Motorcycle Races in California | A Paradise For Motorcycle Racing Enthusiasts
Motorcycle races in California offer high-energy action for fans of speed, skill, and adrenaline. The state hosts a variety of racing events, from professional road racing at tracks like WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to off-road and motocross competitions across rugged terrains.
Events often feature top riders, fast-paced competition, and an exciting atmosphere that draws crowds from across the region. Whether it’s superbike racing, dirt bike events, or amateur competitions.
California provides diverse opportunities for riders and spectators alike. With scenic locations and a strong motorsports culture, motorcycle racing events in California deliver an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts of all levels.
Featured Events
The Diversity of California Motorcycle Racing
California’s motorcycle racing scene reflects the state’s incredible geographic and cultural diversity. You can experience:
- Road racing: Superbikes, Supersport, and club racing on permanent road courses
- Supercross: Stadium-based indoor motocross with massive jumps and tight racing
- Motocross: Outdoor off-road racing on natural terrain tracks
- Flat track: Racing on dirt ovals with bikes sliding through corners
- Hill climbs: Vertical assaults on steep hills
- Enduro and off-road: Long-distance off-road racing
- Drag racing: Quarter-mile motorcycle acceleration battles
- Vintage racing: Classic bikes from racing’s golden eras
- Club racing: Amateur competition at tracks throughout the state
This guide covers major motorcycle racing events throughout California, from north to south, professional to amateur.
Major Professional Road Races
California’s permanent road courses host some of the most prestigious motorcycle racing events in North America.
MotoAmerica at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (Monterey)
Laguna Seca is one of the most famous motorcycle racing tracks in the world, renowned for its iconic “Corkscrew” turn. It has hosted MotoGP, World Superbike, and now MotoAmerica.
MotoAmerica World Superbike at Laguna Seca
The premier American motorcycle road racing series visits Laguna Seca for this annual event. MotoAMA features Superbike, Supersport, and other classes competing on the legendary circuit.
- Location: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey
- Series: MotoAMA Superbike Championship
- Typical Date: July (historically)
- Track: 2.238-mile road course
- Highlights: The Corkscrew, Monterey Peninsula, historic track, top American riders.
MotoAmerica Support Classes: The weekend includes support races from MotoAmerica’s Junior Cup, Twins Cup, and other classes, providing a full schedule of action.
MotoAmerica Superbike Race: The premier class features 200+ horsepower machines piloted by the best riders in the country.
MotoGP at Laguna Seca (Historic): From 1988 to 2013, Laguna Seca hosted the MotoGP World Championship. These races are legendary in motorcycle racing history, with iconic moments like Casey Stoner’s last-lap pass on Valentino Rossi in 2008.
World Superbike at Laguna Seca (Historic): World Superbike also raced at Laguna Seca for many years.
AFM (American Federation of Motorcyclists) at Laguna Seca: Northern California’s premier amateur road racing club holds events at Laguna Seca, giving local riders a chance to race on the famous circuit.
MotoAmerica at Sonoma Raceway (Sonoma)
Sonoma Raceway’s challenging road course hosts MotoAmerica events, testing riders with its elevation changes and technical corners.
MotoAMA at Sonoma Raceway
MotoAMA visits Sonoma Raceway for a round of the championship. The track’s wine country setting and challenging layout provide spectacular racing.
- Location: Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma
- Series: MotoAMA Superbike Championship
- Typical Date: May (historically) – Check current schedule
- Track: 2.52-mile road course
- Highlights: Wine country setting, elevation changes, hairpin turn, carousel.
MotoAmerica Support Classes: Full support card with multiple classes.
AFM at Sonoma Raceway: AFM races at Sonoma throughout the year.
MotoAmerica at Buttonwillow Raceway (Buttonwillow)
Buttonwillow Raceway in the Central Valley hosts MotoAmerica events and club racing.
MotoAMA at Buttonwillow
MotoAmerica visits Buttonwillow Raceway Park for a round of the championship.
- Location: Buttonwillow Raceway Park
- Series: MotoAMA Superbike Championship
- Typical Date: Various
- Track: Multiple configurations
- Highlights: Technical course, Central Valley location.
AFM at Buttonwillow: AFM races at Buttonwillow.
MotoAmerica at Willow Springs International Raceway (Rosamond)
Willow Springs is a legendary high-speed track in the high desert. It hosts MotoAmerica events and club racing.
MotoAMA at Willow Springs
MotoAmerica visits Willow Springs for a round of the championship. The high-speed, sweeping corners are a unique challenge.
- Location: Willow Springs International Raceway
- Series: MotoAMA Superbike Championship
- Typical Date: Various
- Track: 2.5-mile Big Willow course
- Highlights: High-speed corners, desert setting, fast flowing track.
AFM at Willow Springs: AFM races at Willow Springs.
AFM (American Federation of Motorcyclists)
AFM is California’s premier amateur road racing club. They hold races at all of the state’s major road courses.
AFM Race Schedule: AFM typically races at Thunderhill, Sonoma, Laguna Seca, and Buttonwillow throughout the year.
AFM Championships: AFM crowns champions in dozens of classes, from 250cc machines to open-class superbikes.
AFM New Racer School: AFM offers schools for new racers to get their licenses.
Major Supercross Events
Supercross brings the thrill of motocross into massive stadiums, with tight tracks featuring massive jumps and intense competition.
Anaheim Supercross
Angel Stadium hosts the opening round of the AMA Supercross season each January. This is one of the most popular events in the sport, drawing massive crowds.
- Location: Angel Stadium, Anaheim
- Series: AMA Supercross Championship
- Typical Date: January
- Track: Indoor stadium supercross
- Highlights: Season opener, stadium atmosphere, top riders, Southern California fans.
Anaheim 1 (A1): The first round of the season is traditionally held in Anaheim and is one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Anaheim 2 (A2): Sometimes a second Anaheim round later in the season.
Supercross Classes: 450SX (premier class) and 250SX (support class) compete.
San Diego Supercross
Snapdragon Stadium hosts a round of the AMA Supercross series.
- Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego
- Series: AMA Supercross Championship
- Typical Date: January/February
- Track: Indoor stadium supercross
- Highlights: San Diego fans, championship action, stadium atmosphere.
Oakland Supercross
The Oakland Coliseum has hosted Supercross for decades.
- Location: Oakland Coliseum
Series: AMA Supercross Championship - Typical Date: January/February
- Track: Indoor stadium supercross
- Highlights: Bay Area fans, historic venue, NorCal supercross.
Los Angeles Supercross
Dodger Stadium and the LA Coliseum have hosted Supercross events over the years.
- Location: Various Los Angeles venues
- Series: AMA Supercross Championship
- Typical Date: Various
- Highlights: LA fans, stadium atmosphere.
Major Motocross Events
California’s outdoor motocross tracks host national and local events.
Hangtown Motocross Classic (Sacramento)
This historic AMA Pro Motocross event at Prairie City SVRA is one of the oldest in the sport. It typically takes place in May and is the season opener for many years.
- Location: Prairie City SVRA, Sacramento
- Series: AMA Pro Motocross Championship
- Typical Date: May
- Track: Outdoor motocross
- Highlights: Historic race, NorCal motocross, outdoor racing, season opener.
Hangtown History: The race has been running since 1968, making it one of the longest-running motocross events in the country.
Pro Motocross Classes: 450MX and 250MX classes compete.
Glen Helen Raceway (San Bernardino)
This legendary facility in San Bernardino is one of the most famous motocross tracks in the world. It hosts AMA Pro Motocross events and countless local races.
- Location: Glen Helen Raceway, San Bernardino
- Series: AMA Pro Motocross Championship
- Typical Date: May/June
- Track: Outdoor motocross
- Highlights: Legendary track, national events, SoCal motocross, challenging layout.
Glen Helen National: The AMA Pro Motocross round at Glen Helen is a highlight of the season.
Glen Helen Raceway Local Events: The facility hosts weekly and monthly local motocross races.
Glen Helen Off-Road: The facility also hosts off-road truck and buggy events.
Pala Raceway (Pala)
This San Diego County facility hosts AMA Pro Motocross events and local races.
- Location: Pala Raceway, Pala
- Series: AMA Pro Motocross Championship (historically)
- Typical Date: Various
- Track: Outdoor motocross
- Highlights: SoCal motocross, San Diego County.
Pala Raceway Local Events: Regular local motocross racing.
Hollister Hills SVRA (Hollister)
This state vehicular recreation area hosts motocross events and practice days.
- Location: Hollister Hills SVRA
- Series: Local events
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Track: Various off-road trails and tracks
- Highlights: NorCal off-road, beautiful scenery.
Competitive Edge (Competitive Edge): This track in the high desert hosts local motocross events.
Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park (Lake Elsinore): This facility hosts motocross events.
Major Flat Track Races
Flat track racing on dirt ovals is a deeply traditional form of motorcycle racing with a passionate following in California.
Sacramento Mile
This historic flat track race at the California State Fairgrounds is one of the most prestigious in the country. It features American Flat Track series competition.
- Location: Cal Expo, Sacramento
- Series: American Flat Track
- Typical Date: May
- Track: One-mile dirt oval
- Highlights: Historic venue, high-speed sliding, American Flat Track, mile oval.
American Flat Track Classes: Expert Singles, Twins, and others compete.
Sacramento Mile History: The race has been running for decades and is a cornerstone of the American Flat Track calendar.
Sonoma Speedway Flat Track (Sonoma)
The Sonoma County Fairgrounds hosts flat track racing events.
- Location: Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa
- Series: American Flat Track (sometimes), local events
- Typical Date: Various
- Track: Half-mile or smaller dirt oval
- Highlights: Wine country, flat track racing.
Perris Raceway Flat Track (Perris)
This Southern California facility hosts regular flat track racing.
- Location: Perris Raceway, Perris
- Series: Local flat track events
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Track: Various dirt oval configurations
- Highlights: SoCal flat track, regular racing.
Indian Motorcycle Orange County Fair Flat Track (Costa Mesa)
Flat track racing at the OC Fair.
- Location: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
- Series: Local flat track events
- Typical Date: Fair season
- Track: Dirt oval
- Highlights: Fair atmosphere, flat track racing.
Ventura Raceway Flat Track (Ventura)
Ventura Raceway, primarily a car track, also hosts flat track motorcycle events.
- Location: Ventura Raceway
- Series: Local flat track events
- Typical Date: Various
- Track: 1/5-mile dirt oval
- Highlights: Short track, close racing.
Major Hill Climb Events
Hill climbs challenge riders to ascend steep, often treacherous hills.
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (Colorado)
While in Colorado, this famous event draws many California competitors and is a cornerstone of American hill climb racing.
- Location: Pikes Peak, Colorado
- Series: Pikes Peak Hill Climb
- Typical Date: June
- Terrain: Paved mountain road
- Highlights: Legendary event, 12.42 miles, 156 turns, 14,115 foot summit.
Lookout Mountain Hill Climb (Oroville)
This historic hill climb in Northern California has been running for decades.
- Location: Oroville
- Series: Local hill climb
- Typical Date: Various
- Terrain: Paved mountain road
- Highlights: Historic event, challenging climb, vintage and modern motorcycles.
Mt. Baldy Hill Climb (Mt. Baldy)
This Southern California hill climb is a challenging event.
- Location: Mt. Baldy
- Series: Local hill climb
- Typical Date: Various
- Terrain: Mountain road
- Highlights: SoCal hill climb, steep grades.
Major Off-Road and Enduro Events
California’s vast off-road areas host numerous enduro and off-road races.
National Hare and Hound Series
The AMA National Hare and Hound Series includes races in the California desert.
- Location: Various California desert locations
- Series: AMA National Hare and Hound
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Terrain: Desert off-road
- Highlights: Long-distance desert racing, navigation, endurance.
Best in the Desert (Nevada): While based in Nevada, Best in the Desert events draw many California off-road racers.
SCORE International Baja 1000 (Mexico): This legendary race draws California competitors.
District 37 AMA Off-Road
District 37 of the AMA organizes off-road events throughout Southern California.
- Location: Various Southern California desert locations
- Series: District 37 events
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Terrain: Desert off-road
- Highlights: Local off-road racing, desert competition.
AMA West Hare Scrambles Series: This series includes events in California.
Endurocross: Endurocross combines elements of motocross, trials, and enduro in an indoor arena setting. Events sometimes come to California.
Major Drag Racing Events
Motorcycle drag racing is popular at California’s drag strips.
NHRA Motorcycle Events at Pomona
The NHRA Winternationals and Finals at Pomona include motorcycle classes.
- Location: Auto Club Raceway, Pomona
- Series: NHRA (with motorcycle classes)
- Typical Date: February and November
- Track: Quarter-mile drag strip
- Highlights: Top Fuel Motorcycle, Pro Stock Motorcycle.
NHRA Motorcycle Events at Sonoma
The NHRA Sonoma Nationals include motorcycle classes.
- Location: Sonoma Raceway drag strip
- Series: NHRA (with motorcycle classes)
- Typical Date: July
- Track: Quarter-mile drag strip
- Highlights: Wine country, motorcycle drag racing.
AMA Dragbike Series
The AMA Dragbike Series holds events at California drag strips.
- Location: Various California drag strips (Pomona, Famoso, etc.)
- Series: AMA Dragbike
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Track: Quarter-mile drag strip
- Highlights: Motorcycle-specific drag racing, quick bikes.
Local Track Motorcycle Drags
Many local drag strips host motorcycle-only drag racing events or include motorcycle classes in their regular programs.
- Famoso Raceway (Bakersfield): Motorcycle drags
- Sacramento Raceway: Motorcycle drags
- Auto Club Dragway (Fontana): Motorcycle drags
- Sonoma Raceway Drag Strip: Motorcycle drags
- Pomona Drag Strip: Motorcycle drags
Major Vintage Motorcycle Events
California hosts several events celebrating vintage motorcycles.
Del Mar Vintage Motorcycle Auction
While primarily an auction, this event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is a massive gathering of vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.
- Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar
- Series: Mecum Auctions
- Typical Date: Various
- Highlights: Vintage motorcycles, auctions, motorcycle culture.
Quail Motorcycle Gathering (Carmel)
This elegant event during Monterey Car Week celebrates the art and history of motorcycles.
- Location: Quail Lodge, Carmel
- Typical Date: August (during Monterey Car Week)
- Highlights: Vintage motorcycles, elegant setting, Monterey Car Week.
Monterey Motorsports Reunion (Laguna Seca)
The historic car races at Laguna Seca during Monterey Car Week also feature vintage motorcycle demonstrations and races.
- Location: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey
- Typical Date: August
- Track: 2.238-mile road course
- Highlights: Vintage motorcycles on track, Monterey Car Week.
AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association) Events
AHRMA holds vintage motorcycle races at tracks throughout California, including Sonoma, Laguna Seca, and Buttonwillow.
- Location: Various California tracks
- Series: AHRMA
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Highlights: Vintage racing, classic bikes, historic atmosphere.
California’s Motorcycle Racing Paradise
California offers motorcycle racing fans an unparalleled variety of events. From the world-class professional competitions at Laguna Seca, Sonoma, and Anaheim to the grassroots action at local tracks, there is something for every enthusiast.
The state’s diverse geography provides everything from technical road courses to high-speed ovals, from stadium supercross to desert trails. Its perfect climate allows for year-round racing in many disciplines.
Planning Your Motorcycle Race Experience
Maximize your adrenaline-filled weekend by planning your motorcycle racing trip well in advance. Secure tickets for major events.
Arrive at least two hours before the opening ceremonies to explore the pits and participate in rider autograph sessions. These proactive steps ensure you catch every moment of the high-speed action while staying comfortable at the track.
- Buy Tickets Early: Purchase seats to avoid last-minute price hikes.
- Protect Your Hearing: Use high-quality earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs to block engine noise that frequently exceeds 100 decibels.
- Check Cooler Policies: Note that Angel Stadium prohibits hard-sided coolers, while Laguna Seca generally allows small, soft-sided ice chests.
- Bring Sun Protection: Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to survive the intense afternoon heat at exposed tracks like Fox Raceway.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry a factory-sealed plastic water bottle (one liter or less) to maintain energy throughout long race days.
- Wear Walking Shoes: Prepare to walk several miles between the parking lots, vendor villages, and different track viewing sections.
- Learn the Classes: Distinguish between Superbike (1000cc) and Supersport (600cc) to better follow the technical competition on the pavement.
Two Wheels, Full Throttle | Motorcycle Races Across California
Whether you are a die-hard MotoGP fan, a Supercross enthusiast, a flat track devotee, a motocross rider, or a casual observer, California’s motorcycle racing scene welcomes you. The scream of engines, the smell of race fuel, the thrill of competition. It’s all here.
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