The 2026 Loretta Lynn's Amateur National Motocross Championship, held at the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, saw a thrilling day of racing on Friday. With a total of 24 motos, the day's drama unfolded across 23 classes, culminating in the crowning of national champions. The event was a showcase of talent, with riders showcasing their skills and determination to claim the coveted AMA No.1 plate.
One of the standout performances came from Jaydin Smart in the 85cc (10-12) class. Smart dominated the race, finishing with a perfect 1-1-1 record, giving him a four-point edge over his competitors. His wire-to-wire victory was a testament to his skill and consistency.
In the Mini Sr. 2 (13-15) class, Mason Murdy emerged as the champion. Murdy's wire-to-wire performance, coupled with a strong showing from Eidan Steinbrecher, set the stage for a thrilling battle. Murdy's victory, by 1.8 seconds, secured his position at the top of the podium.
The 65cc (10-11) Limited class saw a close competition between Levi Leddy and Yumena Berning. Leddy's 1-1-2 performance and four points put him atop the championship standings, eight points ahead of Berning. The race was a showcase of resilience, with Berning finishing in ninth after a challenging start.
The Mini Sr. 1 (12-14) class witnessed an unexpected twist. Eidan Steinbrecher's early lead was disrupted when he went down, allowing Whalyn Ballenger to take the lead. Ballenger's strategic maneuvers and Murdy's consistency led to a thrilling battle, with Murdy ultimately claiming the moto win and the championship.
The Junior (25+) class was a display of talent and determination. Zach Osborne's dominant performance, with an unblemished record, secured him the championship. His 1-1-1 effort and three points put him three points ahead of his competitors.
The 250 B class saw a consistent performance from Tanner Dorman, who relied on his 2-3-4 finishes to take the title. Dorman's exceptional consistency and nine points put him atop the overall standings.
The Women's class was a showcase of skill and determination. Mayla Herrick's impressive pace and consistent performance secured her the championship. Herrick's 1-3-1 finishes and Herrick's victory in the final moto, by 14.3 seconds, solidified her position at the top of the podium.
The 250 Pro Sport class was a close competition between Landon Gibson, Carson Wood, and Ryder Malinoski. Gibson's dominant performance and 12.9-second lead over Wood secured his victory. Malinoski's late pass for third ultimately decided the championship, with Malinoski holding on to a single-point advantage.
The event was a testament to the skill and determination of the riders, with each class showcasing its own unique challenges and triumphs. The championship titles were a reward for the riders' hard work and dedication, leaving a lasting impression on the spectators and competitors alike.
