Hangtown Motocross Classic: California’s Oldest and Boldest Motocross Tradition
The Hangtown Motocross Classic is more than a race. It is a California motorsports tradition built on grit, speed, community and more than five decades of dirt-flying history. Founded in 1968 by the Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club, Hangtown began as a small local race near Placerville and grew into one of the most respected stops on the AMA National Motocross Championship calendar.
Today, the race takes place at Prairie City SVRA in Folsom, where fans gather each year to watch some of the best motocross riders in the country compete on one of the sport’s most legendary tracks. It is California’s oldest motocross event, one of the boldest weekends in American motocross, and the only AMA National Motocross Championship round still organized by a motorcycle club.
From Murray’s Ranch to Motocross History
Hangtown’s story began at Murray’s Ranch near Placerville, not far from the historic Gold Rush town once known as Hangtown. What started with a handful of passionate riders in 1968 quickly became something much bigger.
The early races had the spirit of true grassroots motocross. Riders came for the challenge. Fans came for the energy. The Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club brought the organization, safety standards and community pride that helped the event grow from a local competition into a national motocross landmark.
As the race gained popularity, it became known for more than just fast bikes and fierce competition. Hangtown developed a reputation for professionalism, excitement and a welcoming atmosphere that made people want to return year after year.
Who's going to the Hangtown Motocross this weekend?https://t.co/V99XUTchU6 pic.twitter.com/5x8loEnS0G
— Sacramento Top 10 (@SacramentoTop10) May 30, 2025
The Hangtown Motocross Legacy
The Hangtown Motocross Classic has earned its place as one of the most enduring races in American motocross. For riders, it is a proving ground. For fans, it is a full-throttle tradition. For the Sacramento region, it is one of those signature events that brings national attention, local pride and a lot of happy noise.
Each year, new generations of riders and spectators discover what longtime fans already know: Hangtown has a personality all its own. It is rugged, exciting, historic and deeply connected to the people who built it.
At Prairie City SVRA, the event has grown into a festival-style experience with racing, vendors, families, industry partners and fans from across the country. The energy starts long before the gate drops and continues throughout the day as fans cheer on the sport’s top competitors.
A Motorcycle Club Still Leads the Way
One of the most remarkable things about Hangtown is that it remains the only national motocross round organized by a motorcycle club. That is not a small detail. It is the heart of the event.
The Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club has carried this tradition forward with a commitment to safety, integrity and camaraderie. Their work keeps Hangtown connected to its roots while still delivering a polished national race experience.
In a sport that has changed dramatically since the late 1960s, Hangtown still feels connected to the people who love motocross most. That club-built foundation gives the event a sense of authenticity that fans can feel the moment they arrive.
More Than a Race
Yes, the racing is the headline. But Hangtown is also a community event.
Families come to make a day of it. Lifelong fans come to reconnect with the sport they love. Young riders come to watch their heroes. Sponsors, vendors and industry partners come because Hangtown remains one of the must-attend events on the motocross calendar.
It is loud in the best possible way. Dusty in the expected way. Thrilling in the way only motocross can be.
From the first roar of the engines to the final checkered flag, Hangtown delivers the kind of experience that sticks with you.
Be Part of the 57th Hangtown Motocross Classic
The 57th Hangtown Motocross Classic is coming to Prairie City SVRA, bringing world-class racing, family-friendly fun and one of California’s most iconic motorsports traditions back to the Sacramento region.
Whether you are a longtime motocross fan or planning your first visit, Hangtown is a chance to experience the speed, skill and community spirit that have made this race legendary.
Check back soon for ticket details and plan to secure your spot early. California’s oldest and boldest motocross event is ready for another unforgettable chapter.
What Makes Prairie City Special
The Prairie City SVRA venue is motocross perfection. Located at 13300 White Rock Road in Rancho Cordova, CA, the track offers everything you could want in a motocross facility. The natural terrain provides challenging elevation changes, technical sections that test riders’ skills, and high-speed straights where the 450cc bikes can really stretch their legs.
But it’s not just about the track itself – it’s about the atmosphere. Prairie City has that perfect California vibe where you can feel the history of motocross in the air. The facility offers excellent spectator areas where fans can get close to the action, and the natural amphitheater setting means you can see multiple sections of the track from most vantage points.
Hangtown MX
Prairie City OHV Park
13300 White Rock Rd.
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Rancho Cordova Events, Things to do in Rancho Cordova
