Downtown Nashville is set to roar with adrenaline and excitement as the Red Bull Tennessee Knockout (TKO) Prologue returns on Thursday, August 22. This one-of-a-kind hard enduro dirt bike competition will transform the bustling streets of Music City into a challenging arena, combining the most extreme elements of off-road motorbike racing and putting even the most seasoned athletes to the ultimate test.
For those unfamiliar, hard enduro is not for the faint-hearted. It merges the toughest aspects of off-road racing disciplines, demanding both physical endurance and technical prowess. Lower Broadway, typically known for its vibrant nightlife and country music, will be the battleground where the world’s top athletes race head-to-head on a massive custom-built course. Spectators will have an unparalleled opportunity to witness the action up close, whether from the streets or from one of the nearby iconic rooftop bars.
The event kicks off with a bang as 16 pro moto riders make a dramatic entrance, descending from a 94-foot ramp on Luke’s 32 Bridge rooftop bar. This free-to-attend spectacle transforms Lower Broadway into a straight rhythm-inspired hard enduro course, featuring a combination of tires, jersey barriers, logs, and a whoop section, promising heart-pounding action from 7 to 10 p.m.
The Prologue serves as a prelude to the 14th Annual Red Bull Tennessee Knockout Extreme Enduro that follows from August 23 to 25 in Sequatchie, TN. This event is a pivotal round in both the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship and the AMA US Hard Enduro Championship, attracting the cream of the crop in the hard enduro world. Expect thrilling performances from renowned riders such as Cody Webb, last year's Red Bull TKO champion Trystan Hart, and 2023 FIM Hard Enduro World Champion Manuel Lettenbichler, alongside a host of other elite competitors.
But the excitement doesn't end there. The 2024 TKO promises an even more electrifying experience with a three-day format at the Sequatchie Trials Training Center. The weekend kicks off with amateur riders setting Hot-Laps on Friday to determine starting positions, followed by two rounds of intense amateur racing on Saturday. The professional riders then take center stage, beginning with their own Hot-Lap on Saturday and culminating in a three-round Knock Out format on Sunday, ensuring non-stop action and entertainment.
Adding to the allure is the inclusion of the ECR eMoto class for the third year, showcasing electric motorcycles and broadening the spectrum of competition. Up to 500 amateur riders will also vie for glory on the TKO course, with the top 30 earning the chance to compete alongside the world’s best on Sunday.
Manuel Lettenbichler, riding a wave of success with a 10-race FIM Hard Enduro win streak, will face fierce competition from Trystan Hart, who has bested him at the last two TKO events. Cody Webb, despite a recent knee injury, remains a formidable contender, promising an epic showdown for TKO supremacy.
The Red Bull Tennessee Knockout (TKO) Prologue and subsequent events offer a unique blend of extreme sports and urban spectacle, making it a must-see for enthusiasts and casual spectators alike. Mark your calendars and prepare for a weekend of high-octane thrills as downtown Nashville and Sequatchie play host to this unparalleled hard enduro extravaganza.
WHEN: Thursday, Aug 22 7:00pm - 10:00pm
WHERE: Due to unforeseen circumstances the start gate for the Red Bull TKO Prologue will no longer be on top of Luke’s 32 Bridge rooftop bar as originally planned. Instead, world-renowned riders will be dropping in atop a 16-foot ramp onto Nashville's famed Lower Broadway starting on 3rd Ave and finishing on 1st Ave.
The Red Bull TKO Prologue is open to the public. Spectators can view the action on the street along the course on Lower Broadway or on rooftops between 1st and 3rd Ave.
