Racers compete in the 2017 Motocross Nationals at The Wick 338 in Southwick. (Photo courtesy of The Wick 338)
SOUTHWICK – The 2018 Motocross Nationals will be held in Southwick for the third consecutive year on Saturday, June 30 at the motocross track on Legion Road next to American Legion Post 338.
Normally, the Motocross National would be on the first or second weekend of July, but there was a decision to get some separation from another national race. The Unadilla is a national race on August 10-12 that takes place in New Berlin, N.Y.
“We wanted to give everyone an opportunity to breathe in between the two (events),” said The Wick 338 Manager Rick Johnson, who organizes and hosts the nationals every year.
On Saturday, the gates will open to the public at 7 a.m. and practice for the riders will start at 8 a.m. Riders will get a 10-minute free practice on the track before they get timed to make an attempt to qualify for the main races. The two main races are the 250 class and 450 class.
Nationally televised on NBC and NBC Sports, the races begin at 1 p.m. Johnson added that there will be vendors selling apparel as well as food and beer.
Tickets prices range from $45 to $125 and can be purchased online at TheWick338.com. Children 12-years-old and under are half price and kids under six-years-old are free.
Johnson encourages everyone to come check out the festivities this weekend.
“This is the ultimate day of the year for us, it’s what we really strive for,” said Johnson. “This is the real deal.”
