Fox Raceway in Pala, California hosts the season opener of the 2021 season. Can defending champ Zach Osborne win another title or will someone new take the championship?
MX Sports Pro Racing, in partnership with NBC Sports, has announced a 12-round schedule for the upcoming 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. As the sport continues to navigate the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic this summer’s racing calendar will welcome the return of some of the most iconic venues in American motocross, with spectator attendance anticipated at every event.
“The 2021 schedule has been developed through a collective effort alongside all of our event organizers, and we’re thrilled to see such legendary venues back on the calendar,” said Roy Janson, Managing Director at MX Sports Pro Racing. “The outlook surrounding the fight to eradicate COVID-19 has provided a sense of optimism amongst our group, which has us hopeful to welcome spectators at all the races while also allowing nearly every one of our events to remain on their traditional dates.
“Safety remains paramount in our efforts to host a successful season and we will continuously monitor all national, state, and local guidelines in an effort to ensure the well-being of our fans, competitors, and series personnel,” continued Janson. “While that may require some level of restriction or limited capacity, it will be in the best interest of all parties.”
Ken Roczen (94); Monster Energy Supercross; Round 8; 2021 Season; Camping World Stadium; Orlando, Florida; February 20, 2021; Photo: Tyler Tate/T Squared Sports Media 
Justin Barcia (51); Monster Energy Supercross; Round 8; 2021 Season; Camping World Stadium; Orlando, Florida; February 20, 2021; Photo: Tyler Tate/T Squared Sports Media 
Dyaln Ferrandis (14); Monster Energy Supercross; Round 8; 2021 Season; Camping World Stadium; Orlando, Florida; February 20, 2021; Photo: Tyler Tate/T Squared Sports Media 
Eli Tomac (1); Monster Energy Supercross; Round 8; 2021 Season; Camping World Stadium; Orlando, Florida; February 20, 2021; Photo: Tyler Tate/T Squared Sports Media
The series will visit 10 different states, kicking things off on Memorial Day Weekend in the heart of the motocross industry, Southern California. By moving the start of the season to the holiday festivities, competitors will receive a full three weeks of preparation from the conclusion of the AMA Supercross season, which will help ensure that all riders are healthy and at the top of their game for the first gate drop of the summer.
“This is the most prestigious championship in all of motocross and we want to make sure our competitors have the opportunity to be at their best each and every weekend,” explained Davey Coombs, President of MX Sports Pro Racing. “We’ve listened to the challenges they face over the course of a season and have determined that expanding the overall breadth of the 2021 schedule will ultimately benefit the competitiveness on the racetrack, to which our audience will hopefully be rewarded with compelling title fights in both the 450 Class and 250 Class.”
Defending titleholders Zach Osborne and Dylan Ferrandis will headline a decorated contingent of international talent that will go bar-to-bar over the course of 24 motos across both the 450 Class and 250 Class, battling one another as well as Mother Nature in one of motorsports’ most challenging championships. The most coveted titles in motocross await, as the Edison Dye Cup (450 Class) and Gary Jones Cup (250 Class) carry a legacy that spans five decades.
“Passion has and continues to define the legacy of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. From our incredibly loyal fan base to the fearless racers who lay it all on the line in pursuit of victory, there is something truly special about a summer of American motocross,” added Coombs. “On the heels of a difficult year, the return of our most beloved venues and the expectation to welcome fans back to the race means the 2021 season is poised to rejuvenate that passion that has made this the most storied motocross series on the planet.”
2021 Race Schedule
- Fox Raceway National 1 – May 29 – Pala, California
- Thunder Valley National – June 5 – Lakewood, Colorado
- High Point National – June 19 – Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania
- RedBud National – July 3 – Buchanan, Michigan
- Southwick National – July 10 – Southwick, Massachusetts
- Spring Creek National – July 17 – Millville, Minnesota
- Washougal National – July 24 – Washougal, Washington
- Unadilla National – August 14 – New Berlin, New York
- Budds Creek National – August 21 – Mechanicsville, Maryland
- Ironman National – August 28 – Crawfordsville, Indiana
- Fox Raceway National 2 – September 4 – Pala, California
- Hangtown Motocross Classic – September 11 – Rancho Cordova, California