Monster Energy’s Congratulates RedBud on its Upcoming 50th Anniversary MX National

With a hearty “REEEEEDDDBUUUUDDDD!!!” shouted down the halls at Monster Energy HQ at 1 Monster Way here in Corona, the entire staff at Monster Energy would like to wish RedBud owners Tim and Amy Ritchie, and their hard working staff, a happy 50th anniversary as the iconic track gets set to host an unbelievable 50th consecutive Fourth of July weekend pro MX National, Round Five of the 2023 AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

Since 1973, following track founder Gene Ritchie’s epiphany after he stopped his snowmobile atop what is now world renown RedBud MX track, RedBud has played host to some of the greatest professional motocross races ever witnessed in the United States.

"Monster Energy has enjoyed it’s share of great victories and hard fought podium runs throughout our company’s long-running competition history at RedBud,” said Mitch Covington, Senior Vice President of Sports Marketing at Monster Energy. “We’ve partnered with RedBud on many occasions, and consider the Ritchies and RedBud staff as a valued members of the Monster Army. RedBud’s 50-year run is unmatched in American motocross and Monster Energy looks forward to being on board with RedBud for the next 50 years and beyond."

Numerous names running the famed M-Claw have stood atop the RedBud podium over the past three decades. Ricky Carmichael (450) and Ryan Villopoto (250) hold the records for the most win in their respective classes. Other Monster Energy-backed racers that have won recently at RedBud include Eli Tomac, Adam Cianciarulo and Dylan Ferrandis, along with Jo Shimoda getting his first career 250 class win last year at RedBud.

Some more fun facts from 50 years ago, 1973 in the U.S. …

• Gas was .39 cents a gallon; average new homes were under $30K, median family income $12K, etc.) But, more importantly, a new Honda CR125 cost $895, with the ultra-trick Honda CR250M (the “Elsinore”) launching/listing in 1973 at $1,145.
• The Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle was first released in 1973!
• In 1973, ASR (American Sport Racing) ‘Moto-Cross’ boots retailed for $59.95, Carrera Goggles (w/ smoke lens) were $9.95, spare lenses were $1.50; Casler Chromoly bars, $18.95; Shoei full-coverage helmet, w/ flipshield & visor, $32.95.
• The 1973 “Grand Opening” of the new Flying Machine Factory (aka FMF) in Harbor City, Calif., featured “National Championship Kits,” (including head, barrel, piston and pipe) for $95 (125s) and $106 (250s+).
• Sign of the times (1973)… US ceases operations in North Vietnam; the first handheld cellular phone call is made; the World Trade Center opens in NYC; FedEx officially begins operations; Superhorse “Secretariat” wins the Triple Crown; Summer Jam @ Watkins Glen rock festival draws 600,000-plus fans; the Michigan State Lottery was in its first full year; Michigan’s (Flint) Grand Funk Railroad released their smash hit “We’re an American Band.”