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The Must-See Motocross Races of the Year: Top Picks

The Official Blue Moto Account

Written 9 months ago

That pulse-pounding sound of 40 engines screaming off the line is like nothing else. The air fills with the smell of race fuel and dirt. It's a feeling that gets right into your bones.

But with so many events happening, how do you know which ones truly matter? We've sorted through the schedules to bring you the definitive guide to The Must-See Motocross Races of the Year. You don't want to miss the battles that define champions or the tracks that break legends.

This list is your ticket to following all the action. You will know exactly which bike races are the ones everyone will be talking about. Get ready, because these are The Must-See Motocross Races of the Year.

The Titans of the Track: AMA vs. FIM

To understand the season, you first need to know the two major players. In the United States, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) runs the show. Across the pond in Europe and around the globe, it's the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

These two organizations sanction the biggest championships in the sport. The AMA hosts Supercross and Pro Motocross, which are American-based series. The FIM is responsible for the Motocross World Championship, also known as MXGP, which travels to different countries.

Most of the top riders in the world compete in one of these two main series. Think of them as the East and West conferences of global motocross. Each has its own style, its own legends, and its own unbelievably demanding tracks.

The Role of the American Motorcyclist Association

The AMA's influence extends far beyond the starting gate of a motocross race. Founded in 1924, it is a non-profit organization that protects the future of motorcycling and promotes the motorcycle lifestyle. The AMA Board directs the organization, with various riding commissions, like the Competition Commission and Recreational Riding Commissions, managing specific aspects of motorcycling.

The AMA's headquarters at 13515 Yarmouth Dr, Pickerington, OH, is also home to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, where the legends of the sport are honored with an annual induction ceremony. The organization acts as a powerful advocate for all riders. Through its Government Action Center, it provides rights news, rights resources, and access to a laws database to keep members informed.

The AMA works on behalf of motorcyclists to address critical issues like lane splitting, motorcyclist profiling, and access to public lands. The AMA board position statements clarify its stance on topics ranging from inattentive vehicle operation to excessive motorcycle sound. They provide vital rights updates on government action affecting riders, from rider education standards to the development of automated vehicles.

Feature	AMA Series (Supercross & Pro Motocross)	FIM MXGP World Championship
Location	Exclusively in the USA	Global (Europe, Asia, South America)
Track Style	Man-made stadium tracks (SX) and classic outdoor tracks (MX)	Varied natural terrain; sand, hard-pack, mud
Season	January - September (Two separate championships)	February - October (One long championship)
Key Event Style	Single-day events with intense, shorter races	Two-day Grand Prix weekends with two motos per class

The AMA Supercross Championship: Stadium Spectacles

The AMA Supercross season, sponsored by Monster Energy, kicks off the new year with a bang. Imagine a football stadium filled with perfectly sculpted dirt jumps, whoops, and tight turns. This is racing in its most technical and intense form.

From January to May, riders battle through a 17-round series. The premier class is the 450SX, where the biggest names in the sport, modern heroes and legends like Jeremy McGrath, compete for the crown. The 250SX class is split into East and West regions, showcasing the up-and-coming talent.

The Road to the Pros: Supercross Futures

Before riders can become stars under the stadium lights, many must prove themselves in Supercross Futures. This AMA national championship series is the official advancement platform for amateur riders. It provides a clear path for athletes transitioning to professional racing.

Races are held on the same day and on the same tracks as the professional events. This gives amateur riders valuable experience on full-size, technical Supercross tracks. It is the premier development league for the next generation of motocross racing stars.

Key Supercross Rounds to Circle

Every round is important, but a few stand out from the rest. The pressure is on from the moment the first gate drops. These popular motocross events are where momentum is built and championships can be won or lost.

Anaheim 1 (A1)

The season opener at Angel Stadium in Anaheim is the big one. All the hype of the offseason comes to a head here. Teams debut their new bikes and gear, and riders are eager to make a statement.

Winning A1 doesn't guarantee a championship, but it certainly sets a powerful tone for the long season ahead. The energy from the sold-out crowd is electric. A victory here is a massive confidence booster.

Daytona Supercross

Held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, this race is unlike any other. The track, often designed by the legendary Ricky Carmichael, is a beast. It's a long, sandy, and punishing course that feels more like an outdoor national than a typical supercross track.

Its unique hybrid layout brutally tests rider fitness and skill, making a win here extremely prestigious. Daytona separates the mentally tough from the rest of the pack. It's a highlight of the championship features.

Salt Lake City Finale

When the series rolls into Rice-Eccles Stadium for the final round, everything is on the line. This is where champions are crowned. The high-altitude setting adds another challenge, and the pressure is palpable as riders give it their all one last time.

The Great Outdoors: Pro Motocross Championship

When the stadium lights dim, the action moves outside. The Pro Motocross championship is the heart and soul of American motocross. These races take place on legendary, natural-terrain tracks across the country.

The season runs from late May through August. Riders face high speeds, brutal track conditions, and two grueling 30-minute-plus-two-lap motos. It is a true test of endurance, raw speed, and mental toughness for every motorcycle rider.

While some skills transfer from Supercross, the demands of pro motocross are entirely different. This is where raw speed and physical conditioning are paramount. The series has a rich history, with roots tracing back to when motocross started gaining popularity in America.

Pro Motocross's Most Iconic Venues

Some tracks are more than just dirt and jumps; they are a part of the sport's history. These motocross tracks are known for their challenging layouts and incredible fan atmospheres. They are true classics of the sport.

Hangtown Motocross Classic

As the longest-running event in American motocross, Hangtown is steeped in tradition. Located just outside Sacramento, California, the track is known for its choppy, hard-pack soil and challenging hills. Starting the season at such a tough venue immediately separates the contenders from the pretenders.

