Which National to attend?

lumpy790
Posts
11421
Joined
9/18/2007
Location
York, SC US
5/18/2026 7:57pm
Meister wrote:

Steel City..

 

Wait, nvm.

 

Troy.

 

Shit, nvm.

 

High points fun. 

Broom Tioga ahhh that downhill!!!

1
AMDnutt
Posts
78
Joined
3/7/2015
Location
Fort Wayne, IN US
5/18/2026 7:59pm

Ironman (Crawfordsville, IN) is great, lots of shade and good viewing. Easy in to Indianapolis airport with an hours drive to the track. Plenty of places to stay in Indy and lots of good food.

Red Bud on the 4th of July weekend is always great, it has tamed down a bit over the years (I started going in early 80's when it was WILD!)

High point has good views but not much shade, harder to get to from airport....

1
disbanded
Posts
6921
Joined
8/26/2007
Location
Evergreen, CO US
5/18/2026 8:47pm

Lakewood because Colorado

1
429 Sterling
Posts
300
Joined
11/19/2023
Location
Boston, MA US
5/18/2026 9:11pm
Also cast my vote for southwick. It’s less than a 2 hour drive from Boston and the easiest track to drive into. Rent a car and...

Also cast my vote for southwick. It’s less than a 2 hour drive from Boston and the easiest track to drive into. Rent a car and make it a fun weekend going to the track and exploring the city.

runic121 wrote:
Having a beer at the American Legion is pretty cool. And, full disclosure, I've only been to Southwick like five times.Only once to ride, thank goodness, that...

Having a beer at the American Legion is pretty cool. 

And, full disclosure, I've only been to Southwick like five times.

Only once to ride, thank goodness, that didn't go poorly, but it didn't go well.

But yeah, no, don't mean offense to the locals...

But no. It's pretty much last on the list.

Not easily accessed from other parts of the world, and the sightlines are really not great.

On the other coast, Washougal is something else... recommended... but more for the ambiance of the mountains and the Columbia River area. Not the best place to watch a race unfold.

Half the race, sure. Can't see the other. 

Lakewood and Budds deliver the ambiance, totally different, crisp mountain air vs. muggy brutal crucible of the arena type heat... and the view of nearly the entire track at either.

And yeah, as someone noted above, crabcakes. You know, at Budds. But it can be a hot mo fo. 

I’ve only ridden southwick once on a practice day and it went pretty damn bad for me. Just makes me appreciate how talented the pros are that ride it.

The Shop

Press516
Posts
5695
Joined
9/11/2018
Location
Gilbert, AZ US
Fantasy
5/18/2026 9:56pm

Red Bud and Lakewood are my 2 favorites.  But Ironman and Washougal are next for me.

I’ll be retired in 2028 and my wife and I are going to grab the grandkids when they get out of school and jump in the RV and do every National until I have to put them on a plane to go back and get ready for school.  

8
Moto Nomad
Posts
1156
Joined
1/19/2021
Location
Grass Valley, CA US
5/18/2026 11:37pm

Dude, any of them. If you love motocross you love going to a Nat, period! I was raised on Budds Creek, which is awesome, but my current fave is Hangtown! Going there this weekend with my nine-year-old daughter. 

2
1
shane509
Posts
160
Joined
4/18/2013
Location
Lumberton, MS US
5/19/2026 4:22am

Awesome, thanks for all the replies! Just had our first baby in January and took him to Bham sx, I doubt we will make something this year but want to start planning for next year. 

2
JBlain619
Posts
1832
Joined
6/10/2010
Location
Severna Park, MD US
5/19/2026 6:19am
30minmotos wrote:
The viewing at budds is unreal. Air bnb is possible anywhere. dc close by which has plenty of touristy stuff to do. I believe there are...

The viewing at budds is unreal. Air bnb is possible anywhere. dc close by which has plenty of touristy stuff to do. I believe there are some beach state parks that are driving distance as well. There’s water on either side that far down in Md.

lumpy790 wrote:

and great crab restaurants ! 

Eh...I wouldn't eat at Captain Billy's for a while due to that sewage spill. 

JBlain619
Posts
1832
Joined
6/10/2010
Location
Severna Park, MD US
5/19/2026 6:23am
insertinfo wrote:
I bought tickets for Budds Creek, since i will be visiting the area in August! First time i'm going over there, coming from Italy. Let me...

