Faces at the Races|2016 Red Bud National

Photos and Captions by Jeff McConkey

Red Bud is a bucket list item. If you’ve never been, plain and simple, you need to go. You can see great racing at each and every round of the AMA Nationals, but Red Bud is more. To start off, it’s the most beautiful track layout you could imagine. It has big jumps, elevation, sand, and a little bit of everything. But it doesn’t just end there. It’s the atmosphere.

Held on or around the 4th of July every year, just adds to the excitement. We all know how patriotic Americans are and, well, they take Red Bud to a new level. For the record, it used to be scared to venture into the B camping section, but over the years it has settled down quite a bit. That’s not to say it’s still not a great time. This is a race that fans, riders and teams look forward to every year. I just hope my poor camera skills and one trusty setting can do it a little justice. Hope you enjoy, and can I get a REDBUUUUD????!!!!!

Can I get a “REDBUD?!” The locals demonstrate that there is more than one use for Renthal handlebars.

Some people plan for Redbud all season long. I hope this isn’t their daily driver.

This was the vehicle to follow into the famous but scary “B” Campground.

Melissa patiently awaits the winner of the ‘Redbud Beer Pong Championships of the World.’

Cut-off jean shorts and handlebar funnels were running wild all weekend long.

There was lots of love and respect everywhere for the late Redbud founder, Gene Ritchie.

There’s no other place to be on the 4th of July weekend!

Is there any other track in North America as pretty as Redbud? I doubt it!

It was great to see some familiar Canadian faces. Jess Pettis, Kevin Urquhart, Kyle Springman, Dylan Delaplace, and Davey Fraser made the trip to Redbud to catch the action.

These girls just couldn’t resist the newest Canadian Boy Band.

The Pirelli presence was strong all weekend long. Go get yourself the new MX32 Pro tire, you won’t be disappointed.

Eli Tomac was looking to challenge Ken Roczen after a strong Muddy Creek.

Tyler Bowers got the call to fill in for Josh Grant who was filling in for Will Hahn. Bowers looked good on the big bike.

I don’t think we will be seeing the red plates changing hands this season.

This was the closest anyone got to seeing Ryan Dungey and James Stewart.

50 years of Motocross in America and counting.

Marvin Musquin warms before an impressive performance.

There were rumours of a Cade Clason spotting. Unfortunately, Cade needed a weekend off. The fans weren’t mad, just disappointed, Cade.

FXR’s Dylan Schmoke was ‘on the board’ at Redbud.

Former Canadian competitor, Jesse Wentland, finished 21st overall.

Cooper Webb’s steed will be sporting the red plates at Southwick.

Jeremy Martin is going to have a tough time retaining his number 1 plate.

‘Filthy Phil’ airing it out after a tough first moto.

Redbud was the best Justin Barcia has looked all season long.

Justin just missed the podium with a solid 3-4 moto scores.

The TLD KTM’s are some of the prettiest bikes on the track.

Alex Ray’s fresh Pirelli just before the motos.

Bowers was happy to be back at the races.

Tomac with one of the larger autograph lines.

Young Austin Forkner is the real deal.

Marvin looked lonely in the KTM pits. Word is that Dean Wilson is back for Southwick.

The always serious Blake Baggett ready for business at Redbud.

Former Canadian wrench Grant Hutcheson was happy to see his bike out front.

The Rock’s trusty 2-stroke awaits the tribute lap for Gene Ritchie.

Fredrik Noren finished a solid 13th o/a.

Kyle Chisholm stretching out between motos.

Riley Brough was all smiles after hucking Larroco’s Leap in practice.

Dylan Schmoke gave his best effort without Papa Schmoke this weekend.

Cooper Webb stirred the pot going into Redbud, but then backed it up with an impressive 1-1.

It was nice to bump into Canadians Alex Mladenovich and Carter & Erich Kolarek.

Martin Davalos gets a fresh clutch before moto 1.

Christophe Pourcel was your fastest 450 qualifier at Redbud.

Forest Butler goes over a few things with Benny Bloss.

2016 was Andrew Short’s last Redbud.

Getting the 30 machine ready for Shane McElrath.

Who doesn’t love the look of Kyle Cunningham’s Suzuki?

Blake Baggett getting straight in between motos.

It was nice to see Trey Canard back, even if he wasn’t riding.

Matt Bisceglia and his fresh HJC had a very impressive Redbud. I really hope the team keeps him around for the remainder of the season.

‘Hutch’ is a master with the pressure washer.

It was a rough day for Smith and Hampshire.

Jesse Wentland put future brother-in-law and Redbud first-timer, Jess Pettis, to work.

Motocross Pioneers since 1903.

Todd DeHoop dreaming of the glory days.

DeHoop’s RM still sounded great going up the Redbud hills.

Jeff Stanton paying his respect.

This was a pretty cool tribute to Gene Ritchie.

The crowd went crazy for these two hometown heroes.

Safety first. REDBUD!!!!!

Matt Bisceglia was very impressive in both motos. I’m a huge James Stewart fan, but I honestly don’t think he can beat Bisceglia this season.

It’s nice to see the real Justin Barcia back.

‘J-Bone’ had lots to be happy about at Redbud.

A very calm Cooper Webb awaiting the 2nd moto.

‘Making America Great Again.’

It doesn’t get much better than this.

Cooper leaves Redbud with the red plates.

Zach Osbourne was right on Webb’s tail at the checkered flag.

Broc Tickle gave the Michigan fans something to cheer about.

If Marvin can get a start, he has the speed to podium.

HRC Honda put the injured Canard to work.

Rockstar’s James Hanson talks to his fastest qualifier.

Preston Masciangelo was one of the very few Canadians racing Amateur Day.

These guys just wanted to be on Direct Motocross.

New DMX vehicle? You can’t hear it, but he had Naughty by Nature’s ‘OPP’ cranking as he went by, so Billy fumbled to get the lens cap off for the blurry shot back in London when I handed the camera back.