“REDBUUDDD” could be heard at any given time this past weekend as some of the greatest Motocross fans in the world came out to watch round 7 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.
This year marked the 45th running of the Red Bud National; a race that historically is held around the July 4th holiday. Teams and fans alike pull out all the stops to show their patriotism and support of our great country. This week the TPJ Racing team sported matching white plastics courtesy of Acerbis and American Flag graphics by Magik.
Jimmy Weeks has been on fire lately, progressing each week and securing career best finishes. We expected to see another top 20 overall from Jimmy after he qualified 21st for the 250MX class. Unfortunately, a bad case of food poisoning struck in moto 1 causing him to feel week and sick; he was able to finish the race in 31st. After some much needed rest and fluids, Weeks came back for moto 2 using every ounce of energy he had to finish 21st. He rounded out his day 28th overall, and looks forward to the two week break before returning to racing at Millville.
“Red Buddd. The struggle was real in the motos…” said Carson Tickle via Instagram. The gnarly track seemed to get the best of Tickle, causing him to struggle in both moto’s. Tickle finished 37th overall in the 450MX class with a 31st place finish in moto 1 and a 37th in moto 2. Tickle is looking forward to the remaining 5 rounds of the series.
John Short returned to racing this weekend after taking some time off after a successful Supercross season to have elective arm pump surgery. Short made his debut on a YZ450F provided by Maxim Honda/Yamaha; but unfortunately missed qualifying by 3 spots. Short looks forward to the rest of the season and hopes to make progress towards top 20 finishes and securing points.
Mason Wharton was hoping to continue his qualifying streak this week, but a back of the pack start in the 250MX consolation race left him wishing for a do-over at Red Bud. Wharton rode hard and moved his way through the stacked pack to a 24th place finish in the consolation race. Wharton is going to take the two week break to continue training in hopes of not only qualifying at Spring Creek but securing some much needed points.
Dylan Merriam once again encountered some bad luck this season. A huge crash in the first practice of the day left Merriam with a sore back and hip; he was unable to lineup for qualifying. He’s going to the Dr. this week to get checked out and hopes to be ready for Millville, MN in two weeks. Get well soon buddy.
Every individual on our team gives 100% of themselves each week as we strive to make racing dreams possible. The two week break is needed not just for our riders but for all involved with making TPJ Racing possible. Before we go into vacation mode we’d like to take a moment to thank our incredible sponsors for believing in and supporting us.
Thank you to Karcher pressure washers for allowing us to have the sickest wash station in the pits. Keeping our bikes free of dirt, dust and mud is a must for racing at this level; and you make that possible for us.
Thank you to Pirelli tires for providing and mounting our race bikes with the tires needed for every unique track condition. Without the traction you provide we wouldn’t succeed.
Thank you to Fly Racing for providing us the gear needed to compete safely and confidently each week. We love how cool (pun intended) the Kinetic Mesh Racewear is.
Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors: Lucas Oil, Boyce Excavating, Carl’s Cycle Sales, AllClear ID, Engine Ice, Cometic Gaskets, Vertex, Hot Cams, Rekluse, Scott, Motool, Yoshimura, Mika, Magik Graphics, Galfer, Cylinder works, Bolt, MotoSeat, Tokyo Mods, VP Racing Fuel, No Toil, and California Coast Plumbers, inc.
See you at Millville on July 21st; until then, stay safe and enjoy the ride.
Photos by: BrownDog Wilson
Words by: Kendra Keene
TPJ RACING 