2020 Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Motocross | Honda Not Offering On-Site Support
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2020 LORETTA LYNN’S AMATEUR MOTOCROSS | COMPLETE COVERAGE
Big news for competitors at the upcoming 2020 Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Motocross National: American Honda will not be on-site at the Tennessee event due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The official announcement came late Friday evening and explained that “the decision was made in the context of a spike in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in California, the home state of American Honda and Factory Connection Racing (which operates the elite-level Amsoil Honda amateur racing effort).” Talk of American Honda’s absence had been discussed for a few weeks and we made mention of it during a recent episode of the Kickstart Podcast, but the confirmation that they will be the first major OEM to skip premier amateur motocross event in the United States will still send waves through the industry.
“Missing Loretta’s was a difficult decision that we made reluctantly, but it’s what we genuinely hope is in everyone’s best interest,” explained Brandon Wilson, American Honda’s Manager of Advertising & Motorcycle Sports in the press release. “Our activity at this event has always been about interacting with our customers, their families, and the rest of the amateur MX community. Sitting it out this year is a product of circumstance and isn’t a reflection of our support of amateur racing.” In lieu of their absence, American Honda is going to issue a $250 Red Rider Rewards bonus to Honda-mounted racers that have qualified for the event.
American Honda has experienced recent issues caused by COVID-19, including the shutdown of a production facility in South Carolina earlier this year, and a decision to limit travel out of caution for staff was made by the company’s executives.
This announcement raises a major question: Will American Honda implement the same restriction to Team Honda HRC or GEICO Honda, factory-supported operations that compete in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship? The nine-round AMA National championship is set to start on August 15 at Loretta Lynn’s, just one week after the amateur event, and will criss-cross the country until October.
The press release is posted in full below…
Due to an array of considerations stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, American Honda today confirmed that they will not have an official presence during the upcoming AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. To help compensate for the lack of in-person support, Honda is extending a $250 Red Rider Rewards bonus to all Honda racers who have qualified for the prestigious event.
The decision was made in the context of a spike in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in California, the home state of American Honda and Factory Connection Racing (which operates the elite-level Amsoil Honda amateur racing effort). American Honda has not been untouched by the coronavirus, prompting the decision to limit travel for staff. By reducing the number of people on-site, Honda hopes to contribute to the safety of those for whom attendance is understandably more imperative.
“Missing Loretta’s was a difficult decision that we made reluctantly, but it’s what we genuinely hope is in everyone’s best interest,” explained Brandon Wilson, American Honda’s Manager of Advertising & Motorcycle Sports. “Our activity at this event has always been about interacting with our customers, their families and the rest of the amateur MX community. Sitting it out this year is a product of circumstance and isn’t a reflection of our support of amateur racing. We’re extremely proud of every Red Rider who has qualified for Loretta’s and we’ll miss spending time with our friends and racers in the pits at the Ranch this year. We wish everyone there a safe and successful experience, and we look forward to seeing you and supporting you in person in 2021.”
