The end of the beginning: MX season finale at Loretta Lynn's ranch.(On Track)

Publication: ATV Sport

Publication Date: 01-DEC-04

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Ehlert Publishing Group

So, this is it--the last GNC Nationals motocross race report for another banner year. The good news is the factories did well in their first year back in ATV racing. By now we all know Doug Gust and his Suzuki/Yoshimura Z450 ruled the MX roost. The bad news is the season's over. But, with Suzuki stepping up its rider support program for next season and hopefully other manufacturers making a stronger showing in the pits, this is only the end of the beginning.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

It's been a long season, one that started all the way back in February at Glen Helen. But, as the middle of August breathed down on Tennessee, Loretta Lynn's ranch appeared in the horizon to give the 2004 MX season a warm send off.

Loretta's is a track that either loves a racer or beats a racer down. Riders who do well race some of their best heats here, and those not so fortunate seem to have a string of bad luck that hog ties them and leaves them to be devoured by the track and competition the entire weekend. But, despite moto luck, this year the ranch provided beautiful weather (not hot and sticky like usual), a track that was in the running for one of the most well-groomed of the season and an 85-foot tabletop that stole the show.

And, because Loretta's is such a popular place, more than 800 racers signed up to take part in the season finale. That record attendance figure is a sign of good things to come.

Pros Go Big

There was certainly a buzz around Gust's Suzuki rig the entire weekend. Of course, most of that buzz was created by the swarm of Suzuki employees who attended the race. You couldn't throw roost without hitting someone in a bright yellow mechanic shirt. They were in attendance to celebrate Gust's incredible season. Digger won eight races (six in a row!) and placed on the podium at every round. Will that feat ever be duplicated? Doubtful, but it's something to shoot for.

Gust, of course, was to be awarded the MX championship at Loretta's, that was a sure thing. But would he win the race, too? Well, he almost did. Since almost doesn't count in racing, Gust placed second overall.

Gust...

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