I remember the thought of Loretta Lynn’s years ago. How families and racers would talk about it. The hype. The heat. The competition. It is the most premier amateur motocross national of the year, held at Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch in Hurricane Mills Tennessee during the hottest week of the year. Only the most elite, top racers make it to this annual event. To do well here is one thing, but to qualify alone, that is an accomplishment in itself. Racing starts everyday at 7:30. More often than not, the heat index is around 115*. Races are 20 minutes long. These kids (usually under 21 years old) have worked their entire life for this week-long event. Families have sacrificed everything to be here. To see the try, and the heart, and the grit of these athletes is unlike anything else.
As a family, it has been such an honor to watch my brother compete here now 3 years over. With my own life, work, and commitments I have been away from his racing career for a while, however, this year I attended the national.
Going into it, I knew I wanted to be shooting, but not just the racing, or the winning, or the training. I wanted to show a different side of these athletes that work so hard to be here. I wanted to show the individual themselves. Without sponsors, without gear, without anything else. Just them.
Here is The Eyes of Amateur Motocross.
Of course, how could I not end anything with a bit of fun?! Here are some of my favorite out-takes. Thanks to everyone involved, I respect your talent, your drive, and each one of you, SO much.
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