Southwick National returning in 2016 as part of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship
Broc Tickle during the first 450 moto at the last National held at Southwick 338 on Saturday, June 29, 2013. The Southwick National will return to the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in 2016. (MICHAEL BESWICK / THE REPUBLICAN) (Michael Beswick)
By Tim Culverhouse | tim.culverhouse@masslive.com masslive.com
October 08, 2015 at 12:54 PM
After a three-year hiatus, the highly popular Southwick National will return to the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in 2016.
The Championship, sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), brings the top riders from around the world to 24 motos in 11 different states. The Southwick National is scheduled to take place on July 9, 2016.
"When we made the decision to leave Southwick at the conclusion of the 2013 season there was always a belief that we would return there in the near future. We are proud to say that the time has come to bring the championship back to 'the sandbox,' filling a void many fans and members of the industry have felt the last three years," MX Sports Pro Racing President Davey Coombs said. "We are excited to return to the passionate fans in New England and showcase one of the most beloved and unique venues of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship."
The 44th season of the Pro Motocross Championship will begin in May with two straight weekend races in California before traveling across the country during the four-month season. The Ironman National wraps up the 2016 schedule at the Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Ind.
"The 2016 championship schedule consists of the most renowned facilities in all of American motocross and fittingly comes to an end at the sport's newest track that is quickly making a name for itself after just two seasons," Coombs added. "It was a year to remember for Ryan Dungey and Jeremy Martin in 2015, but they will need to fend off an exceptionally talented field of challengers at the country's finest race tracks if they hope to make even more history and defend their titles. It's sure to be an incredible season of motocross."