This week's Monster Army Athlete of the Week is Luke Renzland! After a stunning repeat performance this year at Loretta Lynn's there was no doubt in our minds that Luke should be a candidate for a future Athlete of the Week. This year Luke repeated his success from 2013 defending his 450A title and then was able to bring in a second overall in the 250A class. Keep up the good work Luke, can't wait to see what you have in store for us next year!

- Who influences you and why?
My parents have always been a huge influence to me. They have sacrificed their lives and all their hard work just to give me a chance to succeed. They do everything they possibly can just to get me to the races and that's pretty inspirational to me.

- What/ Who inspired you to start riding motocross?

My dad raced back In his day and was actually pretty quick. He was a full Yamaha support rider and raced every weekend. So, once my brother and I were born, he passed the love for the sport down to us and that's all she wrote. It's been a nonstop lifestyle since then.

- What are your proudest moments/ accomplishments in 2013/2014?

2013 was a standout year for me because it was my first time going back to Loretta Lynn's in 3 years. I missed 2011 and 2012 due to injury, and I was able to come back in 2013 and won the 450A championship and grabbed a 3rd overall in 250A. Then, I was able to repeat that in 2014 where I successfully defended my 450A title and I took 2nd overall in 250A. I was also able to grab 5 other national championships between those, but the Loretta's titles definitely stand out the most to me.

- What part of your riding are you looking to improve upon most this year?

I'm actually done with the amateur races now, and I have moved into the pros. It's a whole new ballpark with much more competition and a completely different schedule. So, I am looking to improve every aspect of my program. I am going to work as hard as possible and give it my best shot in the pros!

- Have you had to overcome any challenges that made riding an obstacle at times? (i.e. Injuries, support)

Yes, I had a bad streak with injuries throughout 2011 and 2012. It was especially hard for me because 2010 was a breakout year for me, but missing the two years after that basically took me off the radar. It was really hard on me, but I'm extremely happy that I was able to regroup after the hard times and put myself back on the map.

- What is your daily routine and how do you prepare yourself for a day riding?

My world revolves around riding and training. Usually, I will wake up and get a huge breakfast down the hatch by 8 o'clock, and then I'm in the gym at 8:30 with my trainer Ross Muinzer. After the brutal session he usually puts me through, it's up to me to refuel with food and rest for a couple hours until it's moto time. I'll get geared up and it's all hard work down on the track for the rest of the day. My brother, Kody, is my riding coach and we work our tails off every day trying to make improvements.

- Where would you like to see yourself in the next few years?

In the next few years I'd definitely love to see myself battling for professional championships. I know I have the ability to make it happen, but I also know that it will be an uphill climb that takes a lot of dedication and hard work.

- When I’m not out riding you can find me____________________?

When I’m not out riding you can find me cooling down with a cold, refreshing, monster energy.

Loretta's

- What was your attitude going into Loretta's this year and what's it like now that it's over?

I was excited going into Loretta's this year. My training was intense all year, and I knew I was stronger and faster than I've ever been. I was just amped up and ready for battle!

- What's a typical day like for you during your time out at the LL Ranch?

At Loretta's it's all business for me. When I'm not racing, I just try to lay low and stay focused on the job at hand. There's a lot at stake at the ranch, so I just stay cool, hydrated, and ready to race.

- Assuming this isn't your first time racing Loretta's how many times have you raced there before? How was this year different from any other years?

The biggest difference this year was the condition of the track. The track crew did an awesome job bringing in lots of sand and mulch which made it really rough and physically demanding. It was similar conditions to a pro national, which really benefitted my riding style. I'm more of a smooth guy, so the technical track definitely played in my favor.

- What was the most notable/memorable highlight for you this year at Loretta's?

It was an unbelievable feeling to cross the finish line first in my last moto and defend that 450A championship. I don't know if someone has ever won back-to-back "A" class championships at Loretta's. It was an awesome feeling for me, and my results were good enough to earn a ride with the CycleTrader.com/ Rock River Powersports Yamaha team for the last 3 pro outdoor nationals. Loretta's was a week I will never forget!

- Who would you like to thank?

I would love to thank my whole family for all the opportunities they have given me to get me where I am today. I also want to thank the Horton Racing team, my amateur team, for helping me make my dreams a reality this past year. And of course, I would like to thank the whole CycleTrader.com/ Rock River Yamaha team for picking me up on such short notice and making my transition to the pros so easy. I'd also like to thank Monster, Scott USA, Liquid Performance, my mechanic Jelly, my trainer Ross, Yamaha Motor USA, Roost MX, Yamalube, DX1, GYTR, JGR MX Shop, FMF Racing, K&N Filters, Fly Racing & WPS, Matrix Concepts, Arc Levers, Technical Touch USA & X-Trig, Bell Powersports, Vertex, The Factory Metal Works, Guts Racing, Dunlop, Renegade Fuels, EVS Sports, Dubya USA, Streamline Brakes, Hammerhead Designs, Pivot Works, Cycra, Hot Rods, CV4, Works Connection, Vortex, and Odi Grips.

Follow Luke:

Monster Army - /lukerenzland

Instagram - @lukerenzland43

Twitter - @LukeRenzland43