Does AMA or MXGP have the roughest track?

Continuing our series we take a look at the nastiest tracks on both sides of the pond.

By Aaron Hansel and Joseph Caron Dawe on 20 July 2016

When it comes to motocross, rough racing surfaces are just part of the game. Of course, some tracks are rougher than others.

Here’s a look at the roughest tracks in the AMA and their counterparts in MXGP.

AMA: Hangtown and Glen Helen

Marvin Musquin bucking his way around Glen Helen © Garth Milan/Red Bull Content Pool 

For mere mortals, just about any of the tracks of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross would be nearly unrideable, and even the smoothest ones would be bone-jarring compared to most amateur tracks on any given weekend. But if you ask around in the AMA paddock, you’ll get two common responses: Hangtown and Glen Helen Raceway, both located in California.

Part of the reason these tracks get so extraordinarily rough is because of the soil. Hangtown, which was built in an area that was once hydro-mined for gold many years ago, has imported countless truckloads of dirt, which mixes in with the hard, naturally-occurring dirt of the area.

Once it’s ripped, the bumps really start forming – especially in the steep downhill sections where riders are hard on the brakes.

It wasn’t at its roughest this year [2016], but that’s because the track crew, anticipating rain, didn’t rip it as deeply as they normally do, but it’s typically one of the most torturous tracks in America.

Last year Zach Osborne, who’s spent time racing in MXGP, had this to say:

“I think there are some sections out there that are in the top five of gnarliest sections in the world, it’s rough. I’m glad, I like this stuff. I spent a lot of time in Europe where this is the norm.”

The dirt at Glen Helen is a bit sandier and softer as a whole, and when it gets hammered all day big bumps and hard, relentless chops start developing, which makes things especially scary because it’s such a high-speed track.

In fact, riders were reaching nearly 80mph (129kph) in one section this year! And like Hangtown, it’s also got plenty of steep up and downhills, which, thanks to riders being hard on the gas going up and hard on the brakes coming down, makes for even more nasty chop.

Saddle up for a bumpy ride at Hangtown © Garth Milan/Red Bull Content Pool 

MXGP: Lommel

We promise we haven’t brought this one up just to upset Aaron and our AMA fans, but ask any US rider about Lommel and observe their reaction for an insight into the roughest track on the MXGP circuit!

The Belgian track is a sand one, and perhaps the word deep doesn’t do justice to just how far down that sand goes.

Jorge Prado carves up Lommel © Alberto Lessmann/Red Bull Content Pool 

The MX of Nations in 2012 made it no more apparent, as Team USA – still managing a highly credible third place – struggled to get to grips with the extremely tough Lommel, which even many of the European riders still can’t get their heads around.

“We learned quite a bit and we realised what a demanding and tough track this is,” was Ryan Dungey’s reaction after experiencing the famous layout.

Hands down the roughest, toughest one the World Championship has to offer.