Stalled

How To Washougal National

The Official Blue Moto Account

Written 9 months ago

There's a sound you can only hear deep in the woods of Washington state. It's not a bird or a rushing river; it's the roar of 40 machines echoing through the towering evergreens. That sound means one thing: the circus is in town, and the 2025 Washougal National is about to create some magic.

If you have never experienced it, let me paint you a picture. Imagine thousands of passionate fans lining a perfectly prepared track, the smell of race fuel hanging in the air, and the anticipation so thick you can almost taste it. This isn't just another race; attending the 2025 Washougal National is a rite of passage for any true fan of the sport.

What Makes Washougal So Special?

Every stop on the AMA Pro Motocross circuit has its own personality, but Washougal is different. It's widely considered one of the most scenic and challenging tracks in the entire AMA pro championship series. The track is a proving ground where even top riders like Eli Tomac have been pushed to their limits.

The track itself is a work of art, carved into the side of a hill and surrounded by lush forest. This setting creates some incredible light and shadow patterns on the track, which can be tricky for riders but beautiful for spectators. The soil is another factor; it starts loamy and perfect in the morning but can get hard-packed and slick by the afternoon motos, demanding precise throttle control.

Then you have the legends born on this dirt. From local heroes to international champions like Mikkel Haarup, this track has tested them all. Its long history is baked into every corner and every jump, making a victory here that much sweeter.

The Beast Known as Horsepower Hill

You can't talk about Washougal without mentioning Horsepower Hill. It is a long, steep, and demanding uphill section that truly tests the power of the machines and the courage of the riders. Finding a spot to watch here is an experience you will never forget, and it's a critical part of the track's layout.

The sound of engines straining to reach the top is incredible, especially with the different tones from a two-stroke versus a four-stroke machine, something often celebrated on a Stroke Tuesday. You get a real sense of the speed and power these athletes are controlling. It's a place where races can be won or lost, and it always delivers drama affecting the overall pro motocross point standings.

Watching riders choose different lines up the hill shows their skill and strategy. A small mistake at the bottom can mean losing multiple positions by the time they reach the crest. It's a true test of rider and machine, often discussed in MXA team tested articles.

The Atmosphere is Electric

The fans at Washougal are something else. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and create an amazing atmosphere that fuels the riders. Everyone is there for the love of motocross action, and you can feel that positive energy all weekend long.

You'll find families who have been coming for generations, camped out in their favorite spots. It feels like a massive family reunion, and everyone is invited. This community feeling sets it apart from many other sporting events and is a cornerstone of the AMA pro motocross culture.

Conversations about fantasy mx picks can be heard everywhere, as fans debate whether Jett Lawrence or Chase Sexton will come out on top. The collective excitement builds with every lap. You'll even find fans sporting their favorite FXR Racing gear or a classic MXA logo t-shirt.

Your Guide to the 2025 Washougal National

Thinking about making the trip? I get it. Planning your visit can feel a bit overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Let's break down everything you need to know to make your race weekend a total success.

Getting organized beforehand will let you relax and soak in the experience on race day. After all, you want to be focused on the battles on the track, not worrying about where you parked. Your attention should be on riders like Hunter Lawrence and Haiden Deegan battling for position.

Race Schedule & Key Dates

The professional race is usually on a Saturday, but the festivities at the track often span several days. While the official 2025 schedule isn't out yet, it typically follows a familiar pattern in late July. You should always check the official track website for the latest updates from Ross or other officials.

Here's what a typical Washougal National week looks like to help you plan. You can often see the MXA wrecking crew, including personalities like Josh Mosiman, getting a feel for the track on press day.

Day Typical Activity What to Know

Thursday	Amateur Practice & Press Day	A great day to see the track and watch amateur riders and some pros like Jo Shimoda get dialed in.
Friday	Amateur Racing / Pro Pits Open	The excitement starts to build. A good day to get your pit pass and see the teams set up their stations.
Saturday	Pro National Race Day	The main event. Practice in the morning, followed by two motos for the 250 and 450 classes.
Sunday	Amateur Racing	More great racing action from the amateur ranks continues. A good chance to see future stars.

The pro schedule on Saturday starts early with qualifying sessions. This is your first chance to see who is running fast, from factory stars to privateers like Garrett Marchbanks. The opening ceremonies kick off mid-day, followed by four incredible motos that will determine the overall winners and shake up the point standings.

Getting Your Tickets

This is probably the most important part of your planning. Tickets for Washougal can sell out, so it's smart to get them as soon as they become available. You will usually find them for sale on the official Washougal MX Park website a few months before the event.

You'll have a few options to think about. General Admission gets you access to most of the spectator viewing areas. It's a great choice if you love to wander around and watch from different spots to catch all the motocross actions videos for your social media.

A Pit Pass is often an add-on, but it is totally worth the extra money. This gives you access to the pro pits during specific times, usually in the morning and between motos. This is your chance to see the million-dollar team rigs, watch mechanics work their magic, and maybe even get an autograph from your favorite rider, perhaps even Malcolm Stewart or Seth Hammaker.

