ROAD TO THE RANCH: SETH DENNIS
Seth Dennis has one of the most impressive records in the entirety of the amateur motocross ranks at the Loretta Lynn Amateur National Motocross Championship in terms of his podium success rate. The Floridian has finished inside the top three overall in six out of seven attempts at the Ranch, winning a total of two titles in the process. It all started back in 2015 in the 51cc (4-6) Shaft Drive Limited class when Dennis put together 3-2-2 moto finishes in order to secure 2nd place on the overall podium, starting an impressive streak that has lasted throughout the last four years. In the following season, he grabbed his first number one plate at the Loretta Lynn Amateur National Motocross Championship, winning all three motos in the 51cc (4-6) Limited class. Dennis continued his podium streak in 2017 with a solid 2nd place overall result in the 51cc (7-8) Limited division, demonstrating incredible consistency with a trio of podium finishes throughout the week. He stepped it up in 2018 by winning two out of three motos and taking the title in the 51cc (7-8) Limited class while simultaneously punching above his weight in the 65cc (7-9) Limited class. The Orange Brigade KTM rider’s experience in the 65cc division paid off as he recorded a 2nd and 3rd place overall in 65cc (7-9) and 65cc (7-9) Limited, respectively. Since his debut at the Ranch back in 2015, Dennis has managed to win a title in Hurricane Mills every other year. If history is any indication, we’ll see the Team Dunlop elite rider back on the top step of the box in 2020.
How’d the Regionals go?
The Regionals went really good. I got two tickets on the 65 and two tickets on the 85.
What’s a typical day of training been like for you getting ready for Loretta’s?
I get up and have breakfast and try to do a quick warm-up run or row before training. Then I get to the Rattray Facility at about 9:30 am. We do a warm-up, motos, and usually sprints or sections. After training, I usually go for a swim and play with my friends.
Do you have a pre-race routine?
Not really a routine but at Loretta’s I like to listen to some music while waiting and my dad always likes to hype me up good on the gate.
How do you recover after a twenty-minute moto in the brutal heat and humidity?
I make sure I drink a lot of water all day long to stay hydrated. I try to cool down in front of the fan after a moto.
Is there one specific year at Loretta’s that stands out as the most memorable for you?
2018 at Loretta’s really stands out to me. I won my second championship on a 50 at the Ranch but it was my first one on my KTM. I had to work really hard for that one. I got a really bad start the first moto and came from way in the back up to 2nd and then won the next two motos for the overall.
What do you think is the key to success at the Ranch?
I think the key is being prepared, working hard, and being consistent.