Washougal MX Park, located in the scenic foothills of the Cascade Mountains, is regarded as one of the most beautiful motocross parks in the world, with gorgeous scenery and amazing fishing. Each year, event Promoter Ralph Huffman stocks the pond with several hundred trout. Riders, fans, and industry members can be seen relaxing and reeling in fish on a nice day. Located about 20 minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon, the track sits just outside the town of Washougal.
This track has seen many upsets here, as well as outstanding rides. In 1999, local privateer racer Jason McCormick beat Ricky Carmichael, winning the second moto aboard a Planet Honda backed Honda CR 125. He earned a 3rd overall after recording a 5-1 moto score, which is one of the most electrifying moments of Washougal’s history. Could another privateer step up this weekend and show the factory boys he has what it takes to run up front?
Jeff Ward, who has his own team now (Jeff Ward Racing,) is known as the “King of Washougal.” He placed in the top 10 at every event there that he competed in, including several overall wins in the 1980’s. Larry Ward is also a local favorite at Washougal, riding and qualifying at 16 consecutive Washougal Nationals.
The race for the 450 championship is pretty much in Ryan Dungey’s hands at this point, as long as he keeps riding well and doesn’t run into any problems. Even though he is running so far out front in the points lead, the battle for the podium has been very interesting. Mike Alessi is tired of 2nd place and will be searching for ways to run with Ryan and maybe even beat him. Jake Weimer also will be trying to find a way to beat Dungey when the gate drops at Washougal. Both Alessi and Weimer mentioned that they are trying to chip away at Dungey’s lead, and Washougal may be the stop that they are able to pull it off.
In the 250 Class, the race for the top 4 is extremely intense. Although Blake Baggett has the red number plate, the others are pushing harder than ever to beat him. This is Justin Barcia’s last year in the division, and he wants nothing less than a championship before he moves up. Eli Tomac was able to pull off a moto win at Spring Creek and may come into Washougal with the confidence that he needs to get a winning streak going. Meanwhile, Ken Roczen will look to Washougal to win his first National. When the gate drops, the 250 Class will be the division to watch, and the scenic track will serve as the perfect battleground for the championship.
