Hangtown 2021 delayed, worth the wait

Bill Sullivan

May 20, 2021

In the past, this particular week would be when one would see an abundance of impressive race haulers and colorful race jerseys around Folsom and El Dorado Hills, as the annual Hangtown Motocross event would fill local establishments and hotels with patrons.

COVID-19 officially cancelled this famed event in 2020. So what about 2021? Fans will have to wait just a little bit longer for the green flag to wave on this local event that is paydirt to the area economy and its delay to September will be worth the wait of 113 days from today.

While it is usually one of the early events on the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, this year’s race organizers, together with the American Motocross Association, formed the 2021 schedule around the reopening of various regions as they look to leave COVID-19 in the dust. In doing so, the annual Hangtown Motocross Classic moves to Sept. 11 this year and will be the serious championship finale, crowning the 2021 titlists in a season that begins to travel the states at the end of this month.

Tickets are now available for the event set to take place at Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area, an event that equates to paydirt when it comes to tourism for the communities of Folsom, Rancho Cordova and El Dorado Hills.

“As the start of the 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship nears, each event organizer is diligently working to ensure they’ll have the opportunity to welcome the return of our passionate fans this summer,” said Davey Coombs, president of MX Sports Pro Racing. “We’re excited to see nearly half of the scheduled events open up ticket sales and we’re optimistic that more will soon follow. On behalf of everyone involved with making this year’s championship a success, we sincerely appreciate the patience and support of our fans as the work to provide a memorable summer of American motocross continues.”

This signature event attracts the top motocross racers from around the world, bringing national and international attention to the area as a destination for what is the longest-running outdoor motocross event in the United States.

“The annual Hangtown Motocross event is a proud Folsom tradition,” says Joe Gagliardi, CEO and president of the Greater Folsom Partnership. “The competitors and fans add to our economic vitality as they eat and shop in our Folsom businesses and support our lodging partners. Hangtown’s well-known brand offers Folsom national visibility.”

Traditionally, more than 25,000 spectators attend this annual event. They will witness more than 1,000 riders take to the dirt from the amateur level to the pros. The event is also televised nationally.

The Hangtown Motocross brings more than just big names and crowds to the Folsom area each year. Along with its vast attendance, it brings millions of dollars into the local economy. The annual event has been ranked one of Folsom’s top 10 tourism revenue generators for many years now.

Normally, many pack hotels in Folsom and Rancho Cordova on this particular week in May, that revenue will come in September this year. Prairie City will again become a small city of tents and recreational vehicles. Regardless of where they lodge, spectators and teams will be eager to eat and shop in the 95630 at a time when restrictions, masks and other such challenges should be in the history book.

The Hangtown Motocross is managed by the Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club and has organized the competition at Prairie City since 1979. The race was originally held near Placerville, then in the small town of Plymouth, which it outgrew very quickly.

The club spends more than $200,000 annually to stage the competition. More than 2,000 tons of sand is brought in to enhance the track each year, costing $20,000 alone. The club recruits sponsorships for the event each year, a necessary component to keep the affair running, considering that insurance alone is now in the neighborhood of $20,000.

With the expanded seating last year and hospitality sections for spectators, the modified course provides great vantage points to watch all of the action. It will also bring the race closer to the huge spectator base that is drawn to Hangtown year after year.

One aspect that many are unaware of is that profits from the Hangtown Motocross are used to benefit local charities. Throughout the years, the club has assisted various charities, including the Firefighters Burn Institute. Other local charities, such as the Friends of Folsom, provide volunteer support and vendor booths during the event that help their bank accounts annually. Members of the Friends of Folsom are already hard at work planning for the September event. Outside of the charities, additional profits go back into enhancing the facility for future events.

To the competitor, the Hangtown Motocross is one of the most coveted trophies on the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship Series. While it's not happening this week, come September, this community will be the place where a coveted champion is crowned for the first time in series history.

To purchase tickets and for full race information about the Hangtown Motocross Classic, go to hangtownmx.com.