Loretta Lynn Ranch, Hurricane Mills, TN — August 3, 2019
It is a major accomplishment in amateur motocross racing just to make it to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch for the AMA Motocross National Championships. Each year over 20,000 riders enter area competitions in an attempt to earn their way to the finals. Only 42 in each of the 39 age groups and classes make it to the National Championships.
We have been following the progress of Fenton’s Ryan Valade throughout the week leading up to the final day of competition. Ryan qualified in two age groups Vets (30+) and Seniors(40+). The 30+ age group gave Ryan the opportunity to have more track time and set up for his primary group, the Seniors.
Vet(30+) Moto 3 (Friday Afternoon)
Concentrating on starts and working on riding technique Ryan matched his Moto 1 finish of 21st on the final round of the 30+ class. Great starts are important and he has worked hard on getting out of the gate fast. During Moto 2 in the 40+ class, he was 2nd to the line behind holeshot and race winner Michael Brown.
A mistake-free ride was important to set up Ryan’s final day. His Senior(40+) moto begins Saturday’s competition at 7:30 am.
Senior(40+) Moto 3 (Saturday Morning)
In a break from the brutal heat and humidity all week at Loretta Lynn’s, Saturday morning dawned with temperatures in the low 70s and a cool breeze. Ryan’s previous two motos in the 40+ age group resulted in a 6th and 7th place finish. A similar result in Moto 3 would lock him into a spot among the top Senior racers in the country.
Another great start had Ryan in 5th out of the gates, he settled into that position running some of his fastest lap times of the week in the 2:07 range.
He held the position and even scored three laps in 4th.
With the top 5 result, Ryan moved up 5th in the overall standings for the Senior class riders.
Fifth place in the National Championship, outstanding! Ryan wrapped things up this way, “The support I have received this week from sponsors, friends, and family has been phenomenal. None of this would have been possible without their help. Thank you to everyone who had a hand it making this championship run possible.”
Congratulations Ryan, well said, well done.
