Red Bud MX facts for kids

Red Bud MX is a super famous motocross track located in Buchanan, Michigan, USA. It's just north of town, surrounded by big farm fields. Red Bud MX is one of the largest motocross tracks in the Midwest. Many professional riders love to race here, and some even say it has "the best dirt on Earth!" Every year, more than 30,000 fans come to Red Bud MX during the Fourth of July weekend for the exciting Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships.

History of Red Bud MX

The land where Red Bud MX sits was bought in 1972. Gene Ritchie and his wife Nancy, along with the Patterson and Miller families, were the first owners. Gene was visiting Buchanan and saw how perfect the land would be for a motocross track.

Within a few years, they bought land and started building the track. They named it Red Bud TNT, which stood for "Track n Trail." This name came from the road the track is on, the many Red Bud trees in the area, and Buchanan's nickname, "Red Bud City."

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

LaRocco's Leap

The Red Bud track has been changed and updated over the years. But one famous jump, called LaRocco's Leap, is still there! This huge jump was built in 1991. It's one of the longest jumps in motocross, stretching about 120 feet (that's like jumping over two school buses!).

LaRocco's Leap is named after Mike LaRocco, a rider from La Porte, Indiana. He was the inspiration for the jump, which was based on a jump at his own track. Mike LaRocco was the very first person to successfully clear this massive jump. He did it on a smaller 125cc bike, which was amazing!

The "Red Bud!" Chant

Fans and people living near Red Bud MX have a fun tradition. Someone will shout, "ReeeedBuuuud!" and everyone who hears them will shout back, "ReeeedBuuuud!" This call and answer has become a popular sound during the summer in the Red Bud area.

Motocross of Nations

Red Bud MX hosted a very big international race called the Motocross of Nations on October 6–7, 2018. This was one of the largest and most important races the track has ever held.

Today, Red Bud MX is run by Gene and Nancy's children, Amy Ritchie and Tim Ritchie. Gene Ritchie passed away on February 20, 2016, at 79 years old.

What You Can Find at Red Bud MX

Red Bud MX has three different tracks for riders. There's the main professional motocross track where the pros race. There's also a special KTM Kids track for younger riders who are just starting out. Plus, there's a "Night track" that is only used during the big Fourth of July national race weekend.

Camping at Red Bud

The biggest weekend of the year at Red Bud is the Nationals weekend. Visitors are allowed to camp right on the property during every Fourth of July weekend. There are many spots for tents, campers, and RVs all around the grounds.

Food and Fun

During the AMA Pro Motocross Nationals weekend, you can find lots of concession stands. Local food vendors sell tasty food and drinks. Even during regular race weekends, there are still concessions and a few vendors available.

Red Bud Champions

Here are some of the winners from past Red Bud AMA Motocross races: