Jeff Simpson
Now that we have covered the mini(er)-cycles, read it here, its time to take a deep dive into the next stack of classes. 85cc-Schoolboy 1, the sweet sound of a crispy 2-stroke, for some this will be the last season they can expect to hear that sound before making the jump to big bikes. For some it lays the groundwork for a successful B class showing in the coming years while it may not translate as well for others. Sip that Starbucks, kick back and learn a whole gaggle of names you may or may not know to watch out for at the glorious Loretta Lynn’s Ranch.
85cc (10-12) Limited + Mod
Ah yes the 85cc class. It is a class full of kids fresh off of 65s, true 85cc riders, and Mini Sr riders all in one, heck even some groms pulling double duty racing 65s and 85s. Its pretty crazy when you sit back and think about it. You have a kid like Vincent Wey who is also racing a 65 lining up with a 85 stud like Caden Dudney in the Limited class. Then you bounce over to Mod you have shredders like Drew Adams, Seth Dennis, Deacon Denno, Landon Gibson, Max Shane, Eli Gross, Austin Camden, Kolby Goff, Grayson Townsend, Wyatt Bass, Canyon Richards, Christopher Harris, Michael Piller, Nathan Hummel and Dakota Baker just to name a few all eyeing the same 3 podium positions. These 2 classes are going to be barn burners and are most defiantly going to come down to the 3rd Moto scores to determine a Champion.
Mini Sr. 1
The Mini Sr. classes always have me scratching my head, its just a really fast 85cc class but said kids aren’t quite ready for a full-blown Supermini class or nah? I don’t know, but here is what I do know, its full of HITTERS! Past Loretta’s Champions, Present Loretta Champions, kids looking for their big break, all of it. Lets get the to the class. Some hella fast names to watch out for are going to be Tiger Wood, Logan Mortberg, Jace Coy, Will Campbell, Kade Johnson, Thor Powell, Luke Fauser, Nathan Abbott, Jesson Turner and Jeremy Fappani. Most of these kids race a Supermini throughout the season as well so those first few laps are going to be as hectic as any class out there.
Mini Sr. 2 aka Mini Sr. 1 cont.
See the above for my thoughts on the Mini Sr. classes. Lets talk racing, this class carries over a lot of the same riders from Mini Sr. 1 but also mix in some of the elder statesmen of the class as well. Look for Kai Buerge, Landen Gordon, Alvin Hillian, Dominic Stallings, Gavin Betts, Storme Hawks and Griere Moir to be deep in this mix as well in both Mini Sr. classes.
Supermini 1
Okay, here is the real question. Can anyone knock Haiden Deegan off of the #1 spot. I feel like we have seen him on a supermini for an eternity when in all actuality it has been a mere 2 years, which isn’t all that long in the grand scheme of it. Now it certainly won’t come easy as the competition isn’t just going to roll over. With names like Casey Cochran, Jude Smerlick, Krystian Janik, Adler Caudle, Jace Allred, Agustin Barreneche, Noah Viney, Trace Holland, Mason Davis, Randall Myers, Carter Malcolm, Leo Tucker Dilon Blecha and Noah Riley nipping at his heals all week. If Deegan has any issues the competition mentioned above will be waiting to capitalize.
Haiden Deegan vs. Casey Cochran (right) is a battle worthy of some freshly buttered popping corn.
Supermini 2
See Above but also throw in Kyleigh Stallings, look for her to make some waves in Supermini 2.
125 C
Man-o-man do I have me some 125 C action, no I’m being for reals, I really do! Its full of the perfect combination of potential talent and a whole lot of heart. The class is wide open for a new champion and regional champs like Devin Ruth, James Grace, Chalice Stiers, Robbie Donato, Ronnie Snyder, Brodie Boumeester, Dane Morales and Cody Beckwith along with the other 34 riders on the gate will have their eyes on spraying Champagne come weeks end.
125 (12-17) B/C + Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C
I can’t even try and hide my excitement for the next 2 classes. 125 B/C is basically the B class on 2 stokes sending it the entire time they are on track, just enough talent and the right amount no f***s given makes this one of my top classes to watch. Names like Bryce Shelly, Noah Stevens, Justin Allen, Mark Fineis, Logan Best, Noah Smerdon, Ivan Aldama, Crockett Myers, Slade Varola, Evan Ferry, Donavan Hanson and Logan Lessar. You know the results will be all over the map as all of the dudes named above can land on the podium at any time.
See above, then toss in other hitters like Landin Pepperd, Jeremiah Willoughby, Diesel Thomas, Dominic Vaccarello, Jesse Wessell, Luke Geis, Collin Allen and Trevor Colip we have ourselves a hell of a spectacle for us all to witness.
