HILLSDALE, MI. Cobra Elite Factory Racing rider Yumena Berning made motocross history at the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, becoming the first female rider ever to win a moto in an open division at the prestigious event.
Berning delivered the historic victory in Moto 2 of the highly competitive 65cc (10-11) class. After taking the lead early, she held off a determined challenge from fellow Cobra rider Ryder Annison and crossed the finish line just 0.33 seconds ahead to secure the landmark win. The victory made Berning the first female rider in the history of the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s to capture an individual moto victory while competing in an open class.
The accomplishment added another milestone to a rapidly growing Loretta Lynn’s résumé for Berning. Her performances across the 2025 and 2026 events have also established her as the female rider with the most moto podium finishes in open-class competition in Loretta Lynn’s history.
Berning had already made history at the Ranch one year earlier. In 2025, she became the first female rider to earn an open-class moto podium at Loretta Lynn’s and went on to finish second overall in 65cc (7-9) Limited and third overall in 65cc (7-9). Those performances made her the first female rider to earn an overall podium in either of those premier 65cc divisions.
She returned in 2026 as a member of the Cobra Elite Factory Racing program and immediately continued that progression.
In the 65cc (10-11) class, Berning charged from seventh to second in the opening moto before making history with her Moto 2 victory. The results put her into the final moto tied for the championship lead with Annison, with each rider holding a win and a runner-up finish. Berning moved into the lead during the deciding moto before a crash and subsequent mechanical issue ended her championship bid.
Berning also battled for the title in 65cc (10-11) Limited. She recorded runner-up finishes in each of the opening two motos and entered the finale just two points out of the championship lead. An early crash dropped her deep into the field, but she charged back to ninth to secure third overall in the class.
“Yumena continues to show that she belongs at the front of these classes, regardless of who is lined up beside her,” said Marc Canellas, Cobra Moto Elite Team Manager. “What she accomplished at Loretta Lynn’s is bigger than one moto win. She has continued to raise the standard and show young female racers what is possible. To see her make history aboard a Cobra and compete for championships against the best riders in the country is something our entire team is extremely proud of.”
Berning’s performance came during a landmark week for Cobra Moto at Loretta Lynn’s, where the American manufacturer earned four AMA Amateur National Championships and accounted for 207 of 293 qualified entries across the Micro and 65cc categories.
While the final championship results did not fully reflect the speed Berning showed throughout the week, her historic moto victory and continued run of podium performances added another chapter to the growing impact of female racers in open-class amateur motocross competition.
For Berning, the progression has been rapid. From becoming the first female to score an open-class moto podium at Loretta Lynn’s in 2025 to standing on top of the moto podium one year later, she continues to redefine what is possible for the next generation of racers.
And at just 10 years old, there is plenty more racing ahead.
About Cobra Moto
Cobra Moto is an American manufacturer of premium competition motorcycles designed specifically for youth racers. Built in Hillsdale, Michigan, Cobra motorcycles have helped develop generations of championship-winning riders and remain a fixture in youth motocross competition across the United States.
For more information, visit CobraMoto.com.
