During the 1990’s and 2000’s, the Pro Motocross championship made a yearly trek to Kenworthy’s Motocross Park. Just 20 miles from Dayton, the track located in Troy was notable for sitting on several acres of farmland next to the Great Miami River. Kenworthy’s also featured tacky soil and challenging jumps, combined with a concrete starting pad that remained long after other venues replaced their own.
Venues
The aforementioned Kenworthy’s Motocross Park hosted each round in the area. The track gained a spot on the calendar in 1987 and hosted a pro national until 2004, after several years worth of “losing its date” rumors. Two decades later, the former track has been consumed by the countryside and is barely recognizable from its peak appearance and popularity.
Iconic Moments
Kenworthy’s is no stranger to historic moments and unique circumstances over the years. From a top star taming the heat to interference from a local landmark, here are some of the defining moments in the track’s history.
1993-The Kied Reigns Supreme
Mike Kiedrowski capped off his fourth championship and the first of his 250MX career at Kenworthy’s in 1993. The Kawasaki pilot was easily the class of the field, sweeping the day and winning 12 out of 14 motos to win the title a round early. In a truly dominating display, Kiedrowski would lead every lap that day and complete a Kawasaki 1-2 with teammate Mike Larocco a distant second. While celebrating the title, the new champ would suffer a bit of a scare, passing out due to overwhelming heat. The humidity and heat index claimed several other victims, including Phil Lawrence who blacked out in the pits, and Robbie Reynard, who ended his day early.
1997-Heat Wave
With a heat index of 120 degrees, the 1997 race was another treacherous encounter with humidity and exhaustion for many riders. In the midst of the overwhelming temperatures, the defending champion wore all black and won both motos in a defiant display. Jeff Emig got out front early in the first moto, making quick work of Jeremy McGrath and Damon Bradshaw. Despite a challenge from Larry Ward in the second moto, Emig remained strong and won both motos to extend his points lead.
In the 125 class, Damon Huffman took the win for a Team Green overall sweep, winning both motos ahead of points leader Ricky Carmichael.
2003-Flooded
The 2003 edition of the Kenworthy’s national was the race that never was. Originally slated for late July, the round was postponed thanks to the Great Miami River overflowing and flooding the course. AMA officials decided to move the race to the finale, scheduling the event one week after Steel City. Lightning struck twice, as the river engulfed the track once again, forcing the series to conclude with only 11 complete rounds. Benefitting from this was KTM’s Grant Langston, who lost the 125 title in heartbreaking fashion two years prior. Langston would win the same title that eluded him by just seven points despite failing to win an overall that summer.
This interactive table details the all-time leaders at Kenworthy’s. Who has the most starts, wins, podiums and points. Filter by class. On mobile, slide left to access more columns. To see all years of data, become a member of the We Went Fast Garage and help us continue (and expand) these unique views of the sport’s history.
This interactive table details the Kenworthy’s winners history. Who won in what year and what round was this venue. Filter by class. On mobile, slide left to access more columns. To see all years of data, become a member of the We Went Fast Garage and help us continue (and expand) these unique views of the sport’s history.