While you're planning, check out the MXA store online for gear like a short sleeve t-shirt or a unique Japanese MXA logo shirt to wear at the race. They even have items like phone cases with the MXA logo. Looking prepared makes the weekend even more enjoyable.

What to Expect on Race Day

Get there early. I cannot stress this enough. Traffic can get heavy, and parking can be a bit of a walk. The earlier you arrive, the better parking spot you'll get, and you'll have more time to find a great place to watch.

Once you're inside, just take a moment to soak it all in. The sheer scale of the event is impressive. The sound of the bikes warming up in the pits is the morning soundtrack for a perfect day of AMA Pro Motocross.

Find the schedule and familiarize yourself with the layout. There are vendors, food stands, and sponsor displays all over. You could spend hours just exploring everything there is to see and do, from checking out new bike tests to learning about dual sport machines.

Tips for an Unforgettable Weekend at The 'Shoug

A little preparation can make a huge difference between a good day and an amazing one. Having been a few times, I've picked up some tips that can help you have the best possible experience. Trust me, you will thank me later.

Think about comfort and being self-sufficient. This will let you focus on what you came for: world-class racing action from the best riders in the sport.

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

Packing the right gear is essential for a long day outdoors at the track. Here is a simple checklist of things I always bring with me. These items are key for enjoying the Washougal National, presented by your favorite sponsors.

Comfortable Shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking, often on uneven terrain. Your feet will thank you.
Cash: While some vendors take cards, many smaller ones are cash-only. It just makes things easier.
Sunscreen & Hat: Even with the trees, you will be in the sun. Don't let a sunburn ruin your weekend.
Ear Protection: Those four-stroke machines are loud, especially when 40 of them go by at once. Protect your hearing.
Sealed Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key. Check the rules, but you can usually bring in at least one unopened bottle of water.
Portable Chair: Having a camp chair can be a lifesaver. It gives you a home base and a place to rest your legs.
Binoculars: A great way to get a closer look at the action on the far side of the track.

As for what to leave behind, items like glass bottles, alcohol, and large coolers are typically not allowed. Always check the event's official website for their specific list of prohibited items before you go. This information is usually updated in the weeks leading up to the race.

Where to Watch the Action

The beauty of a track like Washougal is there are very few bad places to watch. But, some spots offer a better view of the key sections. If it is your first time, I recommend walking the entire track during practice to find your favorite spot.

Standing along the fence line up Horsepower Hill is an iconic choice. You get to see and hear the MX bikes at full song. Another popular area is near the finish line jump, where you can see some serious air and witness the final moments of a close race test for the riders.

Do not be afraid to move around between motos. Watching the first moto from one side of the track and the second from another gives you a completely different perspective. You can appreciate different parts of the riders' skills, which is something you learn from the Mid-Week Report or other analyses.

Navigating the Pits

If you decided to get a pit pass, you are in for a treat. The pro paddock is like a small city. Each team has a massive semi-truck that serves as their home base and workshop for their star riders.

The best time to go is usually between morning qualifying and the first motos. This is when you can see the bikes being prepped, and riders are often available for autographs. Be respectful, stay behind the ropes, and just enjoy the behind-the-scenes access, something the MXA race test crew often highlights in their MXA video features.

It gives you a much deeper appreciation for the work that goes into getting these riders on the track. You see the mechanics, the team managers, and all the moving parts that have to come together for a successful race day. You can see the results of countless hours of Honda tests, Kawasaki tests, KTM tests, Husqvarna tests, Yamaha tests, and Suzuki tests firsthand.

Beyond the Pro Race: Amateur Racing and More

One of the coolest parts about the Washougal National is that it is so much more than just a single day of pro racing. The days before and after are filled with amateur racing events. This is where future stars of the sport, like Ryder DiFrancesco once was, cut their teeth.

The atmosphere during the amateur days is more relaxed but just as exciting. You see riders of all ages and skill levels competing on the exact same track as the pros. It really showcases the grassroots level of the sport, a topic Jody's Box often covers with great wisdom.

If you have the time, I highly suggest planning your trip to include at least one of the amateur days. You might even see some vintage mx bikes in a support class, which is a real treat for fans of the sport's history. Reading some racer bios ahead of time can make spotting up-and-coming talent even more fun.

It makes the entire trip feel like a multi-day festival celebrating everything we love about motocross. It's a full-on immersion into the culture. You can go from watching a 50cc race to seeing the premier 450 class, all in one weekend.

Conclusion

There's simply no substitute for being there in person. The television broadcast is great, but it cannot capture the scale of the hills, the roar of the crowd, or the feeling of dirt being thrown in your direction. The 2025 Washougal National promises to be another amazing chapter in the track's storied history, and it's an experience you do not want to miss.

From watching the intense battles for the lead to exploring the pro pits, the event is a full sensory experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the sport, mark your calendar. The sights and sounds of Washougal will create memories that last a lifetime, long after the final motocross point standings are settled for the day.

1 / 55