I bought tickets for Budds Creek, since i will be visiting the area in August! First time i'm going over there, coming from Italy. Let me know if any of you will be there... also what are the best spots?

JBecker 72 wrote:
My favorite spots are top of the hill past the club house right next to the step down triple, and the whole island area between Big...

My favorite spots are top of the hill past the club house right next to the step down triple, and the whole island area between Big Gulp and the run up to Henry Hill. Both spots have huge oak trees to provide great shade and you can see the whole track pretty much from either spot. 

Bring way more water than you think you will need.

This 100%! Definitely bring an umbrella, it will help with shade when you walk around as well as if a pop up thunderstorm happens.

2
freeh
Posts
786
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Lehi, UT US
5/19/2026 7:51am

Red Bud. Pretty amazing atmosphere over the 4th of July weekend.

2
JBlain619
Posts
1832
Joined
6/10/2010
Location
Severna Park, MD US
5/19/2026 8:27am
disbanded wrote:

Lakewood because Colorado

Going to Lakewood for the first time this year.

1
5/19/2026 9:51am
Snoqualmie wrote:
Southwick.Easy flight into Hartford, CN. Lots of hotels, etc. It's as "Americana" as you can get: American Legion lodge; colonial era homes; small track area lots...

Southwick.

Easy flight into Hartford, CN. Lots of hotels, etc. 

It's as "Americana" as you can get: American Legion lodge; colonial era homes; small track area lots of shade and viewing options; lots of moto history...

P.S. Hangtown has the possibility of being really hot with no shade.

30minmotos wrote:

Eh. Southwick viewing is horrible. Any good spots are stacked 4 deep with people, and can generally only see 1 or 2 turns at most.

Yea they really sold out where their “VIP” and “Preferred viewing” tickets. Damn shame. 

Nairb#70
Posts
3871
Joined
2/25/2020
Location
Ivoryton, CT US
5/19/2026 11:45am
Snoqualmie wrote:
Southwick.Easy flight into Hartford, CN. Lots of hotels, etc. It's as "Americana" as you can get: American Legion lodge; colonial era homes; small track area lots...

Southwick.

Easy flight into Hartford, CN. Lots of hotels, etc. 

It's as "Americana" as you can get: American Legion lodge; colonial era homes; small track area lots of shade and viewing options; lots of moto history...

P.S. Hangtown has the possibility of being really hot with no shade.

30minmotos wrote:

Eh. Southwick viewing is horrible. Any good spots are stacked 4 deep with people, and can generally only see 1 or 2 turns at most.

Yea they really sold out where their “VIP” and “Preferred viewing” tickets. Damn shame. 

The key to good spectating at Southwick is to keep moving. You can circle the whole track now and see everything. Just follow the fence.

3
1
lumpy790
Posts
11421
Joined
9/18/2007
Location
York, SC US
5/19/2026 4:23pm
30minmotos wrote:
The viewing at budds is unreal. Air bnb is possible anywhere. dc close by which has plenty of touristy stuff to do. I believe there are...

The viewing at budds is unreal. Air bnb is possible anywhere. dc close by which has plenty of touristy stuff to do. I believe there are some beach state parks that are driving distance as well. There’s water on either side that far down in Md.

lumpy790 wrote:

and great crab restaurants ! 

JBlain619 wrote:

Eh...I wouldn't eat at Captain Billy's for a while due to that sewage spill. 

I like captain Lenards in Mechanicsville 

1
lumpy790
Posts
11421
Joined
9/18/2007
Location
York, SC US
5/19/2026 4:24pm
insertinfo wrote:
I bought tickets for Budds Creek, since i will be visiting the area in August! First time i'm going over there, coming from Italy. Let me...

I bought tickets for Budds Creek, since i will be visiting the area in August! First time i'm going over there, coming from Italy. Let me know if any of you will be there... also what are the best spots?

JBecker 72 wrote:
My favorite spots are top of the hill past the club house right next to the step down triple, and the whole island area between Big...

My favorite spots are top of the hill past the club house right next to the step down triple, and the whole island area between Big Gulp and the run up to Henry Hill. Both spots have huge oak trees to provide great shade and you can see the whole track pretty much from either spot. 

Bring way more water than you think you will need.

