RedBud Nationals brings 4th of July motocross tradition back to Buchanan

Tens of thousands of campers and spectators are expected to fill the grounds for the largest event on the Pro Motocross calendar.

The weekend will test riders in more ways than one. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-90s as athletes race in full protective gear, including helmets, goggles, gloves and boots, on RedBud’s nearly 2-mile outdoor course.

“We have an enormous amount of entertainment, we have an enormous amount of community events that are here with amateur racing,” said Jeff Konicke, RedBud’s vice president of marketing. “We do over 140 gate drops that are going to be here so 140 different classes of racing over the span of four days which is really exciting for our community.”

The event features two premier classes: the 250cc class and the 450cc class. While the motorcycles are similar in size, the 450cc class is considered the sport’s top division.

Racing begins with practice and qualifying Saturday morning, when roughly 80 to 100 riders will compete for 40 spots in each class. The field will then race two 30-minute motos, with final results determined by riders’ combined finishes across both races. The first moto is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

Much of the attention this weekend will center on Honda teammates and Australian brothers Jett and Hunter Lawrence. Jett Lawrence enters RedBud with a two-point lead over Hunter in the 450 standings, setting up a pivotal round in the championship chase.

However, Hunter Lawrence arrives with momentum after sweeping both motos at High Point on June 20, trimming six points from his younger brother’s championship lead.

“They’re incredibly approachable, and from the TV perspective they’re a likable group,” Konicke said. “They’ve got good heads on their shoulders, and it certainly helps that they are at the top of their levels as far as skills are concerned.”

The Lawrence brothers are also expected to host a fan zone during the weekend, giving fans an opportunity for autographs and other activities. RedBud’s Fourth of July atmosphere is a major part of what makes the event unique, Konicke said, especially as the country marks its 250th anniversary this year.

“We are hoping that the fans can see it, feel it and live RedBud like we intend to,” he said.

After the races, the top three finishers in both the 250cc and 450cc classes will be recognized during a trophy ceremony. Fans can also expect one of the track’s most recognizable features: LaRocco’s Leap, where riders launch 30 to 40 feet into the air in front of the RedBud crowd.