Troy Dog’s Shack: Jason Henninger Headed to Loretta Lynn’s in Honor of Walker Brightwell

Growing up in Southern Ohio’s District 11 in the early to mid 2000s was a special time for all those involved. We had full gates, tracks that were within two hours each way, and we had several standouts in the amateur ranks. One of them being Cincinnati’s own, and friend of vurbmoto, Walker Brightwell. Brightwell came onto the scene very quickly winning Loretta Lynn’s titles in the 65cc 7-9 Stock class in 2003 and 85cc 7-11 Mod in 2005. Jason Henninger was there for both of his friend Walker’s championships, although in attendance both times and not as a racer. What you’ll learn in this story is that it wasn’t for a lack of trying. 

You see, around District 11, Henninger is well known. He’s always been very fast no matter what size bike he was on and our local legends Brightwell and (also friend of vurbmoto) Justin Weeks befriended him as they ripped through the ranks together. Henninger racked up local wins all the time, but for some reason he just could never make it past his Loretta Lynn’s qualifiers. On a 50cc and 65cc he said he wasn’t even close, then on a Supermini he finished around 15th at a Regional. He then moved straight to B classes and was around 5-10 spots away from getting his ticket to the big show. By the time he moved up to the A classes he was doing everything on his own and making it to the Ranch was put on hold. Around this time, life happened fast, Henninger quit the sport and eventually started a family with his wife Kaylin. 

Then in 2015, Henninger bought a 450 to try and make it to Loretta’s in the 25 plus class. Along the way he broke his collarbone and decided to shelve the idea for the time being.The quest for the Holy Grail was still brewing inside of him.  

In the later months of 2018, Walker Brightwell had returned to the sport. A decade earlier, Walker had decided to quit racing as he raced his final Loretta’s in the Schoolboy Class for Cole Gress’ powerhouse Rockstar Suzuki amateur team. Instead of following the path of professional motocross racer, Brightwell decided he wanted to quit and be a “normal “ high school student, He played varsity football and graduated from Turpin High School in 2012. He went on to attend Ohio State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.

When it came to returning to the sport, Walker had a vision. He wanted to pursue his motocross passion and build a perfect track for the Midwest to enjoy. He purchased some land and started to build what would become Windy Ridge MX. His old buddy Justin Weeks would eventually help with the project. 

Henninger kept in contact with his old friends Brightwell and Weeks and the three would talk every day. Brightwell knew Henninger had some unfinished goals in motocross and getting to the Ranch was at the top of the list. With this in mind, Brightwell convinced the Henninger’s that they needed to make a comeback and Windy Ridge would serve as the home track. Windy Ridge served as a safe place for Henninger as he and Walker spun countless laps and bounced ideas off one another to make the track the best it could be. It was great memories for the both of them. 

On April 5, 2019 Henninger received a phone call he would never forget and he would never be the same. Walker Brightwell had passed away in a freak accident while grooming his track. He was 25 years old. 

“I remember that moment like it was five minutes ago,” Henninger said. “From that exact point in time it was all for him. It didn’t matter how long it took. Walker was a huge part of my life, he was super supportive and encouraging. I still have our text threads and I actually still text his phone sometimes just because.”

That day a fire ignited inside of Henninger, yes he had returned to racing, but now he was doing it in honor of his friend. He was going to make it to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch for Walker Brightwell. It’s what they both would have wanted. 

“I put a daily reminder to myself on Alexa every day at 5 p.m. that said ‘2021 is your year’, Henninger said. “Every moto I sit on the line and I tell Walker to guide me and I slap my shrouds where the WB circle is and I go get after it.”

Henninger set out last season for his first try. Armed with a YZ450 he would try to make the field of 42 in the 30+ class. In his opinion he wasn’t even close. It also didn’t help that he was landed on two weeks before the Regional. He didn’t end up reaching his goal, which meant 2021 would come with some changes. He bought a Husqvarna 350, gained some more support with sponsors, regrouped,  and set off on the new season. 

This brings us all to just a few short weeks ago at Riverside Raceway in Iowa. Henninger qualified for that Regional and then proceeded to have a very consistent weekend with 10-8-8 scores and 8th overall. It was enough to possibly be an alternate, but Henn Dog had one more Regional to go. He was building some steam and getting better each time. He left that Regional feeling very positive as he knew Texas was on the horizon.

Swan MX in Tyler, Texas is a ways from home for Henninger, but for the past two years he’s made the trip to show how committed he is. Last year didn’t work out so well, but this year was different. Henninger had one of the best race weekends of his life and went 4-6-7 for 4th overall. After 27 years of trying, Henninger grabbed his first ticket to the Ranch. It was an emotional moment for him as he immediately thought about his late friend, Walker. 

“I cried a lot of happy tears,” Henninger said. “Walker’s parents called and we cried together, my father in-law called and we cried together. It was a really cool day”

What’s next for the Henninger family? Well, Hennything is possible! The clan actually relocated to Florida for a fresh start on life. Jason started AE Pressure Washing a mobile business where he focuses on RV and concrete pad cleaning . He is training to be as ready as possible for the first week of August in Tennessee. He knows Loretta’s doesn’t come easy so he’s going all out to ensure he doesn’t miss any part of the experience. 

“I want to embrace the entire experience,” Henninger said. “I’m going to get fresh gear, fresh helmet, the whole nine, you know? If we are going to do it, let’s do it right!”

Follow Henninger’s journey on Instagram @chip.324 for his updates leading up to the Ranch. Troy Dog will be giving you updates as we go along as well. This is just one of the many great storylines that you will hear heading to Loretta’s this year and it’s one of the many reasons why we all love the sport of motocross. 

We will always miss our friend Walker, but with Henninger honoring him at racetracks throughout the country he will always be with us in our hearts. Henninger knows Walker is proud of his accomplishments and he will be with him as he puts on his bib and takes the gate at the biggest stage in amateur motocross. 

Henninger had one more important detail to add to the conversation, “I called MX Sports and requested the number 16 in honor of our guy, two-time champ Walker Brightwell!”

Rest In Peace Walker Brightwell. You touched so many people’s lives and made so many lasting impressions. We will always remember you. #716forever