Local racers earn spots at National Motocross Championships
Jayden and James Clough of Elko New Market made their dreams come true recently.
Jayden, 9, and James, 7, have qualified for the largest amateur motocross race in the world, the 32nd Annual Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn's Ranch.
Jayden and James took on over 20,000 hopefuls from across America to earn one of just 1,446 qualifying positions.
"The amateur Nationals at Loretta Lynn's is the event every motocross racer in the country wants to compete in," said Event Director Tim Cotter.
Most of America's top professional motocross riders, including James Stewart, Ricky Carmichael, Travis Pastrana and Belle Plaine’s Ryan Dungey, have won AMA Amateur National Championships at Loretta Lynn's.
The Clough Boys have been riding since they were four years old. Jayden and James race at local tracks including Spring Creek Mx and the Motokazie races at the Scott County Fairgrounds. The Clough's will be making the long journey to Tennessee along with their parents, Dave and Sarah Clough, sister Jenna and little brother Jake. The race runs July 29 through August 3.
This is James’ second year going to the nationals. Last year he finished 10th out of 42. This will be Jayden's third year attending the national, with an 11th place finish in 2011 his best effort.
Both are students at Eagle View Elementary in Elko New Market. James is going into second grade and Jayden fourth.
