Jeff Simpson
We have finally arrived at the last set of non Pro-Sport classes for the 40th annual Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Championship. By now you have seen names you are all too familiar with to the groms just looking to pop some air wheelies and enjoy their first time at the famed Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. I know for me, as a photographer, my first journey to Hurricane Mills was something I will never forget. I can not imagine what it must be like for a rider, lining up on the most storied gate in motocross, ready to risk it all for their shot at the most prestigious title our sport has to offer. With that said, let’s get into who to watch for in Girls, Women and 450’s.
Check out our previous Scouting Report previews:
Part I – Mini-Cycle
Part II – 85cc-Schoolboy 1
Part III – The 250 Classes
Part IV – Vets Classes
Girls (11-16)
Who runs the world? Girls! Well, in this case the Girls (11-16) class runs the world. Last year’s champ Katie Benson and runner-up Sophia Phelps have aged out leaving the rest of the field scrambling to establish dominance. Kyleigh Stallings, who rounded out the overall podium in 2020, was the class of the field when we lined up for the Spring Nationals and looks to keep the momentum rolling. Be on the look out for Mayla Herrick, Brighton Richards, Raegan Vaughn, Laina Randolph, Landrey Hazen, Maylei Leaneagh, Brooke Bowlin and Mackenzye Brocato who are also looking to take a shot at the title.
Photo: @mikevizerphoto (left), @jeff.simpson.photography (right)
Women
If Girls run the world, what do the women run? The galaxy? Any who, I will leave the deep thoughts for Art Dog. The Women class this year, much like Girls, is open for a new champion as Jordan Jarvis has moved out of the class. Again, our last measuring stick we have for any of these classes are the Spring Nationals. The Tayler Allred vs. Katie Benson battle was a good one as they swapped moto wins at Freestone. Throw in Tayla Jones, Hannah Hodges, Ignacio Riveros, Landrey Hazen, Sophia Phelps, Samantha Peters, Madison Taylor, Shelby Rolen, Ava Silvestri, Korie Steede and the rest of the class and anything is possible.
Photo: @jeff.simpson.photography
450 B Limited
On the metaphorical heals of the Women class lets dig into the remaining 450cc classes with 450 B Limited. This class is sneaky stacked with top national level talent and some dark horses in the making. From Jayden Clough to Austin Kapoukranidis, Hunter Cross, Dylan Cunha, Larry Reyes Jr, Matti Jorgensen, Mitchell Frantz, Jordan Biese, Chance Prince, Kimball Jett, Julien Beaumer, Gabriel Andrigo, Cole Jones, Dayton Briggs, Alex Ransom and Diesel Geerdts the list is endless. I am thinking the top three moto scores are going to be all over the place with parody in the class.
Photo: @jeff.simpson.photography
450 B
See above, subtract some kids then add in Gage Stine, Cameron Horner, Chase Yentzer, Tucker Wells, Ben Ibianskas, Kile Epperson and Cameron Skallerud. It is interesting seeing the list of names that are missing from the 450 B group as Daxton Bennick, Gage Linville, Nick Romano and company have all opted for 250 B and Schoolboy 2 instead of this class leaving the door open for a new cat to stamp their own place in Loretta Lynn’s history.
Photo: joshmiller.photography
450 C
Alas, we have made it to the last of the non Pro-Sport classes, 450 C. For some, this is “their shot” at capturing that illusive Loretta Lynn’s title while for others it is all a part of the yearly tradition. Making their way to the hills of Tennessee to hang out for the week, crack some claws, eat some (hot)dogs, and ride dirtbikes. Your Regional champions Caleb Adams, Blake Grindstaff, Raice Hernandez, Chase Meyer-Deherrera, Julian Wojcick, Kaleb Hale, Jage Pope and Kaleb Hagan are going to have their hands full with the rest of the class as most of these riders have never been to the Ranch before let alone gone full send for an Amateur National title.
