The 2026 Pro Motocross Championship returns to the Pacific Northwest this weekend for the milestone 45th running of the FLY Racing Washougal National Presented by Peterson CAT. The iconic venue will once again serve as the series’ annual Military Appreciation Race, supported by FLY Racing, as Round 25 of the Monster Energy SMX World Championship regular season unfolds on Saturday, 25th July.
Washougal MX Park, nestled in the tree-lined evergreen forests along the Washington/Oregon border, has been a cornerstone of American motocross since 1980. The picturesque setting belies one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar, with its deceptively slick racing surface, thrilling Horsepower Hill, infamous finish-line whoops, and treacherous light-to-shadow transitions testing even the most experienced professionals.
The 450SMX Class championship battle has reached fever pitch, with Hunter Lawrence regaining the red plate for a third time following his dominant 1-1 performance at Spring Creek. The Honda HRC Progressive rider now holds a 10-point advantage over younger brother Jett Lawrence, whose late-race crash whilst leading the final moto cost him crucial points and marked his largest setback of the season.
With four races remaining and mounting pressure on the defending champion, Hunter Lawrence’s opportunity to extend his lead comes at a favourable moment—Jett has just one Washougal victory to his credit, making it arguably his weakest track. Meanwhile, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan capitalised on the drama to secure a career-best runner-up finish and arrives at one of his strongest circuits, having won twice in three previous 250SMX Class starts at the venue.
The 250SMX Class continues its unpredictable season trajectory, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer becoming the fourth different first-time winner in seven races at Spring Creek. More significantly, hometown hero Levi Kitchen seized the championship lead after Cole Davies endured his worst outing of the summer. The Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider now heads to his native Washington with a season-high 24-point advantage over Beaumer and 25 points clear of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Davies.
Remarkably, not a single current 250SMX Class competitor has finished on a Washougal podium, setting the stage for another unpredictable afternoon in the smaller displacement category.
Since 2023, the Washougal National has served as the series’ Military Appreciation Race, honouring the men and women of the Armed Forces. Military-themed livery will adorn machinery throughout the paddock, whilst the Warrior Moto class will feature a “Branch Battle” amongst service members. The HunterSeven Foundation will provide free cancer screenings for veterans, and the venue has partnered with the Veteran MX Foundation to host Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Janell Brown, a New Hampshire State Trooper and championship-winning Vet MX competitor.
Opening ceremonies will feature a Coast Guard Search & Rescue helicopter flyover, whilst former professional David Pringree will host a live Whiskey Throttle Show broadcast Friday evening with special guests including former “Miss Supercross” Dianna Dahlgren, who will serve as Grand Marshal, and her spouse, former Navy Seal Ryan Bates.
On-track action begins Saturday at 8:00 AM PT, with motos commencing at 1:00 PM PT. Comprehensive live streaming coverage will air exclusively on Peacock from 10:00 AM PT.
Photo: MX Sports Pro Racing Media
