Over 620 motocross athletes came to Crawfordsville’s Ironman Raceway this past weekend with one dream in mind. Each participant wanted to qualify for the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship scheduled for Aug. 3-8 at Loretta Lynn Ranch located at Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
Two athletes, Sean Haymaker and Trevin Thompson were two of the riders that wanted to make it to the sports “big show”.
Haymaker traveled to Crawfordsville from London, Kentucky. The recent London High School graduate has been motocross racing for 12 years. He recently has been training with friends in North Carolina to prepare for the qualifier. After Friday’s four practice runs, he felt positive going into Saturday’s and Sunday’s qualifications.
“I really don’t have a good motocross track close to London, so I go to train in North Carolina with some friends,” Haymaker said. “We have been riding through the week and I have never felt more prepared as I do this weekend.”
Thompson is 17-years old and is from Logan, Ohio. He has been racing motocross for four years. The high school senior said he improved each practice session.
“I did really good my last session, but I still have little things to work on,” Thompson said. “I just want to get my ticket to Loretta and do my best.”
Both riders have a common story about their effort to make it to the top level of amateur motocross racing. They have devoted many years and time to make it to the top level of their sport. Each athlete sacrificed more traditional high school sports to participate in motocross
“I played football but gave it up to do this,” Haymaker said. “I decided to put my efforts into this sport instead.”
Thompson said he could have been a cross country and track and field runner in high school, but decided he wanted to excel in motocross instead.
“In a normal year Loretta area qualifiers happen in the spring, so I really would not have the time to be in high school sports”, Thompson said.
Each athlete was accompanied by family and they both expressed gratitude that parents and friends support their efforts in motocross.
One more common thread between the two riders is how impressed they are with the local professional track.
Thompson said this was the first time to compete at Ironman Raceway, although he has attended two national races as a fan. This was the third professional MX track he has competed on.
“This track is sweet and super gnarly,” Thompson said. “This truck is made up of good dirt. I have been to Muddy Creek and High Pointe, but this is way bigger and better.”
“I love this track,” Haymaker claimed. “It is so well maintained. After the Coronavirus, this feels good to be back on a dirt bike. There is nothing like lining up at the gate with a bunch of other guys.”
Completed results for both Haymaker and Thompson were not available Sunday at deadline. Haymaker was third in two classes and fourth in a third class heading into Sunday’s qualifications. Thompson was ranked 19th and 20th in two classes going into Sunday’s races.
The Mid-East Amateur Regional Qualifier held at Ironman Raceway consisted of six classes for riders ages 12 and up. The top ten finishers from each class qualified to advance to the Loretta Lynn championship. The event is one of eight regional qualifiers happening across the nation.