JBlain619 wrote:

This 100%! Definitely bring an umbrella, it will help with shade when you walk around as well as if a pop up thunderstorm happens.

😂 5 o’clock 

1
disbanded
Posts
6921
Joined
8/26/2007
Location
Evergreen, CO US
5/19/2026 5:36pm
disbanded wrote:

Lakewood because Colorado

JBlain619 wrote:

Going to Lakewood for the first time this year.

Good times guaranteed!  Do you have any other plans around the area?

1
Bow977
Posts
647
Joined
1/19/2021
Location
Bakersfield, CA US
Fantasy
5/19/2026 6:26pm

This year Fox feels like A1

1
5/19/2026 7:07pm

Coenen Bros are racing Thunder Valley this year. See you gents there.

2
5/19/2026 8:29pm

Yea they really sold out where their “VIP” and “Preferred viewing” tickets. Damn shame. 

This is why I opted out on Southwick this year. I’ve always wanted to go as it is one of the few I haven’t been to. But when I was looking at the multiple different VIP sections I was out. I don’t mind paying for a VIP spot but it appears they took all the good viewing areas and make you pick one and stay there all day. I like to watch from different spots and I’m not paying for multiple VIP access. 

1
jasonv43
Posts
10279
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA US
5/19/2026 8:52pm

If you can spend the money. Get the VIP package for Budds Creek. Great location on the track with awesome viewing. There is covered seating with tables and chairs and bleachers as well. Food, snacks, water is included as well. And a program.

IMG 0824 4
 

1
5/20/2026 6:58am

     As mentioned, UNADILLA, the history of the sport is important, and no other track comes close ! 

2
NV825
Posts
2167
Joined
8/26/2006
Location
Carson City, NV US
5/20/2026 12:54pm

If you can tolerate watching them race on what looks like the moon, Pala/Fox Raceway would score really high on the hype meter as the first round of the year (most likely), and really high on the family trip part with everything San Diego has to offer (beaches, zoos, Legoland, etc.).

Regardless of where you go, you'll probably want to splurge on VIP tickets so you know you have a covered area to escape any heat or rain with a 1.5 year old.

1
Dynamometer
Posts
138
Joined
12/6/2024
Location
Boise , ID US
5/21/2026 8:30pm

Go to Washougal if you want to be stuck looking through fences everywhere. They just kept adding more and more.... I'm curious to see if they added anymore this year. Stupid insurance 

Dave v3.0
Posts
679
Joined
7/15/2022
Location
Ozark, AL US
5/22/2026 6:56am

I've done Gatorback, Sunshine (St. Pete), Atlanta (Six Flags), Talladega (yes, it was considered an outdoor national back then), Glen Helen, Lakewood, Freestone, Unadilla, and Southwick.

Of all those, Lakewood had the best spectating.  Plus it's easy to get to, easy to leave, and the Denver area is pretty cool.  Unadilla was also good as long as you don't remember when it actually had grass🙄.  

I'd still like to do Millville and Budd's.

2
maicocd
Posts
209
Joined
1/10/2008
Location
White Hall, MD US
5/22/2026 9:17am

As a couple others have mentioned- don't discount UNADILLA...

Budds Creek is my local "every year" National... I love it and its a yearly tradition with family and old MX friends topped off with crabs along the water at the end of the day! I defintely recommend it once to any MX fan that's never been- you wont be disappointed!

But having been to nearly every Budd's Nationals, GP's, MXoN since the first National in 1989 we mixed it up in 2024 and did Unadilla instead.

I've been going to Unadilla since the earl/mid 70's as a kid... I've seen all era's of racers and all the changes to the track. Believe me, I have nostalgia for standing beside the track with my VFW fried dough watching Roger Decoster on a yellow #104 Suzuki, and eventually n to to Bailey, to Ward, RJ, Carmichael, Stewart, Reed, etc.

A good few years had passed since my return in 2024 and there is nothing like those rolling hills of NY in summertime. The place is still awesome and 100% motocross at its best. I can also appreciate that it's changed from the 70's. They might not have grass and all-natural terrain, but the place is still beautiful and a perfect showcase for the riders of today. There might not be grass for Hannah to roost you around a turn with anymore, but I also didn't ever see the Sky Shots that you get to see today (photo attached).

