by Aaron Hansel
Racer X Vault: Washougal
Thursday, July 19, 2012 | 11:30 AM
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The Racer X Vault, [www.Vault.racerxonline.com] is the most complete and comprehensive online database of results from AMA motocross and supercross in existence, and if you haven’t visited it yet, you’re missing out. The Racer X Vault has catalogued each and every result from every single pro AMA motocross and supercross race ever held, and is nothing short of a wealth of information for amateur and pro bench racers alike. Need to settle an argument or bet over who took eighth at the Hangtown Motocross Classic in 1989? Head over to The Vault. Want to know where Chad Reed won the first National of his career? It’s in The Vault. And who hasn’t wondered how Bultaco-mounted riders did in 1977? Wonder no more, all that and more is locked securely in The Vault, and we’re giving you the combination, just click here. [http://vault.racerxonline.com/]
This week, we’re using The Vault to highlight the history of this weekend’s host site for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Washougal Motocross Park in Washougal, WA. Known as the most scenic stop on the circuit, Washougal is known for its hills, deceptively slick dirt and infamous late-day shadows cast by the massive fir trees that surround the track. Let’s grab a gear and wheelie into the Racer X Vault and take a look at some memorable moments in Washougal’s history.
Held in 1980, the first race at Washougal was won by 125cc extraordinaire Marc Barnett on a Suzkuki. In the 500 class, Chuck Sun took the win over Todd “Goat” Brecker and Marty Moates. Sun is legend up in these parts!
Check out this poster from the first ever race at Washougal in 1980.
In 1985, Washougal was the final race of the season. Ron Lechien, who only lost two 125 races the entire year thanks to a DNF and a flat tire, jumped into the 250 Class, allowing A.J. Whiting to take the first and last 125 National win of his career. And Lechien? He went 9-2 for third overall behind Johnny O’Mara and Jeff Ward.
The final year of 500 Class racing came in 1993, and the action at the Washougal round was intense. As the end of the second moto drew near, Mike LaRocco, Jeff Stanton, Steve Lamson and Mike Kiedrowski were all battling for the win. The finishing order of the second moto, LaRocco, Stanton, Lamson and Kiedrowski, would mirror the overall results that day.
In 1999, the Washougal fans were treated to some great racing in both classes. Brock Sellards went 1-3 on a 125 to take the first National win of his career, while local hero Jason McCormick was victorious in the second moto, finishing third overall behind Ricky Carmichael. RC has absolutely horrible starts in both motos and logged amazing charges--coming up just short of the overall win. In the 250 Class, Jimmy Button topped the field with a 3-1, handing him the only National victory of his career.
In 2003, and many other years for that matter, Ricky Carmichael was nearly unstoppable, but Kevin Windham was able to edge RC twice that year. The first time came at Unadilla, and the second was at Washougal.
Local boy Jason McCormick won the second 125 moto in 1999.
Washougal photo
James Stewart won the first moto at Washougal in 2007, but a knee injury in the second caused him to pull out of the race, and later, the series altogether. Grant Langston would go on to win moto two, but it was veteran Tim Ferry who took the overall by way of 2-2 finishes. It ended up being the final victory of Ferry’s career. And, famously, he was aided when Windham mistook the white flag for the checkers and pulled over, allowing Ferry to steal second in the moto and the overall win!
The last time any team other than Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki or GEICO Powersports Honda won a 250 National was when Ryan Dungey won Washougal in 2009. Positions two, three, four and five of course, were all held by GEICO and PC riders.
RV and RD engaged in an epic battle at Washougal last year.
Andrew Fredrickson photo
Last year turned out to be a fantastic race between Ryan Dungey and Ryan Villopoto. Dungey had closed on Villopoto in the first moto, and in the final stages of the race was applying an incredible amount of pressure on RV2 before spinning out. Inspired, Dungey came back and led every single lap of the second moto to take the overall.
There are far more great racing moments that have taken place at Washougal than we can list, so be sure to check out The Vault and share your findings in the comments section below.
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How could you leave off RV's 2nd moto charge in 2007? He started dead last, caught and passed Dungey for 2nd, hit the dirt hard and still came back for third....I heard that Townley (won the moto) was so pissed when he found out RV was catching him by about 5 seconds a lap that he was in the PC semi throwing crap around! The first lap alone he went from about 39th to 20th I think. He was actually accelerating into the downhill corner while everyone else was already on the brakes....don't know how he was able to make the corner but he did it. Best 250F come from behind ride I have ever seen.
You left out RC's Superman infield crash. I'm not sure of the year, maybe around 2002? but it was awesome.
Google Earth Washougal
40205 NE Borin Rd
Washougal, WA 98671
What a lucky day the picture was taken. Must have been a few days before the national. Track is watered and most of the vendor rigs are set up.
I was at the 2007 race and was standing 20' away from RV's crash. I think his bike was smoking and we thought it was going to blow up
And Kevin Windham pulling off on the white flag! Priceless!
Fir trees not pine trees, great work getting that detail right! Very, very commonly missed, even by local news. Props!
I'll add emig in '92 or so as he began his late season charge to the 125 titlle. Bayle breaking his arm in the whoops in '91? Reynard killing the 125's, looking like a champ, only to get hurt again a round or two later. And any time McCormick got a good start and the crowd went nuts.
2001 I think... Pastrana's huge swap to high side get off after the "S" turn!!!
I'm still pissed they took out the infield section. Get over it you say? No. I will do no such thing. I reserve the right to piss and moan about it every year, I been doing it this long, why stop now?
McCormick was insane there on a 125. Ezra Lusk quading the Hillsboro 5 was pretty intense too.
How about some odds and ends: Deegans gold bike, Pastrana wheeling through the entire whoop section, Tim ferrys over the boot JT freestyle gear, Jean m bayle breaking his arm in the whoops. Lots of fun times. Carmicheals charge to try and catch McCormick was insane!
@Jake511, that attitude is all too common out here.
Hey, BillC, you catch that commentary on last year's race?
I think the RacerX guys should come up with some kind of headgear like the guy interviewing McCormick in that shot! LOL
Haven't heard the name A.J. Whiting (former mini star) in awhile.
Hopefully, more note-worthy action this weekend!
How about that year RV and RD battled it out on 250s? Maybe around 06? RV couldn't get around RD and then stood himself up in the back (northwest) corner and got dirt in his goggles and just rode the last lap as if he had a mechanical... nobody really knew why RV let RD go since nobody saw what happened, but it appeared to be a case of "if I can't win I won't try". Mentally, RV's come a long way since then.
@ Jesus
That name has been occupied since 4 BCE !!!!! Pick another !!!! Sloan !
You should be ashamed of your self........
Looks like a good picture of Kurt Cobain
How could forget the 2006 Battle between RC and JS. Where RC crashed and stewie just missed hitting him, they both raged that day
No burning Jesus!
No burning Jesus!
mofo604 we had a radar gun on RV and he was 9mph faster then Townley on that corner.