Scouting Report: Loretta Lynn's Preview Pt 4, Vet Classes

Age ain’t nothing but a number. This next group of classes proves just that as we take a journey through the Vet Classes along with some youngsters in College mixed in as well. Former pros, amateur standouts, and just some 9-5’ers are trying to chase the dream and the next stack of classes always provides great racing and even better off track entertainment.

Check out our previous Scouting Report previews:

Part I – Mini-Cycle

Part II – 85cc-Schoolboy 1

Part III – The 250 Classes

College (18-24)

College 18-24 is one of those classes that is always sneaky good. You have a mix of current top A riders, past top A riders, and just some normal dudes looking to go fast and mix it up for a title. Hunter Cross, Cory Rogers, Riley Allen, Luke Kalaitzian, Rylan Smith, Josh Boaz, Jayce Baldwin and Justin Cokinos had great success at the Regionals and they look to keep the ball rolling into Loretta’s. Don’t forget, there are some other hitters in the class like Christopher Blackmer, Noah Chambers and Ashton Bloxom.

Christopher Blackmer (left) and Hunter Cross (right) are poised for an overall podium.
Photo: @jeff.simpson.photography (left), @BC_261 (right)

Junior (25+)

Ah, yes, 25+, the class that sets the tone for the stage of your riding career that is Vet racing. 25+ is typically just as fast as any class at the Ranch and it’s full of a bunch of dads and/or former pros, then there’s Mike Brown, the ageless wonder. This year we are seeing some riders back at the Ranch for the first time in YEARS! Some names to look out for are going to be Sean Lipanovich, Mike Brown, Heath Harrison, Jamal Porter, Jon Barr, Kyle Gills, Robby Marshall, Terren O’Dell, Dusty Humphries, Sean Cunningham and Jake Baumert. I have my money on Mike MFing Brown.

The Southeast Region is well represented this year with Jamal Porter (left), Mike Brown (center) and Heath Harrison (right) all coming out of the sneaky good region, per usual.
Photo: @blakekeith_

Vet (30+)

Vet 30+ is a wide open class this year as last year’s champ is not going to be on the line for the start of Moto 1. Justin Kelly and Paul Perebijnos are looking to claim that top step as they finished third and fourth overall last year at the Ranch. It will not come easy as Corey Pennington, Kenny Henry, Nick Peterson, Travis Coy, Matthew Hougentogler, Robbie Smith, David Tregemba, Codi Adams and company will have something to say about it.

Paul Perebijnos is on the hunt for a Loretta Lynn’s title.

Senior (40+)

Pour one out for Kris Keefer as he will not be able to defend his title at the Ranch this year due to a knee injury. This leaves the door open for a new champion to be crowned. Regional champs Bryan Gordon, Ronnie Renner, Corey Altazin, Jimmy Jarrett, Andy Mathieu, Justin Mclosky, Justin Rau, Mike Mercer, Tony Wenck, and Don Leddy are all looking to fill that top step of the podium and capture their very own Loretta Lynn’s title.

Tony Wenck (left), Don Leddy (center), David Espinzola (right) are ready to do battle for the 40+ crown.
Photo: @7wonderstudios (left), @jeff.simpson.photography (center), @joshmiller.photography (right)

Senior (45+)

Oh man is this going to be one hell of a show. Some of the most legendary guys on two wheels are making a return to the Ranch this vyear and it should be fireworks. Heck Ryan Hughes, Kurt Nicoll and Jeff Emig are just three of the names and they all came out of the same region in SoCal. Throw in Mike Brown, Gabriel Guardado, Jason Rich, Keith Johnson, Barry Carsten, Ronnie Ford, Kevin Cozadd and Chris McMillin and we have ourselves one hell of a class. I’m just here for the Brownie/Ryno/Fro battles.

Masters (50+)

More of the same from 50+. While we may not see a carbon copy of the 45+ class it will be fairly similar. We have Emig and Nicoll who are both looking to take the top spot but keep an eye out for Adrian Robert, Gabriel Guardado, Troy Assemany, Shad Echelberger, John Murray, Raymond Bryson and Allen Horne. Most of Emig’s fans are about his same age meaning most of the dudes racing him in 50+ were more than likely fans back in the peak Fro days and yet here we are full circle back at the Ranch. I love it!