Thunder Valley National: everything you need to know

Here at Dirt Bike Rider we thought you would like a few facts and figures about the event so here are 20ish things you should know about Thunder Valley National.

Round 2 is the earliest Thunder Valley has ever been on the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross schedule. Last year it was Round 3.

The mile-high altitude at Thunder Valley is a unique element of this national. It will provide an additional challenge for mechanics in making a bike perform at its peak, while riders must physically adjust to the thinner air.

Thunder Valley was the site of the first professional motocross event to ever be held under the lights, during the 2008 season. The track also hosted a night race during the 2009 season. In 2010, it was the host venue for the Motocross of Nations.

Ivan Tedesco is the only rider to win at Thunder Valley in both the 250 and 450 Class. Both of his inaugural victories came at this track, which he considers to be his home race.

Blake Baggett is looking to be the first repeat-winner at Thunder Valley in the 250 Class since Ryan Villopoto’s second win in 2008.

Thunder Valley marked Ryan Dungey’s first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross victory aboard a KTM, also marking KTM’s first win in the 450 Class. Dungey has won the last three years in the 450 Class.

450 Class stats

The first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship race was held at Thunder Valley on July 24, 2005. Ricky Carmichael won on a Suzuki.

Four different riders have won in eight races at Thunder Valley. Three of the four – Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart and Ryan Dungey – have gone back-to-back.

Jake Weimer and Justin Barcia will look to emulate Ivan Tedesco and be added to an exclusive list of one rider who have won in both classes at Thunder Valley.

First time winners at Thunder Valley: Ivan Tedesco, 2009 – Honda

Riders to win at Thunder Valley in both classes: Ivan Tedesco

Brand Sweeps at Thunder Valley:
Kawasaki; James Stewart (450 Class) and Ryan Villopoto (250 Class) – 2008
Kawasaki; James Stewart (450 Class) and Ben Townley (250 Class) – 2007

James Stewart is the only holeshot winner in the 450 Class for 2013

250 Class stats

The first 250 Class race at Thunder Valley was held on July 24, 2005. Ivan Tedesco won on a Kawasaki.

Justin Barcia broke Kawasaki’s seven-race win-streak last season, taking the 2012 win on a Honda.

With Barcia’s departure from the 250 Class, Blake Baggett will attempt to be only the second repeat winner at Thunder Valley. Ryan Villopoto is currently the only repeat winner at Thunder Valley in the 250 Class.

First time winners at Thunder Valley:
Ivan Tedesco, 2005 – Kawasaki
Jake Weimer, 2009 – Kawasaki

2013 holeshot winners:
Blake Baggett – 1
Zach Bell – 1

Previous winners: Thunder Valley National

450 Class

250 Class