Budds Creek is one of the most underrated tracks of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Featuring a little of everything, most riders genuinely enjoy this racetrack. Where many weekends are purely business, this one has a bit of fun added due to the joy of the dirt, layout, and flow. It could be argued that the heat and humidity are fair tradeoffs, but compromise is a part of all things, right? Where many riders are gritting their teeth at Unadilla, Budds Creek allows them to transform into a smile.

The start at Budds Creek is a very important ingredient to success. If there was one downfall to Budds Creek’s layout, it is challenging to pass upon. A good start versus a bad start can mean ten positions of difference for many of the 250 riders on Saturday. To help get that all-important start, riders will need to qualify well. The inside of the Budds Creek start is the place to be as it’s a straight line to the first corner and a hard 180 to the left (inside). Those that are able to qualify well and grab those inside gates literally have the inside line to success. Watch for riders to be ultra observant of the track for each qualifying session as they will need to nail that laptime.

Another aspect of the race to watch will be tire selection. Surely, you’ve heard us go back and forth about the importance of the scoop tire. A track like Budds Creek is border-line for usage. In the morning, it’s a no brainer. The soft dirt will allow copious throttle application and aggressive tires. As it hardens, though, that tire becomes less and less viable. I would expect most in the first 250 moto to use it, a select few in the 450, half or less in the second 250 moto, and virtually none in the second 450 moto. That’s just a reflection of the hardening track. It’s a fact that’s it’s a huge advantage for the start and straight-line acceleration so if you see a rider using it, that’s the absolute reason why. They will need to be a bit conservative on the off-cambers but when they straighten up, drop the hammer. Personally, I would rather go for the start and lean on the berms than try to fight from mid-pack and be more comfortable.