Tyler Kirby just made his dream come true. The 17-year-old dirt bike racer from Chute-à-Blondeau has qualified for the fourth year in a row for the largest amateur motocross race in the world, the 44th Annual Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship presented by AMSOIL, to be held August 4 to August 8 at the historic Loretta Lynn Ranch, the former home of late country music legend Loretta Lynn. Amateur racers have been working hard, competing since February to qualify for the world’s largest and most prestigious amateur motocross race in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. Kirby qualified in three classes.

Most of America’s top professional motocross racers, including James Stewart, Ricky Carmichael, Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton and Haiden Deegan have won AMA Amateur National titles at Loretta Lynn’s.

Kirby who attends Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI) in Grade 11, has been riding dirt bikes since he was three years old.

With the help of sponsors such as Mathias, KTM, FOX, Oakley, Dirt Care, VR Premimum, Sylvestre Family, Kirby Farms who help pay his way to the races, Kirby has had the opportunity to pursue his dreams. He has won Canadian Championship in Schoolboy 1 at Walton Ontario. He had the opportunity to race with Marvin Musquin in Premix 125 cc and finished 3rd.  He competes weekends at Sand Del Lee MX 101, Deschambault, Gopher Dunes near Port Rowan Ontario, and Walton.

Kirby says, “Motocross has taught me that success doesn’t happen on race day- it comes from the early mornings, long drives, and hard work when nobody’s watching. I’m grateful for everyone who helps me chase this dream.”

Kirby will make the long journey to Hurricane Mills, Tennessee along with Mom and Dad, Laura and J.D. Kirby.

Racers have the opportunity to compete in a variety of classes, starting from minicycle divisions for riders as young as four years old, all the way up to a senior division for those over 50. With classes designed for women, as well as divisions for both stock and modified machines, there are a total of 36 different classes of competition. Kirby will be competing in the highly competitive 250 B and Schoolboy 2 classes.

The race action will be broadcast live daily at www.go.floracing.com , August 4  to 8, for more than 40 hours of live coverage throughout the week.

For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, visit the series official website at www.mxsports.com  or call (304) 284-0101. Join the conversation on the event’s social media channels, along with receiving the most up-to-date news and exclusive content. 

Submitted photos