Ginger Dog
On Saturday January 20th, 2024 the motocross world took a heavy hit. We lost one of our OG moto moms, Nancy Lee Ritchie. Nancy Lee, along with her husband Gene (who passed in 2016), founded one of the greatest tracks of all time: RedBud. It was stated in her obituary that what Gene and Nancy were most proud of were all of the memories created at RedBud for so many generations of racers and families.
If Nancy were here, I’d share with her the story of the first RedBud MX experience I had with my sons. It was 2021, 4th of July weekend. I had my two and a half year old son Eli with me and my seven month old son Sammy. Sam was still a pup so he was strapped to my chest in a baby carrier. If you were there in 2021, the answer is “yes” I was that crazy chick running around RedBud with her babies. I remember thinking “they might be too young for this” but it turned out to be a core memory for our family. I still have video on my phone of us entering the lot late Friday night. My oldest son’s reaction when we entered the track is something that will be burned into my brain forever. He was in complete awe. Eli hasn’t been back there in almost three years, but you better believe anytime he catches a whiff of a firework, he is sure to announce that “it smells like RedBud.” But, that’s what RedBud is all about, making and keeping memories.
I hope Nancy and Gene know how much their track means to all of us moto people. For me, the place feels like the pulsing heart of outdoor American moto. I haven’t ever had another track leave an impression on me like RedBud has. The people of the Indy SX literally scream REDBUDDDD in the tunnels on the way out of Lucas Oil Stadium every. single. year. without fail. I’ve decided that RedBud isn’t just a place. It’s a lifestyle.
Nancy, you helped create and maintain one of the most magical places on earth. Thank you for your years of dedication and quiet strength. I can’t even imagine how much work it takes to run a facility like RedBud MX, but you did it with grace.
Nancy’s celebration of life took place on January 28th, 2024 in Buchanan, Michigan. She lived to the celebrated age of 83 and leaves behind a tremendous legacy. Nancy’s earthside family includes her son, Tim Ritchie, and two daughters, Amy Ritchie and Angie Wagner. Nancy also has seven beautiful grandchildren and one great grandchild to look down upon.
On behalf of all of us here at Vurb, I send my deepest condolences to the Ritchie family. Thank you for sharing such an amazing place with us. More importantly, thank you for sharing Nancy and Gene with us. Their view of the track right now has to be completely epic. What makes it even better, is that for the first time in almost eight years, they are sharing that view together.
Main Image: Coutesy of the Ritchie Family
