factory Connection Suspension, Illusive Gloves, Dunlop Tires, HCP Designs, Motovation Graphix, No Limits Powersports and his family who help support his way to the races, Konnor has had the opportunity to pursue his dreams. He has won multiple races and competes nearly every weekend in races across the country.
Konnor will make the long journey to Hurricane Mills, Tenn. along with his family and friends. The race runs July 31 through Aug. 5. Konnor and his family will be camping onsite for the week-long event, and will participate in many non-racing evening activities.
The top finishers in Area Qualifiers and Regional Championships earn a gate position in the National Championship race at Loretta Lynn’s. Racers may enter a wide variety of classes, from minicycle classes for children as young as four, all the way up to a senior division for riders over 50. There are also classes for women and classes for both stock and modified machines. In total, there are 35 different classes of competition. Konnor will compete in the highly competitive 85cc class Mini SR 2.
The track is built on a section of Loretta Lynn Ranch and Campground in Hurricane Mills. The course contains a variety of jumps, corners and other obstacles designed to test the skills and stamina of the racers. The motocross track is used only once a year for motorcycles, so there is no hometown advantage. Racers compete in three 15-20 minute races over the course of the week per class, sometimes in grueling temperatures. Proper training and preparation are paramount.
Most riders attend the event with the help of their families. In fact, many consider the event their family’s summer trip, nicknaming it the “World’s Greatest Motocross Vacation.” Besides the races, the week-long event hosts many family-friendly activities, including swimming, talent show, concerts, and live entertainment.
The race action will be broadcast live daily at RacerTV.com, July 31 through Aug. 5, for a total of 40 hours of live coverage. In addition, two highlight shows featuring the event will air on NBC Sports Network in the fall.
For additional information on the Amateur National, visit the official website at mxsports.com or call (304) 284-0101. Also, follow the official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for exclusive content and to catch the latest news.
Article submitted by Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA
Amateur National Motocross Championship.