RedBud MX

You just have to hear the chant: "REDBUUUUD." This race, held over the Fourth of July weekend in Buchanan, Michigan, is an experience. The crowd is massive and loud, and the track features one of the most famous obstacles in motocross, LaRocco's Leap.

It's a massive 120-foot triple jump that only the bravest attempt. RedBud embodies the American motocross lifestyle. Fans camp for days, creating a festival-like atmosphere that is second to none.

High Point Raceway

Nestled in the hills of Pennsylvania, High Point is famous for its elevation changes. What goes up must come down, and the track constantly flows up and down the grassy hillsides. The off-camber corners and rich soil make it a technical challenge that produces great racing year after year.

Celebrating All Athletes: The WMX Championship

The Pro Motocross championship also includes a series for the top women riders in the sport. The Women's Motocross Championship (WMX) features incredibly talented athletes competing on the same challenging tracks as the men. This series provides a platform for professional female racers to showcase their skills.

These women riders are phenomenal athletes who train just as hard and are just as dedicated. Following the WMX battles adds another exciting layer to a Pro Motocross weekend. It is an integral part of the sport's fabric.

Global Motocross Races to Watch

While the US races are huge, the global stage offers its own brand of amazing competition. The FIM Motocross World Championship, or MXGP, is where the world's best riders outside of America prove their skills. This series is a true world tour.

The championship takes riders to incredible locations across Europe, Asia, and South America. Each stop, known as a Grand Prix (GP), features tracks with unique personalities. From deep sand to slick hard-pack, MXGP tests a rider's versatility like no other series.

This motocross championship is a test of adaptation. Riders must quickly learn new tracks and adjust to different cultures and conditions week after week. The travel and logistics alone are a challenge for teams and riders.

MXGP's Crown Jewels

The MXGP calendar is full of historic venues, but a select few are legendary. Winning at these tracks earns a rider a special place in the history books. They are known for being the most difficult and prestigious on the circuit.

Lommel, Belgium

Ask any professional rider about the toughest track in the world, and they will likely say Lommel. This Belgian circuit is nothing but deep, churning, power-robbing sand. A race here is the ultimate test of physical conditioning and sand-riding technique.

Matterley Basin, UK

Matterley Basin is a fan and rider favorite for good reason. It's a massive, wide-open track built into a natural bowl in the English countryside. The layout allows for huge jumps, high speeds, and multiple lines, which always leads to incredible battles.

The visibility for spectators is second to none, making it a spectacular event to attend. The rolling green hills provide a beautiful backdrop for the intense action. It is one of the most scenic motocross races on the calendar.

Trentino, Italy

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Dolomite mountains, the Trentino circuit is a sight to see. But its beauty hides a treacherous, slick, and hard-pack clay surface. The tight, technical track rewards precise throttle control and smart line choices, and it has hosted some of the most memorable races in recent MXGP history.

The One-Off Wonders: Special Events

Beyond the season-long championships, there are a few standalone races you cannot miss. These events bring unique formats and massive bragging rights. They are celebrations of the sport that bring the global community together.

Motocross of Nations (MXoN)

Often called "the Olympics of Motocross," this is the biggest race of the year. Instead of individual glory, riders compete in three-person teams for their home country. This race is also known as the Motocross des Nations, or simply des Nations.

The atmosphere is electric, with fans from all over the world cheering on their national heroes. The location changes each year, adding to the event's special feel. The rider who wins his class is one thing, but the country that takes home the Chamberlain Trophy is the true world champion.

Red Bull Straight Rhythm

This event throws the rulebook out the window. It features a supercross track with no turns at all. Riders go head-to-head in a bracket format on a half-mile-long strip of jumps, whoops, and rollers.

The event has gained fame for its fun atmosphere and a special focus on two-stroke machines, offering a dose of pure nostalgia and high-flying action. It is all about perfection. The action is fast and easy to follow, making it a huge hit on social media.

Paris Supercross

One of the oldest and most famous offseason races, the Paris Supercross has been a staple for decades. It attracts top talent from both the AMA Supercross and MXGP series. They battle it out for a huge purse and the prestigious title of "King of Paris." The tight track and intense crowd make it a can't-miss spectacle.

The Proving Ground: Amateur National Championships

The journey for almost every professional motocross star begins on the amateur circuit. For aspiring riders, one event stands above all others as the ultimate goal. This is where the future of the sport is forged.

The AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn's Ranch is the largest amateur motocross race in the world. Thousands of amateur riders attempt to qualify for this prestigious week-long event held in August in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. Earning a spot at Loretta's is a monumental achievement in itself.

Here, riders who have just started racing compete alongside seasoned amateurs. A good performance can lead to support from manufacturers and sponsors, launching a professional career. The event is powered by a huge number of AMA volunteer workers who love the sport.

This is a true test for the whole family, a cornerstone of the motorcycle lifestyle. Competitors camp at the ranch for the entire week, creating a vibrant community. The event highlights the importance of the right dirt bike and proper riding gear for success.

Conclusion

From the stadium spectacles of AMA Supercross to the rugged outdoor pro motocross tracks, the racing season is packed with incredible action. Following the American series and the global MXGP championship gives you a full view of the sport's top talent. These races held annually define careers and create legends.

Events like the Motocross des Nations bring everyone together for a celebration of national pride. The journey often begins at amateur events like Loretta Lynn's, where future champions are born. Watching these bike races provides a look at the future of the sport.

Now you have the ultimate guide to The Must-See Motocross Races of the Year. So mark your calendar, check out the AMA gear shop for some new apparel, and get ready for the gate to drop. The thrilling world of motocross awaits.

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