Red Bud MX facts for kids

Red Bud MX is a super famous US motocross race track in Buchanan, Michigan, USA. It's known for having "The best dirt on earth!" Many professional riders love racing here. Every year, over 30,000 fans gather for the big Fourth of July weekend race. It's part of the exciting AMA Motocross Championship.

The Story of Red Bud MX

How Red Bud MX Started

Back in 1972, a man named Gene Ritchie and his wife Nancy bought the land where Red Bud MX now sits. They had partners, the Patterson and Miller families. Gene was visiting Buchanan and saw how perfect the area was for a motocross track. Within a few years, they bought land and started building.

They named the track Red Bud TNT. "Red Bud" came from the road it's on and the many Red Bud trees in the area. Buchanan is even called "Red Bud City"! TNT stood for "Track n Trail."

First Races and Big Jumps

Red Bud MX started holding races in 1973. The first big AMA National race happened in 1974. A rider named Mike Hartwig won that exciting event.

Over the years, the track has changed and improved. But one famous jump, called LaRocco's Leap, is still there! It was built in 1991 and is super long, stretching about 120 feet (36 meters).

LaRocco's Leap: A Legendary Jump

LaRocco's Leap is named after Mike LaRocco, a rider from Laporte, Indiana. He inspired the jump, which was based on one at his own track. Mike LaRocco was the very first person to successfully clear this huge jump. He did it on a 125cc bike, which was amazing!

The "ReeeedBuuuud!" Cheer

Red Bud fans have a special tradition. Someone will shout, "ReeeedBuuuud!" And everyone who hears it shouts back, "ReeeedBuuuud!" This cheer can be heard all summer long around the Red Bud community. It's a fun way for fans to connect!

Big International Races

Red Bud MX has hosted some of the biggest motocross races in the world.

Motocross of Nations

The track hosted the 72nd Motocross of Nations on October 6–7, 2018. This was a huge event for the track. Then, the 2022 Motocross des Nations returned to Red Bud on November 24 and 25, 2022. It was the fifth time this international event was held in the United States, and the second time at Red Bud.

Red Bud Today

Today, Gene and Nancy Ritchie's children, Amy Ritchie and Tim Ritchie, run Red Bud MX. Gene Ritchie passed away on February 20, 2016, at 79 years old. His legacy lives on through the track he created.

Tracks and Fun at Red Bud

Red Bud MX has different tracks for all kinds of riders.

• The main professional motocross track is where the pros race.
• There's a special KTM Kids track for younger riders to learn and have fun.
• A "Night track" is used only during the big Fourth of July weekend for special races.

Camping and Food

During the big Nationals weekend, visitors can camp right on the property! There are spots for tents, campers, and RVs. It's like a giant party! You can find concession stands and food vendors selling yummy food and drinks from the local community. Even on regular race weekends, there are places to grab a snack.

Red Bud Champions

Here are some of the champions who have won at Red Bud's AMA Motocross races: