Washougal summer 2015
Looking for a motocross vacation? Over 40 years old? Well a quick trip to the annual OTMX Motocross National at Washougal, Washington might be the answer. Held two weeks before the annual AMA Pro Motocross this event is one of the premier races of the year.
We have all seen the pictures from Washougal; pine trees, lots of elevation changes. And what appears to be the perfect traction surface (more on that later}) This year did not disappoint as the track was near perfect. Veteran Washougal riders can tell you stories of hot dry slippery tracks, huge rain storms and the worst mud known to motocross. But 2015 was near perfect. Temperatures huddled in the mid 60’s and for the most part the sky remained cloudy both Saturday and Sunday. The track surface was near perfect all weekend long.
Over 275 riders attended the two day five moto event. The format was near perfect and not a comment was heard about not enough track time. Those riders who make a point of sticking with their training programs have an advantage especially during the third moto on Saturday as the track was fun, but it got very rough . The section before the step up jump in the back portion of the track was very challenging.
Former AMA pro and the track promoter Ryan Huffman put his familiarity with the track to good use as he won all five moto’s in the very competitive 40 Master class. Ted Holt won a large class of 50 Master riders which also included Craig Christian in 4th and former AMA 500 National Motocross champion Chuck Sun.
Perhaps the most interesting class is the 80 year old plus. There were three riders this year. They attacked the course with the same enthusiasm as the Support riders. It gives you hope that even if you are laboring in the 50 year old class that you can still be racing 30 years from now.
The OTMX National at Washougal is a celebration of senior class motocross. It’s well worth any true motocross riders time and expense of getting to the event. Mark it on the calendar for 2016.
Barry 16S