Picturesque Washougal Set to Host Next Chapter of Thrilling Title Fights

After another spectacular weekend of racing, two of the most unpredictable and captivating championship battles in the history of the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, continue this weekend as the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship heads back to the West Coast for Round 25 of the regular season.

The picturesque, tree-lined Washougal MX Park, located just across the Washington-Oregon border, will once again host the annual Military Appreciation Race, supported by FLY Racing, during the 45th edition of the FLY Racing Washougal National Presented by Peterson CAT on Saturday, July 25.

A Special Weekend at a Legendary Venue

“In just a few short years, the already rich legacy of Washougal MX Park has gained another chapter as the home of our annual Military Appreciation Race,” said Davey Coombs, President of MX Sports Pro Racing.

“This special event has become one of the highlights of the summer schedule, and second-generation organizer Ryan Huffman has embraced the opportunity to honor our veterans.

“Visually, Washougal is arguably the most spectacular round of the championship, but it’s also one of the toughest for our riders. High speeds, a demanding racing surface and constantly changing light conditions force riders to walk a very fine line over two motos.

“The event has also become an important showcase for our partners at FLY Racing and Western Power Sports (WPS), who are based in the Pacific Northwest and use this weekend to highlight the products that have become some of the most popular choices throughout the paddock.”

A Unique Track

Since joining the Pro Motocross Championship in 1980, Washougal MX Park has become one of the sport’s most iconic venues. Hidden among the evergreen forests of the Pacific Northwest, the circuit combines breathtaking scenery with one of the most technically demanding layouts on the calendar.

Although the dark soil appears soft, the racing surface has hardened over decades of competition, creating deceptively slick conditions that demand perfect throttle control. Riders also face the famous Horsepower Hill, the challenging finish-line whoops and constant transitions between sunlight and deep shadows, making Washougal one of the most difficult circuits of the season.

Honouring the Armed Forces

Since 2023, the Washougal National has served as the championship’s official Military Appreciation Race, allowing teams, riders and fans to pay tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Military-inspired liveries, graphics and riding gear will once again be featured throughout the paddock.

This year’s event will also welcome Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Janell Brown from New Hampshire through a partnership with the Veteran MX Foundation. Brown, who also serves as a New Hampshire State Trooper, has been involved with motocross since the age of four and has represented Vet MX since 2020 as both an ambassador and championship-winning competitor.

The amateur programme will once again feature the Warrior Moto class, highlighted by the annual Branch Battle, in which riders representing each branch of the Armed Forces compete for bragging rights.

The HunterSeven Foundation will also be present throughout the weekend, providing free on-site cancer screenings for veterans on Friday (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) and Saturday (9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.).

Friday evening will conclude with a live edition of the Whiskey Throttle Show, hosted by former professional rider David Pingree, joined by former Miss Supercross Dianna Dahlgren, who will also serve as Grand Marshal. They will be joined by Dahlgren’s husband, former Navy SEAL Ryan Bates, along with representatives from Vet MX and HunterSeven.

Saturday’s opening ceremonies will feature a special flyover by a U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue helicopter.

FLY Racing and WPS

As title sponsor of the event, FLY Racing and Western Power Sports (WPS) will once again play a major role throughout the weekend.

Top riders representing the brand include Cooper Webb, RJ Hampshire, Chance Hymas, and the entire ClubMX Yamaha squad.

Founded in 1960, Western Power Sports serves more than 14,000 dealers worldwide with over 150,000 products, including motorcycle, ATV/UTV, snowmobile and watercraft parts, apparel and accessories. Besides FLY Racing, its portfolio includes Fire Power, GMAX Helmets, HardDrive, Highway 21, Open Trail, Rale Industries, Sedona Tire & Wheel, Shinko Tires and SP1 Products.

Championship Battles Heat Up

450SMX Class

The championship fight between the Lawrence brothers remains the headline story.

After dominating Spring Creek with a perfect 1-1 performance, Hunter Lawrence reclaimed the red plate for the third time this season and now holds his biggest championship lead yet—10 points over younger brother Jett Lawrence.

Jett looked set to split moto victories before a late-race crash in Moto 2 dropped him to fifth place, equalling his worst single-moto finish of the year.

With just four rounds remaining, the pressure continues to build. Washougal has historically been one of Jett’s least successful circuits, with only one victory to his name, giving Hunter another opportunity to extend his advantage.

Meanwhile, Haiden Deegan enjoyed the best 450 result of his rookie season by finishing second overall at Spring Creek. Washougal has traditionally suited the Californian, who won two of his three 250 class appearances at the venue, making him one of the favourites to challenge for his maiden premier-class victory.

250SMX Class

The unpredictable 250SMX Championship delivered another dramatic twist at Spring Creek.

Julien Beaumer claimed his first overall victory, becoming the fourth different first-time winner in seven rounds.

Championship leader Cole Davies endured his most difficult race of the season, opening the door for Levi Kitchen to reclaim the red plate.

Heading into his home race, Kitchen now enjoys a 24-point lead over Beaumer and a 25-point advantage over Davies.

Adding even more intrigue, none of the current 250SMX title contenders has ever stood on the overall podium at Washougal, suggesting another unpredictable weekend could be on the cards.

Schedule

The FLY Racing Washougal National takes place on Saturday, July 25.

• On-track action: 8:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. ET
• Opening Ceremonies: 12:15 p.m. PT / 3:15 p.m. ET
• Moto 1: 1:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. ET

Live coverage will be available exclusively on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET, followed by uninterrupted coverage of all motos.