RedBud National MX founder and promoter Gene Ritchie leaves a legacy of success in the sport of motocross.
The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship family and the sport of motocross is mourning the passing of RedBud MX founder Gene Ritchie, 79. Ritchie died Saturday, February 20 as the result of complications of a head injury he suffered three weeks ago, according to his family.
Ritchie, who raced motocross in his younger days broke ground on RedBud in 1972 and began hosting professional motocross races there in 1974. From those beginnings came the RedBud AMA National, which has gone on to become an Independence Day Weekend tradition in the sport of motocross.
Ritchie was also deeply involved in amateur motocross racing, helping to cultivate the lives and careers of countless young riders over the years, some of who went on to greatness as world-class racers, including such legendary names as six-time Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Champion Jeff Stanton and four-time Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Champion Jeff Emig.
“The memories that I have from spending time there [at RedBud], growing up will be with me forever,” Stanton said. “My first memory of ‘Mean Gene’ was seeing him on top of the yellow bus for the riders’ meeting. As a 7-year-old boy it was very intimidating; I am sure there are many riders who also remember the yellow bus that was the site for sign-up, scoring, and Gene handing out trophies!”
“Gene Ritchie built the perfect place for motocross,” Emig added. “The track was great, the facility was impeccable, and it never stopped improving. He and his family also built a culture of enthusiasm with Midwest fans and that made it so special. I believe every pro motocrosser that ever lined up at RedBud owes a great big thanks to Gene Ritchie. He was truly special.”
High Point National MX promoter and fellow National Promoters Group member Rita Coombs, a long-time friend of Ritchie’s, also added her condolences.
“On behalf of everyone involved today in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, MX Sports Pro Racing, and all of Gene’s fellow promoters in the National Promoters Group, I want to thank him and his family for setting the standard of what a pro motocross event can be,” Coombs said. “He was a dear friend and a great partner. He was also a great teacher, and with his children Tim and Amy at the controls, RedBud will no doubt continue to flourish and grow. Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire RedBud family.”
The 2016 Red Bull National will commence on Saturday, July 2, and will undoubtedly carry additional significance in honor of its creator.
Godspeed, Gene.
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