RCH Embraces Independence Day at RedBud

Fourth of July Weekend holds so many time-honored traditions for so many people. Fireworks. Cookouts. A day on the lake. Quality time with friends and family. A few extra hours to relax.
 
But, for the riders and teams of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Fourth of July Weekend means one thing. RedBud.
 
ProMotocross.com describes the series’ staple as this: Buchanan, Michigan’s RedBud is the centerpiece of the Pro Motocross Championship. Located just above the Michigan-Indiana state line, RedBud is among the most highly regarded motocross tracks in the world, and Fourth of July weekend there is one the region’s biggest events. Located in the beautiful rolling hills of southwestern Michigan – a state with an affinity for off-road recreational vehicle use – RedBud has bragging rights to claim the largest attendance of any U.S. motocross race, year after year. With just the right soil mix, plenty of room for passing, and the biggest jump on the circuit – the infamous LaRocco’s Leap, named after local legend Mike LaRocco – RedBud is the top motocross destination in a region that loves its motorsports.
 
For Ken Roczen, rider of RCH’s No. 1 Suzuki RM-Z450, RedBud means one thing – winning. In three previous starts at the revered Michigan track, the former MX2 World Champion, boasts five podium finishes in six motos and overall wins in both 250 and 450 competition. Last July, Roczen led a total of 25 laps for a combined 1-1 finish and a convincing overall win that helped power him to the 2014 outdoor title.
 
“I really like RedBud a lot,” offered Roczen. “It’s going to be a big weekend for our team. There will be a lot of people at the track from Soaring Eagle and Ram Trucks so it’s pretty much a home game for RCH. I’ve won the last two years in a row so it’s always fun to go back to a track where you know you can win. I love the track at RedBud. It should be a good weekend.”
 
Despite battling a virus last weekend at Budds Creek, Roczen turned in a gutsy 5-4 effort to maintain second in points. Over the course of the season’s first six events, Roczen has steadily climbed the championship ladder. After coming away from the opener at Hangtown mired deep in the standings, the 21-year-old has been the model of consistency and hasn’t finished outside the top five since the first moto in Round 2 at Glen Helen. With six races left on the 2015 outdoor schedule, Roczen sits second in the championship and trails Ryan Dungey by a hefty but not unbeatable 37 points.
 
Roczen’s RCH stablemate Broc Tickle has performed admirably over the first half of the outdoor season and hasn’t finished outside the top nine since Glen Helen. He’s currently sixth in the standings with a 20-point margin separating him from the top five.
 
While Tickle has yet to find the degree of success he’d like at RedBud, the Holly, Mich., Pro Motocross veteran is eager to bolster his resume at his home track. In seven total starts at RedBud, including MX Lites, 250 and 450 competition, the rider of the No. 20 Suzuki has logged a 12th-place average overall finish, including a pair of top fives and seven top 10s in 14 motos.
 
Last weekend, Tickle logged a 6-9 effort, good enough for seventh overall in the final rundown at Budds Creek.
 
“I rode on Monday and Tuesday and worked on little stuff,” explained Tickle. “My starts were a lot better last week at Budds Creek so that was a positive. I was with the leaders getting to the first corner, I just pushed a little wide. At RedBud, the corner pushes wide so hopefully, that plays in my favor this weekend. I’m really looking forward to RedBud. I have a lot of family going to the race. It’s basically a home race for Soaring Eagle and Ram so we’re all excited to have a bunch of people there to support RCH.”  
 
RCH co-owner Ricky Carmichael has fond memories of RedBud and, rightfully so. The 15-time AMA National Champion was nothing short of head-shakingly dominant during his time as a professional at the traditional Independence Day weekend and, in 11 starts, boasts nine overall RedBud wins. Even more impressive, in 22 motos over those 11 starts, Carmichael was on top of the box 19 times.
 
“RedBud is by far, the best track on the circuit,” commented Carmichael. “The promoters do a great job and the fans are amazing. I can’t think of a better track for the overall fan experience. The sightlines are awesome and the vibe at RedBud is just something every motocross fan should experience. In my humble opinion, RedBud is one of the best Fourth of July traditions in the country. I had my share of success there but now we’re looking forward to a great weekend for RCH.”   
 
Before the pits open and the gate drops, Roczen and Tickle will meet fans and sign autographs at North End Cycle, Friday, July 3, from 6 – 7 p.m. Located just over 30 minutes southeast of RedBud in Elkhart, Ind., North End Cycle was founded in 1969 and is still family-owned and operated. North End Cycle has defined the very best in service, selection, and sales for over 46 years.
 
The first moto of the Red Bull RedBud National will be televised live on MAVTV Sat., July 4 beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, 10 a.m. Pacific. TV coverage for the second moto will shift to network TV and be televised on NBC at 4 p.m. EDT. All motos can be streamed live online through ProMotocross.com or the NBC Sports Live Extra app. NBC, NBCSN and MAVTV will combine to televise over 60 hours of racing over the course of the 12-round season.

Adam Sinclair