Sunset Ridge MX - Loretta Lynn Amateur Area Qualifier 2023
The Loretta Lynn Amateur qualifying round made its yearly trip further up north for the North Central area qualifier at Sunset Ridge MX in Walnut Illinois. Walnut has been the spot for many qualifying rounds and regionals over the years and the 2023 area qualifier definitely lived up the the history. We saw the weekend draw in a large crowd of hopeful racers looking to advance to the regional round. Some of the stand outs were Krystian Janik the local prodigy, Blake Gardner, Caden Dudney, Tristan Prueitt to name a few.
The weather was as much of the challenge of the racing weekend as the on track part. With temps in the thirties and a steady mist, out burst of rain and snow also took place multiple times through the racing days. We saw riders just trying to stay warm on the line with jumping, running and lots of hands by the mufflers.
Besides the other big names previously mentioned, Jayce Wolf from Wisconsin put on an amazing race weekend as this is becoming a regular event for him. Jayce managed a podium in Mini Sr and Supermini with a completely stock KTM 85. This really highlights his on bike talent and looking forward to see him riding an actual supermini at regionals to see what difference that makes for him possibly reaching the top of the podium.
We also saw Janik dominate the B class and Schoolboy 2 classes as expected for the team green rider. He is no stranger to Sunset Ridge as its considered his home track and the only real competition came from Edwards on the #45 Yamaha machine. The supermini class did not disappoint as usual with some great battles over the weekend and the top speeds easily placing the riders right along side the top 10 pro sport riders for the weekend.
The North Central Regional races are sure to be action pack this year. Hopefully some of the main battles won’t be negated by the racers already qualifying for the ranch in other regions leaving their spot on the gate empty for alternates. Either way we are sure to have a couple of great racing weekends with two of our favorite tracks hosting this year.