Top tracks across the country participate in the qualifying process for riders to make it to Loretta Lynn Ranch in Tennessee. In 2016, there were more than 22,000 attempts to qualify in the select 37 classes for the 1,482 available start positions at the national final. The last chance to qualify in Michigan for the Mid-East region is this weekend May 13/14, MIMX did a short interview with track owner Pat Grzebinski about the track and the Loretta Lynns Area Qualifier for 2017
MIMX : Baja Acres has been one of the biggest Area and Regional LLQ events in recent history, what does it mean to have these important steps at your track?
Pat: For many years, Baja Acres has been known for hosting premium racing events and we are honored again to take part in the world’s largest and only AMA Amateur National program promoted by MXSports. We’re excited for the Michigan riders to have a home field opportunity to make it to Regionals. It’s humbling to watch the riders from across the Mid-East to compete for the 8 spots in each qualifying class. The intensity is Awesome!
Qualifying for Loretta Lynn's is one of the biggest goals of any motocross racer, what advice would you give new riders and veterans alike ?
A. First is to enjoy the experience regardless of the results. As prepared as you may think you are unexpected things happen to all riders - bike issues, hole shot mishaps, 24 hr flu, weather or whatever. Second would be not to get discouraged if you have a bad first moto, things might just change for everyone in the second moto. B. For riders who have never been to an area qualifier be prepared for a higher level of competition as several racers who do not live or race locally will be here attempting to qualify. Take advantage of the opportunity to grow your social network by attending this event. Make sure to tag your current and potential sponsors with your results.
Can the riders expect anything new or changes to throw off the locals ? No significant changes at this time, Baja’s track changes every lap. If you’ve raced Baja Acres you know what we’re talking about.
Any Tips for the weekend? Come Prepared! Baja is a primitive campground. Don’t expect to get parts or tear offs at the track. We have a Sunoco station 2 miles down the road that sells race gas just in case. We will be using MyLaps Transponder Scoring. The recommended tires are Dunlop MX11 and MX32. The 11 has an advantage with starts and uphill sand sections but the 32 has an advantage in corners and scrubs.
Gates open Thursday May 11th from 4pm-midnight and open again at 7am Saturday & Sunday. We have an open practice scheduled for Friday 11am-5pm. Racing will start on Saturday and Sunday at 9am.
Thanks Pat and good luck for the weekend!
Link to the info for the weekend http://www.bajaacres.com/#/area-qualifer/4582373573