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motomike137
7/30/2019 4:37am
7/30/2019 4:37am
Edited Date/Time
7/31/2019 8:25pm
Early in the podcast Matthes calls Washougal "a good track not a great track". What say the masses?
Poll
Love Muddy Creek and Hangtown for the exact same reasons, when the conditions aren't drop the clutch bro it's cool to watch those guys get after it.
The Shop
In no particular order I’d rate Unadilla, Budds Creek, Glen Helen, Red Bud, Southwick and Millville above Washougal. I’m probably giving Unadilla too much credit as it’s nowhere near as appealing to me now as compared to years ago.
1. Southwick
2. Budds Creek, Washougal (tie)
4. Glen Helen
5. Hangtown
6. Fox Raceway
I love the sand and Budds Creek has such a fun layout. However, HP uphill, the constant elevation changes, and the feeling when you get a flow going at Washougal are great. The racing this weekend was incredible, too.
I think the racing Saturday was slightly over rated, Eli did something super human (could happen anywhere) and made passes, however not alot of passes actually happened. Steve had a great tweet about this.
Either way, it's a staple and holds a very dear place in my heart, so I love it. But it's not the best RACE track.
That being said, I've been to all of the national tracks on the circuit for the last few years, and have seen them from the infield, the stands and the paddock- and have paid close attention to who and how these tracks are run.
In my opinion each track brings their own hand to the proverbial table. While there can be no clear-cut winner, I believe it all boils down to what you are looking for as far as the experience is concerned...
The sand at Southwick is amazing.
The view at Hi-Point is awesome.
The pre-season hype at Hangtown is unmatched.
The humidity at Bud's Creek is literally breathtaking.
The mini-donuts at Millville will make your morning.
The mud at Ironman can destroy your whole program.
The barn at Unadilla should give you chills.
The drive in to Spring Creek will make you want to buy a farm.
The hills at Colorado will make you stand sideways for hours after the race.
The parking lot at Red Bud will make you do a liver swap.
...these are just a few that come to mind first thing this morning.
The fact is that they are all GREAT racetracks- and we should all feel lucky to watch these guys find the fastest way around them each weekend.
We should all support the many families that dedicate their lives to keeping these things running.
While most of the money is made in supercross, we need true motocross to thrive in the countryside. Many of these smaller towns and families rely on the income injected into the community each year. It gives them something to build on, to continue to make it better each year. Pride.
I'm 42 years old. I've been going to Washougal since I was in single digits. The drive still gets me.
That little iceball in my gut as I drive along the river. Wondering if anyone is parked in my spot. What the conditions will be like. Who's working in the horse trailer to take my money as I come in...
It's my NeverNeverland. Where nobody ever grows up. I'm proud of her. I love the shadows- the slippery spots- the giant whoops.
The whole deal.
So should everybody. Everywhere.
Today I'm going to go ride Mt. ViewMX. I know it will probably be blown out by the second session. I know I'll have my opinions on what should be different. But I'm going anyway- because I love riding my dirtbike.
And they could probably use my $25. (discount day )
OK I'm done.
As far as the national race goes, Washougal helps add to the variety in the tracks on the schedule. The series would be boring if every track were the same soil and prepped the same. We're lucky to have a national series with great riders who have different riding styles racing on a variety of tracks.
Unadilla used to be the best track on this planet.... now.... after years of dozers build "skyshots" (that 3 wheelers can make) and other big non-natural jumps, it is a highly glorified SX track .....
Very happy to see Washougal addressing some of these issues like soil and bathrooms this year. If I could wake up tomorrow and go ride anywhere it would be Millville...but I do appreciate the diversity that Washougal offers to the series. Last week was great...the weather helped. It’s a great National event....but no, it’s not a great track.
Pit Row
I'm not sure that any dirt actually sucks (see all the SX tracks with worn-out dirt...wait, how does dirt get worn out, exactly?)...but...
Is it sandy or as soft as some of the other national tracks? Nope. Is it good to have different surfaces in there to mix things up? Absolutely.
I'm not a fan of universal racing surfaces.
It's why you try to not plow farm ground during heavy rain, etc.
Adding sand and organic matter is an attempt to improve soil tilth.
Starting order played a role too but that track produced the best racing of the year imo.
Unadilla.... Looking at the 50 years article in racer x almost made me want to cry. So naturally perfect..... And now the only word I can think of for the man made obstacles is that they like..... Molested the terrain.
Fun track and I really enjoy the challenge of riding there and have raced there a few times on AM day.
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