At 18, Yorkton’s Kennedy Lutz hardly seems ready for retirement. Most people her age are entering the workforce for the first time. But in Lutz’s world of motocross, she’s a well-established veteran. She’s racked up countless victories and trophies in her career. She’s blazed a trail across Canada and the United States few people in her age bracket can hope to match.
She’s reached the summit in her sport, so she’s decided to walk away.
“I’ve accomplished everything I’ve wanted to with racing,” she said. “I’m ready to move on.”
Lutz is retiring from motocross competitions. Unlike Michael Jordan or Brett Favre, Lutz is serious about staying retired. She’s selling her bike and stepping away from the sport to focus on education and the next stage of her life.
“I don’t think I’m going back,” she said.
Lutz is leaving the sport after several recent career highs. She’s featured on the August cover of Motocross magazine. Lutz is the first woman to grace the cover of the magazine. It’s a major milestone.
“I’m pretty excited and stoked to be on the cover,” she said. “It’s always humbling to have those kind of opportunities.
“I think it’s unbelievable.”
Before she made it onto the magazine, Lutz topped off her racing career with a massive victory. She won the 2018 Canadian Women’s West Motocross Championship. Last year, Lutz won the East Championship. These back-to-back wins put a firm exclamation point on Lutz’s storied career.
“I had the biggest smile on my face,” she said. “I couldn’t be more happy and proud of being on the podium.”
Heading into nationals this year, Lutz knew it would probably be her last high-level competition.
“I had no pressure,” she said. “I was just having the best time of my life.
“Once I was done, I knew it was time to hang up the boots.”
Lutz has dedicated her life to motocross, sacrificing countless hours to training.
“It takes a toll on your body and the money in your pocket,” she said.
Lutz plans to finish her high school education and focus on university life. She’s working at a part-time job. Now that her racing days are behind her, she wants to live a “normal teenage life.”
Lutz has come a long way from driving her PW50 around her family’s farm as a kid. She’s worked her way to the top of her sport. She’s leaving it with mixed emotions.
“Obviously I’m going to miss the racing,” she said. “But I’m happy and relieved that it’s over.”
Lutz hasn’t completely divorced herself from the motocross world. She’s mentored a few up-and-coming racers, providing tips and tricks from a champion. She offers simple advice for anyone who steps into the racing world: Don’t give up.
“There are so many ups and downs,” she said. “It’s easy to...not believe in yourself.
“Trust in the process and know that tomorrow’s a new day.”
