By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Two words..Red Bud!
Most fans get excited just hearing those two words and wait anxiously all year for this weekend to arrive. Well, wait no more because AMA Motocross racing is back in Buchanan this holiday weekend for the AMA Motocross Championship at Red Bud Track 'N Trail July 1-3.
Ricky Carmichael will be looking for his fifth straight victory at Red Bud in the 250 class, while Mike Brown will be looking to defend his title in the 125 class. Brown grabbed the win at Red Bud in 2004.
On a sad note, this year will mark the first Red Bud National without local hero Mike LaRocco since 1987. LaRocco has retired from motocross to concentrate on AMA Supercross.
The famous Red Bud jump "LaRocco's Leap" will be the South Bend, Ind., native's permanent monument at the track.
Gates open Friday morning at 10 a.m. and will close at midnight. Amateur races will be held at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, gates will open at 6 a.m. and close at midnight. Amateur races will be held at 4 p.m. and pro practices are at noon.
All pro racing will be held on Sunday with practices beginning at 9 a.m. and opening ceremonies at 12:20 p.m.The main gate will open at 6 a.m. and spectator express gates open at 7 a.m.
For more information, call 695-6405 or visit www.redbudmx.com