The Legends and Heroes of Motocross will host a special reunion at the 2026 Southwick National this Saturday, 11th July, commemorating 50 years of Pro Motocross Championship racing at Western Massachusetts’ legendary sand track. Local icon Mike Guerra will serve as Grand Marshal for the 45th running of the Crestview Construction Southwick National.
The gathering celebrates The Wick 338’s storied tradition of local racers delivering heroic performances on America’s most unique and challenging racing surface. The ever-changing sand has produced countless underdog stories over five decades, with New England competitors leveraging their knowledge and stamina to challenge factory riders on their home turf.
Guerra, a Bolton, Connecticut native, helped establish New England as a motocross powerhouse in the mid-to-late 1970s. An NESC Champion and top professional racer in both AMA and Trans-Am Nationals, Guerra captured his best professional finish with second place at the 1979 Southwick National in the 250cc class. He later competed on the GP circuit, earning a landmark victory at the 1982 Spanish Grand Prix.
“Southwick has perhaps the deepest history of locals having breakout rides and it seems like nearly every year there is at least one incredible story to talk about,” said Pete Nomen from Legends and Heroes of Motocross. “I personally was here when JoJo Keller won a moto in 1982 and when Pat Barton got the holeshot and led the 125cc class for more than 30 minutes in 1988. And who can forget Mike Sottile, a virtually unknown guy outside New England, who put in a hero lap in 2014 when he posted the fastest qualifying time with his three-digit number, beating guys like Chad Reed and Ryan Dungey.”
Rick Johnson, General Manager of The Wick 338, emphasised the motivation driving local racers: “Back in the day, our New England guys were often overshadowed by the factory riders from California. So, when the National rolled into town, you had a bunch of highly motivated locals who had one shot to prove exactly how fast they were. We wanted to give our local heroes the proper recognition they deserve.”
The reunion takes place Saturday, 11th July at 11:15 a.m. ET at the Legends and Heroes of Motocross display behind American Legion Post 338. Fans are invited to meet racing icons for autograph signings, with special commemorative posters available for purchase.
Invited athletes include Graham Barber, Pat Barton, Dave Clemence, Jimmy Decotis, Doug Henry, JoJo Keller, Robbie Marshall, and Mike Sottile, amongst others. Track crew legends John Dowd, Chris Canning, Keith Johnson, and Gary Yellin will also make appearances.
In a historic footnote, 54-year-old Tony Lorusso from Brockton, Massachusetts, will attempt to become the oldest rider in history to qualify for a Pro Motocross National.
Photo: MX Sports Pro Racing Media
