By Staff
Next weekend Buchanan will come alive with the sounds of dirt bikes as the 2004 AMA Chevrolet Motocross Championships makes its yearly stop at Buchanan for the Red Bud Outdoor National at Red Bud Track 'N Trail.
Motocross, known as the "Original Extreme Sport," was born during the 1940s when young European soldiers returning home from WW I began riding motorcycles cast off by the military on rough, war-ravaged cross country courses.
By the late 1940s, the popularity of motocross swept across Europe, and in 1947 the sport became official when the first World Motocross Championship race was held in Holland.
During the late 1960s, motocross was brought to the United States.
A unique and exotic adventure sport, young American fans were both captivated and intrigued by this brutal, yet beautiful form of motorsport.
Soon thereafter the first-ever AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) National was held, dominated by the then barnstorming European riders. And from there the Outdoor National Series was born.
Today, motocross is among the fastest growing forms of motorsport in the world and is a major part of American culture, especially with the youth market.
Round Five of the AMA Chevrolet Motocross Championship is held in the beautiful rolling hills of southwestern Michigan.
In a state with an affinity for off-road recreational vehicle use, Red Bud owns the bragging rights to the highest-attended U.S. motocross race year after year. Wide open, high speeds, lots of passing and one of the biggest jumps on the circuit, the track provides for some terribly exciting motocross racing.
The festive camping atmosphere and chants of "Rrrrreeedddd Buuuddddd" can be heard throughout the day and on into the evening.
It is definitely one of the more popular events in a region that loves its motorsports.
This year's event will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $50 for three days, $40 for two days and $25 for one day for adults.
Children older than six cost $25, $20 and $10, respectively, and children less than six are free.
For more information contact the Red Bud Competition Club at 0(269) 695-6405 or visit the Red Bud Track 'N Trail website at redbudmx.com.