Spoil yourself and family and get a VIP pass... walk the entire track one moto.. There's also lots to see and do in upstate NY with the family in the summertime. Go do it once in your life for the complete motocross experience!

unadilla 24 0
2
FGR01
Posts
6084
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
AZ US
Fantasy
5/22/2026 9:46am

Budds and Lakewood are both good viewing, but both require plenty of hiking around the track to get that good viewing.   Unless you just want to park in one place on a hill on the outside of the track and only see what you can from there.  Budds you can see most of the track from the hill by the step down triple.  Lakewood has hogged up those kind of spots with the Gold and Silver VIP tents.  To get good viewing at Lakewood you need to go into the infield and walk around.  Have good walking shoes, elevation resistance, lots of water and sunblock.

1
JBlain619
Posts
1832
Joined
6/10/2010
Location
Severna Park, MD US
5/22/2026 10:04am
disbanded wrote:

Lakewood because Colorado

JBlain619 wrote:

Going to Lakewood for the first time this year.

disbanded wrote:

Good times guaranteed!  Do you have any other plans around the area?

I'm there for the week prior for work in Aurora/Englewood.  Going to the Rockies game on Wednesday.  Would like to drive up to Boulder as well. Trying to talk Seth into a round of golf at Arrowhead on Friday.

1
5/22/2026 10:06am
Snoqualmie wrote:
Southwick.Easy flight into Hartford, CN. Lots of hotels, etc. It's as "Americana" as you can get: American Legion lodge; colonial era homes; small track area lots...

Southwick.

Easy flight into Hartford, CN. Lots of hotels, etc. 

It's as "Americana" as you can get: American Legion lodge; colonial era homes; small track area lots of shade and viewing options; lots of moto history...

P.S. Hangtown has the possibility of being really hot with no shade.

30minmotos wrote:

Eh. Southwick viewing is horrible. Any good spots are stacked 4 deep with people, and can generally only see 1 or 2 turns at most.

X2. My first race ever was there in '92 and the first National I've ever been to was there, in '92 also. It's probably the worst track for spectating on the circuit. So much so that's it's only about an hour away and I still stay home and just watch on tv. I'd rather just drive further and go to Dilla. Budds is amazing. You can almost see the entire race from one spot in the infield grass area. Pretty sure I'm making the drive to go to Budds this summer. So worth it

Nairb#70
Posts
3871
Joined
2/25/2020
Location
Ivoryton, CT US
5/22/2026 11:06am
Snoqualmie wrote:
Southwick.Easy flight into Hartford, CN. Lots of hotels, etc. It's as "Americana" as you can get: American Legion lodge; colonial era homes; small track area lots...

Southwick.

Easy flight into Hartford, CN. Lots of hotels, etc. 

It's as "Americana" as you can get: American Legion lodge; colonial era homes; small track area lots of shade and viewing options; lots of moto history...

P.S. Hangtown has the possibility of being really hot with no shade.

30minmotos wrote:

Eh. Southwick viewing is horrible. Any good spots are stacked 4 deep with people, and can generally only see 1 or 2 turns at most.

X2. My first race ever was there in '92 and the first National I've ever been to was there, in '92 also. It's probably the worst...

X2. My first race ever was there in '92 and the first National I've ever been to was there, in '92 also. It's probably the worst track for spectating on the circuit. So much so that's it's only about an hour away and I still stay home and just watch on tv. I'd rather just drive further and go to Dilla. Budds is amazing. You can almost see the entire race from one spot in the infield grass area. Pretty sure I'm making the drive to go to Budds this summer. So worth it

That's the sad truth. If you do go to Budds, just don't make the mistake of staying in Baltimore.

disbanded
Posts
6921
Joined
8/26/2007
Location
Evergreen, CO US
6/15/2026 10:00am
JBlain619 wrote:

Going to Lakewood for the first time this year.

disbanded wrote:

Good times guaranteed!  Do you have any other plans around the area?

JBlain619 wrote:
I'm there for the week prior for work in Aurora/Englewood.  Going to the Rockies game on Wednesday.  Would like to drive up to Boulder as well...

I'm there for the week prior for work in Aurora/Englewood.  Going to the Rockies game on Wednesday.  Would like to drive up to Boulder as well. Trying to talk Seth into a round of golf at Arrowhead on Friday.

How was it?

Post a reply to: Which National to attend?

The Latest