Motocross Star Josh Summey Returns to Muddy Creek Raceway

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. – Josh Summey rocketed off the starting line, soared over the jumps and weaved through the turns.
It was a textbook performance by one of the top motocross riders in the nation.

Summey, a 25-year-old Huntersville, N.C. resident, was one of the top attractions Sunday during the final day of the 25th annual Kawasaki Tennessee State Championships at Muddy Creek Raceway. The event attracted riders from 18 states.

In addition to his commanding victory in the veteran class, Summey battled with rising stars such as Cody Robbins (Huntersville, N.C.) and Les Smith (York, S.C.) in the marquee 250A and 450A classes.

“I grew up racing at Muddy Creek, but this is the first weekend I’ve been back since 2002,” Summey said. “It’s neat. The kids are riding really well, and a lot of my friends are still here.”

Every serious motocross fan is familiar with Summey. From the exhaustive grind of the outdoor nationals to the glitz of Supercross, Summey has seen it all.
When former National Football League coach and current NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs decided to form his own Yamaha-backed AMA Supercross team in 2007, Summey got the call.

Summey, currently ranked as the No. 28 rider nationally, decided to return to his roots this summer by riding for Steve Litz, owner of Blountville-based Litz Racing.

“When I got started in racing professionally, Steve was there to support me with my bike, suspension and motor work,” Summey said. “Steve helped me to achieve a lot of goals as a racer.”

Much has changed in the motocross world since Summey began competing at age 7. While he now commands national billing, Summey said he will never forget how he and Litz managed to advance to the main event of every East Coast Supercross in their first year together earlier this decade.

“That was a big achievement at the time because Steve was working out of his little shop, and I was driving to all the races and competing against guys who flew to the races, had all these big rigs and got paid a bunch of money,” Summey said.

A deep bond was forged during that formative season, as Summey developed his trademark methodical riding style. Summey finished 10th overall during the 2007 Supercross Series and was 11th in the World Supercross points standings.

Litz, 46, has guided and financed hundreds of racers, including several legends. Litz said that Summey has been able to strike that delicate balance between free spirit and workout warrior.

“Josh is a hard worker and a very humble person,” said Litz, a former racer who has operated his own motocross oriented business since the 1980s. “A lot of the top riders are now 17 to 18, but Josh stays in shape and he definitely has the experience to compete with the best of them.”

Much like the sponsor-driven world of NASCAR, families and teams are now grooming motocross riders at a very young age. In motocross, that maturation process includes home-schooling, practice tracks, personal riding tutors and constant travel.

“A lot of these kids are riding 3-4 days per week,” Summey said. “They just develop so much speed. I’m still blessed to have the time to train and do my workouts during the week, so I can be competitive with those younger racers.”

Young rider Robbins, 17, edged the 18-year-old Smith Sunday for the top overall honors in the 250A class, while Smith was the top rider in 450A. Robbins and Smith each won two motos Sunday.

For Summey, the weekend was a fast trip down victory lane at a facility that has hosted motocross greats such as Ricky Carmichael, Mike Brown and Zach Osborne.

“It’s been really cool to see the amount of talent that has come through Muddy Creek,” said Summey, whose father Tony was once ranked among the top 17 riders nationally.

After the conclusion of the Outdoor National series, Summey plans to begin training for another season of Supercross next winter. He is no longer associated with the Gibbs team.

“With the help of Steve and other people that have supported me, I want to get back out there and prove to people that I’ve still got it,” Summey said. “It’s awesome to be able to work at something you love.”

agregory@bristolnews.com|(276) 645-2544