Hangtown Motocross Classic rolls into town

After being swallowed up in the smorgasbord of cancelled events in 2020, the Hangtown Motocross Classic is finally back for its 52nd year. An event that once took place in the likes of May each year, this high-profile event makes its first appearance as a late summer, fall event this Saturday, Sept. 11. While many were disappointed that their traditional Memorial Day affair was moving, the extra wait is sure to be worth it this weekend. Not only did race organizers, together with the American Motocross Association, form the 2021 schedule around the reopening of various regions following the pandemic, they managed to make the Hangtown Motocross Classic the series championship finale, crowning the 2021 titlists in a season that began to travel the states back in the spring. Select tickets are still available for the event set to take place at Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area. This event is far more than a venue for motocross fans to get some dirt in their favorite beverage and see the national stars in person; the event is paydirt when it comes to tourism for the communities of Folsom, Rancho Cordova and El Dorado Hills. "At the start of the 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, each event organizer (was) diligently working to ensure they'll have the opportunity to welcome the return of our passionate fans this summer," said Davey Coombs, president of MX Sports Pro Racing. "On behalf of everyone involved with making this year's championship a success, we sincerely appreciate the patience and support of our fans as the work to provide a memorable summer of American motocross continues." This signature event attracts the top motocross racers from around the world, bringing national and international attention to the area as a destination for what is the longest-running outdoor motocross event in the United States. "The annual Hangtown Motocross event is a proud Folsom tradition," said Joe Gagliardi, CEO and president of the Greater Folsom Partnership. "The competitors and fans add to our economic vitality as they eat and shop in our Folsom businesses and support our lodging partners. Hangtown's well-known brand offers Folsom national visibility." Traditionally, more than 25,000 spectators attend this annual event. They will witness more than 1,000 riders take to the dirt from the amateur level to the pros. The event is also televised nationally. The Hangtown Motocross brings more than just big names and crowds to the Folsom area each year. Along with its vast attendance, it brings millions of dollars into the local economy. The annual event has been ranked one of Folsom's Top 10 tourism revenue generators for many years now. Normally, many pack hotels in Folsom and Rancho Cordova for the event. Such is still expected to be the case, although rooms are scarce this week with many evacuees still occupying rooms from the nearby Caldor Fire. While those hotels will surely fill to capacity quickly, Prairie City will again become a small city of tents and recreational vehicles. Regardless of where they lodge, spectators and teams will be eager to eat, shop and more right here in the 95630, something that makes local businesses owners happy. The Hangtown Motocross is managed by the Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club and has organized the competition at Prairie City since 1979. The race was originally held near Placerville, then in the small town of Plymouth, which it outgrew very quickly. The club spends more than $200,000 annually to stage the competition. More than 2,000 tons of sand is brought in to enhance the track each year, costing $20,000 alone. The club recruits sponsorships for the event each year, a necessary component to keep the affair running, considering that insurance alone is now in the neighborhood of $20,000. With the expanded seating last year and hospitality sections for spectators, the modified course provides great vantage points to watch all of the action. It will also bring the race closer to the huge spectator base that is drawn to Hangtown year after year. One aspect that many are unaware of is that profits from the Hangtown Motocross are used to benefit local charities. Throughout the years, the club has assisted various charities, including the Firefighters Burn Institute. Other local charities, such as the Friends of Folsom, provide volunteer support and vendor booths during the event that help their bank accounts annually. Members of the Friends of Folsom have been hard at work planning for Saturday's event, one they went without last year and lost a tremendous amount of revenue they count on each year to operate and provide goodwill to others. Outside of the charities, additional profits go back into enhancing the facility for future events. To the competitor, the Hangtown Motocross is one of the most coveted trophies on the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship Series. Come Saturday, this community will now be the place where a coveted champion is crowned as a national champion. Prior to the pro riders racing through the curves and hills of Sacramento County, Thursday and Friday will be host to the amature riders, where many locals get revved for the thrill of competition. Will call opens at 7 a.m. on Saturday, practice begins at 8 a.m with competition beginning at 11;45 a.m. For complete details on those events and to purchase tickets and for full race information about the Hangtown Motocross Classic, go to hangtownmx.com. 52nd Hangtown Classic Schedule, Sept. 11 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Will Call 7:20 a.m. - 7:35 a.m. &emsp;&emsp;Mandatory Riders Meeting 7:35 a.m. - 7:50 a.m. &emsp;&emsp;Chapel Service (Pro Pits) 8 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. 250 Class Practice Grp B - 15 minutes 5 Free/10 Timed 8:20 a.m. - 8:35 a.m. &emsp;&emsp;250 Class Practice Grp A - 15 minutes 5 Free/10 Timed 8:35 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. &emsp;&emsp;Track Maintenance 8:45 a.m. - 9 a.m. 450 Class Practice Grp A - 15 minutes 5 Free/10 Timed 9:05 a.m. - 9:20 a.m. &emsp;&emsp;450 Class Practice Grp B - 15 minutes 5 Free/10 Timed 9:20 a.m. - 9:35 a.m. &emsp;&emsp;Track Maintenance 9:35 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. &emsp;&emsp;125 All Stars Practice 9:50 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. &emsp;&emsp;250 Class Group B Start Practice 5 minutes 9:55 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. 250 Class Practice Grp B - 15 minutes - Timed 10:15 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. 250 Class Group A Start Practice 5 minutes 10:20 a.m. - 10:35 a.m. 250 Class Practice Grp A - 15 minutes - Timed 10:35 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Track Maintenance 10:45 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. 450 Class Group A Start Practice 5 minutes 10:50 a.m. - 11:05 a.m. 450 Class Practice Grp A - 15 minutes - Timed 11:10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 450 Class Group B Start Practice 5 minutes 11:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 450 Class Practice Grp B - 15 minutes - Timed 11:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Track Maintenance 11:45 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. 125 All Stars Race 12 p.m. - 12:10 p.m. &emsp;&emsp;250 Consolation Race 12:15 p.m. - 12:25 p.m. 450 Consolation Race 12:40 p.m. - 1 p.m. &emsp;&emsp;Opening Ceremonies 1 p.m. - 1:10 p.m. 250 Class Sight Lap 1:10 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. &emsp;&emsp;250 Class Moto #1 1:45 p.m. - 2 p.m. Podium Interviews 2 p.m. - 2:10 p.m. 450 Class Sight Lap 2:10 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. &emsp;&emsp;450 Class Moto #1 2:45 p.m. - 3 p.m. Podium Interviews