The AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships are held each summer at the Loretta Lynn Ranch, the former home of the late legendary country singer. This event is the world’s largest amateur motocross race. It’s the final step for these young riders before they move up into the professional ranks.
The first AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship was held in 1982 when Loretta Lynn and her husband offered to host the event on their 6,000-acre horse ranch in Tennessee. With 300 campsites on the property, it’s a wonderful family-friendly event.
Contestants qualify by participating in one of 37 racing classes. The 42 best riders in each class are invited to compete in the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship. Many of the top names in motocross launched their professional careers by winning this championship. This includes Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart Jr., and Travis Pastrana. Each year, the rider with the most potential is given the Nicky Haden Award.
The week starts with the Nathan Hall Memorial Bicycle Road Race on Sunday. If you don't have a bike, you’re welcome to walk, jog, or run. Prizes are awarded that include the chance to win the cost of your race expenses or camping fees. On Tuesday, the STACYC Jam Fest at the STACYC Pump Track allows non-racers to have some fun on their own bikes. Don't miss the Keith Sayers Freestyle Motocross Show on Wednesday, and all ages will enjoy the LLMX Dog Show at Polisport Pond, sponsored by the Loretta Lynn Kennel Club.
There are plenty of options for food and shopping during the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship. Food vendors can be found at the pro track and night track midway areas. They serve favorites like burgers, fries, pizza, and ice cream. The Western Town, located at the ranch, includes three gift shops and a snack shop. You can also enjoy country cooking at the on-site Loretta Lynn Kitchen and Gift Shop.
Other amenities include fishing, tubing, and kayaking on Hurricane Creek. Horseshoes and cornhole are popular games here, and the ranch hosts weekend campfires for all guests.
Loretta Lynn Ranch is located in the hills of rural Tennessee. While it is out in the country, expect traffic, as the event draws in a lot of visitors during the state’s peak tourist season. Keep in mind that the weather in this area is unpredictable. Be ready for everything from sun, rain, or cool nights, and pack accordingly.
Loretta Lynn Ranch
8000 Highway 13 South
Hurricane Mills, TN 37078
The Stagecoach Hill Campground is located on the Loretta Lynn Ranch property. Perfect for large RVs, there are 50 paved sites that include electric hookups, water, and sewer, which makes it easy to set up your camp. It’s located on a hill where you’ll be surrounded by beautiful shade trees. If you forget something, the camp store is well-stocked with food, beverages, and camping supplies. Amenities include a playground, laundry facility, showers, and a common area with a firepit.
The Loretta Lynn Ranch also features the Lower Campground. This is the epicenter for fun activities. There’s an in-ground swimming pool, a bathhouse, and a 10,000-square-foot pavilion. The campground sits along Hurricane Creek, which offers additional fun activities. There are 125 sites with electric and water hookups.
If these campgrounds fill up, try the nearby Buffalo River KOA in Hurricane Mills. It’s at exit 143, just off of I-40. All of the sites are pull-through and accommodate RVs up to 65 feet in length. There’s a convenient pet area, and the camp store offers RV supplies and homemade crafts.
Hurricane Mills has several convenient hotels to choose from as well. One is the pet-friendly Days Inn on Highway 13 South. This hotel offers free parking for their guests with ample room for an RV. They serve a free light breakfast and coffee every morning. Each room features a refrigerator and microwave, and amenities include a guest laundry and an outdoor pool.
The Knights Inn is located just off of I-40 and is within minutes of the Loretta Lynn Ranch. Guests enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Pets are welcome. Rooms feature either one king bed or two double beds, along with a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
From Nashville and Memphis, follow I-40 West to Exit 143. Then, take Highway 13 North for seven miles. The track entrance will be on your left.
Note that you should not follow your GPS directions with your RV because it uses back roads that aren’t suitable for large campers or motorhomes.
Parking at Loretta Lynn Ranch is free. You’ll find parking lots at the Stagecoach Hill Campground and at the lower area of the RV park.
Tickets are sold at the gate only. Admission is $80 per car. For updated information, go to mxsports.com.
The AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship is a week-long event motocross fans will enjoy, but there’s much more to do than just watching the races. Be sure to save time to explore all of the features of the Loretta Lynn Ranch, including tours of the country singing star’s mansion. To keep up on the latest information on this event, go to Facebook.com/lorettalynnmx or to @lorettalynnmx on Instagram.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm the final details with the official event page.
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