Navigating Amateur Motocross - Ep. 17 How to Approach Loretta's for Optimum Results!

In Episode #17 of Navigating Amateur Motocross, I sat down with Derek Harris from HP Race Development to unpack why so many riders experience bike failures and physical breakdowns at Loretta Lynn’s. From two-stroke top ends to four-stroke timing chain failures, we discussed how casual or generic maintenance schedules simply don’t hold up under national-level intensity. When riders overlook rebuild intervals or gamble on fuel storage methods, they often end up sidelined by issues that were 100% preventable. This episode exposes the harsh reality of what happens when performance is chased without a structured prep plan, both mechanically and athletically.

We also tackled the human element—especially how amateur riders and families consistently underestimate the demands of multi-day racing. Recovery isn't just about lying down between races. It's about post-moto nutrition timing, hydration science, blood sugar stabilization, and managing core temperature. We walked through how Energy Fuel plays a role in restoring glycogen and avoiding late race fatigue. The goal is sustainable performance over the course of a chaotic and unpredictable race schedule. This is where so many talented riders come up short, not from a lack of speed, but from not understanding recovery as a performance enhancer.

Finally, we explored real-world strategies to overcome Loretta’s extreme environment, heat, humidity, and low air density. Small oversights like unfiltered fuel or poor jetting cost riders everything. Derek shared how simple mistakes like storing race fuel on concrete or skipping suspension rebuilds can destroy a race weekend. I emphasized that Loretta’s isn’t the time to experiment—it’s the time to execute. What you bring to that gate should already be tested, data-driven, and proven under pressure.

Video Takeaways:
►Schedule engine maintenance around race goals, not just hours – Two-stroke vs. four-stroke rebuild schedules differ. Know your engine, your race volume, and your intensity before heading to Loretta’s.

►Filter your race gas every single time – Contaminated fuel, especially in humidity, leads to jetting issues and engine failure. Use a fuel filter funnel and store gas in sealed metal containers off the ground.

►Adjust your jetting strategy for extreme humidity – Test jetting setups in race-like heat before Loretta Lynn’s. Don’t assume last month’s map will work under that air density.

►Build your hydration and calorie intake plan using data – Weigh pre/post moto, calculate sweat rate, and tailor electrolytes and fluid intake to each moto’s demands, not just "drink more wat

Coach Robb's Resources (articles, videos, etc.) about health, wellness and performance:
► https://www.coachrobb.com/
► Resources such as the 2-Week Food Challenge, Sweat Rate Calculator, and Body Measurement Spreadsheet, click here: https://coachrobb.activehosted.com/f/25


Coach Robb's Exclusive Exercise and Recovery Products (designed by Coach Robb):
► Energy Fuel (Intensity and Duration Specific Sports Drink):
https://www.coachrobbstore.com/energy-fuel-products/

Coach Robb's Suggested Vitamins & Minerals:
► Nutritional Frontiers Supplements (Developed and Recommended Supplements of Coach Robb)
https://www.coachrobbstore.com/nutritional-bundles/

Coach Robb's Snacks, Smoothies and Meal Resources:
Coach Robb's Healthy Meals, Smoothies and Snack Recipe Books available in print and digital formats on Coach Robb Store and Amazon.
► Healthy Meals ► Smoothie Recipes ► Snack Recipes

Coach Robb's Educational Bundles:
► Nutrition for Weight Loss Educational Bundle
https://www.coachrobbstore.com/product/weight-loss-educational-bundle/
► Nutrition for Performance Educational Bundle
https://www.coachrobbstore.com/product/fueling-performance-educational-bundle/