MX Sports Pro Racing

Morgantown Resident and Military Veteran Jamie Summerlin Named Grand Marshal of Red Bull High Point National on June 16

by:
Thursday, June 7, 2018 | 11:20 AM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Morgantown Resident and Military Veteran Jamie Summerlin Named Grand Marshal of Red Bull High Point National on June 16
Morgantown Marathon Founder To Be Honored for Community Contributions

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. (June 7, 2018) – With the 42nd annual Red Bull High Point National rapidly approaching, High Point Raceway announced today that Jamie Summerlin, a Marine veteran from Morgantown, West Virginia, and founder of the Morgantown Marathon, will be honored as the event’s Grand Marshal on Saturday, June 16. Summerlin will serve a vital role at the fourth round of the 2018 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, and will also be awarded as the High Point National “Moto Hero,” which recognizes the exemplary service of a military veteran each year. 

Summerlin is arguably most well known for his literal cross-country run in 2012, which raised much-needed funds for various veteran causes. The “Freedom Run” across America covered 3,452 miles over the span of 100 days, and crossed 16 states on the route from Oregon to Delaware, during which Summerlin amassed almost 6 million total steps. During his journey Summerlin paid visit to Veteran Affairs hospitals throughout the country, in addition to attending numerous ceremonies honoring veterans in towns both large and small. He even had the opportunity to address active-duty veterans at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. In total, Summerlin’s run raised $50,000 for veteran-focused charities. 

Summerlin during his “Freedom Run” spanning 3,452 miles across America helping raise $50,000 for veteran-focused charities.
Summerlin during his “Freedom Run” spanning 3,452 miles across America helping raise $50,000 for veteran-focused charities. Provided

As a result of his incredible philanthropic journey, which he documented in his book Freedom Run: A 100-Day, 3,452 Mile Journey Across America to Benefit Wounded Veterans, Summerlin was able to establish Operation Welcome Home, a veterans support group that assists in their re-entry into the workforce following active service. Since its inception in 2012, the non-profit has helped more than 420 veterans obtain full-time employment. 

Summerlin’s community contributions continued in his hometown of Morgantown, where he was inspired by his passion for running to establish a marathon. Working alongside the city’s leaders, the Morgantown Marathon was born in 2015, showcasing the scenic college town alongside the Monongahela River while also providing another opportunity to raise funds for Operation Welcome Home. In just four years the marathon has grown to include more than 1,100 runners and receive volunteer support from more than 500 individuals from around the world and across the U.S. The marathon continues to increase in popularity and is now one of Morgantown’s most anticipated annual events. 

“Jamie has gone above and beyond his entire life, and everything he’s done for the military and his community, not to mention his own sacrifices as a Marine, exemplifies what our Moto Hero award is all about,” said Tim Cotter, High Point Raceway Event Director. “In addition to being our award recipient, we wanted to take the next step in showing our appreciation for Jamie’s contributions, much like he’s done in his efforts, and make him a truly integral part of the High Point National as Grand Marshal. We find it fitting to recognize all he’s done during motocross’ own Father’s Day celebration, and we’re looking forward to welcoming his wife, son, and daughter, and giving the entire Summerlin family an experience they’ll never forget.” 

Summerlin with his family, who will be on hand to celebrate with him on Father’s Day weekend at High Point Raceway.
Summerlin with his family, who will be on hand to celebrate with him on Father’s Day weekend at High Point Raceway. Provided

The Red Bull High Point National kicks off on Saturday, June 16, with a full slate of action featuring the most talented riders on the planet in the world’s most prestigious off-road motorcycle racing championship. On-track activity begins at 8:00 a.m. ET with practice and qualifying, followed by opening ceremonies at 12:30 p.m. ET. Racing gets underway with a total of four motos across the 450 Class and 250 Class at 1:00 p.m. ET. 

Ticket Info:
(Discounted Pricing available for tickets purchased online.)

  • Saturday General Admission: $45 Adults / $20 Kids (ages 6-11)
  • Saturday VIP: $200 Adults / $100 Kids (ages 6-11)
  • High Point Club: $100 Adults / $75 Kids (ages 6-11)
  • Paddock Club: $100 Adults / $50 Kids (ages 6-11)
  • Family 4-Pack: $100 (Adults + Kids) 

Pit Pass (purchase online or on-site): 

  • Racer X Pass: $90 Adults / $75 Kids (ages 6-11) (9 a.m. – 5 p.m., includes gate admission and magazine subscription)
  • Early Entry Pro Pit: $20 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) Must purchase Gate Admission.

**Please Note: All purchases include processing fees.** 

Tickets for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship are available at www.ProMotocross.com. 

For information about the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, please visit ProMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the Pro Motocross social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:

Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship

The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, features the world's fastest outdoor motocross racers, racing aboard the best bikes each factory offers, on the roughest, toughest tracks in the world. The 12-rounds series begins at Hangtown in May and ends at Indiana's Ironman Raceway in August. It includes stops at the premier motocross racing facilities in America, with events in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Michigan, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington, New York and Indiana. The pro riders race on Saturday afternoon, with competition divided into two classes: one for 250cc machines, and one for 450cc machines. The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship is managed by MX Sports Pro Racing, the industry leader in off-road power sports event production. The series is televised on NBC, NBCSN and MAVTV and streamed live on NBC Sports Gold Series partners include Lucas Oil (series title sponsor), Red Bull, WPS, Fly Racing, GEICO Motorcycle, MotoSport.com, Garmin, 100%, KTM, FMF, Deltran Battery Tender, Pirelli, Suzuki, Husqvarna, Pivot Works, Vertex, Alpinestars, KMC Wheels, MotionPro, VP Racing Fuels, Acerbis and Racer X.  More information can be found at www.ProMotocross.com.