RedBud organizers prepare for high temps at this weekend's event

BUCHANAN, Mich. -- Organizers, participants, and fans are getting revved-up for the RedBud Pro Motocross National this weekend in Buchanan.

It's all about motorsports in southwest Michigan this week, and there's nothing like the yearly Buchanan tournament known as RedBud.

After 50 plus years of growth, the RedBud Pro Motocross National is now the largest and most iconic motocross race in the United States. Last year at least 30,000 people attended the multi-day event, and organizers say they're ready once again. 

The size and popularity of the annual motocross competition mean that an immense amount of planning is required, and possible weather issues are always a top consideration. This year's blowout MX tourney is going to be so hot, literally. The current Michiana heatwave is marked by the hottest temperatures of the year so far.

"This is something we plan for every year, because by the time we're planning, we have no idea what the weather's going to bring, so we always plan for it. We did plan an extra pallet of water, I think last year, we went through four pallets ourselves, not to mention the other people, the vendors and such, we have seven this year," said Amy Ritchie, a RedBud co-owner.

In addition to water supplies, organizers have set up a cooling tent where attendees can go to get a break from the oppressive heat. 

"Our friends at SMCAS, Southwest Michigan Community Ambulance Service, they have this on standby every year, they had it last year, didn't put it up, it has four huge cooler generator things, pumping cool air into this tent, lots of seats in there. It's kind of the best seat in the house except you can't see the track from in there, they have cold water here, if somebody's in distress, just not feeling good from the heat, you can always stop by here," said Ritchie.

Ritchie says she can't recall any heat related medical incidents last year, but in preparation for the worst, they also always have ambulances on stand-by at the event. 

"Having extra ambulances on site, (and) water is a no brainer, we've always had extra water on site when we know it's going to be hot, and the weather forecasts have gotten better too, so we can prepare a little better that way," said Ritchie.