Janssen Wins Loretta Lynn's ATV National, Clinching Third Victory in Three Attempts in 2024
(Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. August 11, 2024) – Former AMA ATV Pro and multi-time ATV Motocross National Champion Cody Janssen brings over two and a half decades of racing experience with him to the starting gate, matching the familiar number 25 emblazoned on his Yamaha YFZ450R. As the host of the highly popular Digging Deep ATVMX Podcast, Janssen balances competing in select events during the 2024 season while covering all ATV Motocross National races for the podcast, hosting live shows, announcing, and more. Yet, when he lines up behind those starting gates — like he did at Loretta Lynn’s — he always makes it count.
Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, stands as the global epicenter of motocross racing every summer, hosting the world’s most prestigious amateur motocross event followed by the ATV Motocross season finale each August. During this time, the iconic venue becomes the focal point of the entire industry. More motocross dreams are realized at “The Ranch” than anywhere else on earth. As the world's fastest ATV racers arrived in the quiet Tennessee town, they were once again joined by a familiar face — and voice — of the ATV racing community.
Just as he did in 2023, Cody Janssen had the honor of being on the mic for the penultimate round of the championship at Briarcliff Motocross in Nashport, Ohio. However, this year's opportunity was truly once-in-a-lifetime. Alongside former longtime series announcer Rodney Tomblin, Janssen announced the entire Legends Race weekend, calling races of riders he once looked up to and even competed against during his own professional career. But as August arrived and the national schedule shifted to its final stop, it was time for Cody to pull that Thor MX jersey over his head and go racing once again.
Janssen had been delivering nothing but standout performances throughout 2023. He made his season debut in May at Ironman Raceway, overcoming a first-turn tangle in 30+ A to pull off a last-to-first moto win and eventual overall victory. He also finished second overall in 25+ — the class where he earned back-to-back National Championships in 2019 and 2020 — behind fellow former pro Brett Musick. In June, at Sunset Ridge, Janssen claimed another overall win in 30+ A with a 1-1 finish and took second in 25+ to another former pro Zach Kaczmarzyk. So, heading to Tennessee, the goal was to make it three wins in three tries in 2024.
Loretta’s perfectly encapsulated Janssen’s season to date — in the best way possible. In 30+ A Moto 1, a poor gate pick led to a subpar start, but Cody picked off rider after rider, and on the final lap, he used a triple in the legendary Ten Commandments section to take the lead — another come-from-behind win with a last-lap pass, reminiscent of Ironman. In Moto 2, he used the same move in the Ten Commandments to grab an early lead and secure a near wire-to-wire victory, echoing his success at Sunset Ridge. The result was a flawless 1-1 performance in the 30+ A Class. And, despite pulling a monster holeshot in Moto 1, Janssen finished a strong second overall (2-2) behind Kaczmarzyk in the 25+ Class. Another winning weekend in Tennessee — three for three.
“Man, there are few places where victory tastes sweeter than at The Ranch. Some of the most memorable moments of my career have come at Loretta’s, and I’m stoked to add back-to-back wins at this iconic Tennessee venue to the list.” Janssen posted to his verified social media account.“[We] traveled to Tennessee and ultimately came home with the 30+ A Loretta Lynn’s National title. We showed up for three races this season and won each one…I’m humbled by how many of you sought me out this weekend to share kind words and support for the Digging Deep ATVMX Podcast and me. For that, I am forever grateful. Thanks to all my supporters and loved ones for continuing on this journey with me. This is the feeling I chase every day. So much goes into standing on that podium, and each time, I’m a little more grateful than the last.”
This latest victory marks the 46th National overall win of Cody's career. He extends his heartfelt thanks to all the supporters who continue to back the four-time National Champion, starting with the loyal listeners and partners of his Digging Deep ATVMX Podcast. A huge thank you goes out to Yamaha Outdoors, Wienen Motorsports, PEP Performance Tuning, and Paul Turner for their tremendous support and guidance. Additional thanks go to SSI Decals, CST Tires, Valvoline, Elka Suspension, FMF Racing, and All Balls Racing Group — without the continued backing of these long-time supporters, none of this would be possible. Cody also expresses his gratitude to his parents, his wife Brooke, mechanic Dan Binder, and the crew at Janssen Motorsports. Special thanks go to GPS Offroad Products, Hemauer Financial Group – Ameriprise Financial Services, E-Z UP Instant Shelters, Klink Equipment and Klink Hydraulics, Jay Gobel at Impact Solutions, Hinson Clutch Components, Thor MX, Parts Unlimited, D.I.D Chain, Atlas Brace, Cliff Cox, Precision Powder LLC, Bell Helmets, 100% Goggles, DT1 Filters, Larry Mills and DP Brakes, Rath Racing, Walsh RaceCraft, Fourwerx Carbon, Sunstar Sprockets, Works Connection, Renthal, Pro-Tec Racing, B.C.C. Skids, Evans Waterless Powersports Coolant, Blenders Eyewear, Rocket Machining and Design, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC, producer Dallas Janssen, and many others. Finally, special thanks to the Hart family for graciously lending a trailer for the weekend. Without such incredible support, the continued pursuit of dreams and goals would not be possible. Cody Janssen and his Yamaha YFZ450R will return in 2025, aiming to add to his 46 National wins, four National Championships (including back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2020), and countless memories made.
Up next, Cody Janssen will once again host the Digging Deep ATV Ride Day at Briarcliff Motocross in Nashport, Ohio, on Saturday, October 5th. We’d be honored to have you join us for a day of open riding and camaraderie as we come together to celebrate our ATV community! Mark your calendars and be part of this special event — we can't wait to see you there and continue building unforgettable memories together.
