Fox Raceway at Pala

Overview

Southern California’s Premier Motocross Facility

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Fox Raceway at Pala, located in the rolling hills of Northern San Diego County, has established itself as one of Southern California’s premier motocross destinations. Situated on the Pala Indian Reservation near the Pala Casino, this natural terrain track combines challenging elevation changes with a variety of soil conditions to create a true test of rider skill and motorcycle setup.

Since joining the AMA Pro Motocross Championship schedule in 2010 (with a brief hiatus from 2013-2017), Fox Raceway has become a fan-favorite venue known for its spectacular racing and picturesque setting. The track holds the distinction of hosting both the opening and closing rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship in recent years, serving as bookends to the outdoor season.

Track Design and Characteristics

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Fox Raceway’s layout takes full advantage of the natural topography, featuring significant elevation changes that test riders’ climbing power and descending bravery. The track characteristics include:

• Multiple uphill and downhill sections that challenge horsepower and suspension setup
• A mix of sand and hard-packed clay that develops distinct racing lines throughout the day
• Technical jump combinations that require precise rhythm and timing
• Wide, sweeping corners that offer multiple racing lines and passing opportunities
• Long start straight leading into a wide first turn that allows for fair starts

One of the most distinctive features of Fox Raceway is how the track transforms throughout the day of racing. The morning’s relatively smooth surface gradually develops serious ruts, bumps, and braking bumps, requiring riders to constantly adapt their lines and technique as conditions evolve.

Southern California Training Ground

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Beyond hosting national-level events, Fox Raceway serves as a vital training facility for professional riders based in Southern California. With the region’s high concentration of factory teams and professional racers, the track frequently hosts private test sessions where teams develop their motorcycles and riders hone their skills.

This dual role as both race venue and test facility gives Fox Raceway a unique place in the sport. Riders who train regularly at the facility develop intimate knowledge of its soil and terrain characteristics, though track designers ensure that the national layout differs significantly from the standard practice configuration to maintain competitive balance.

Weather and Racing Conditions

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The May and September dates for Fox Raceway events present distinctly different racing conditions. The opening round in late May typically features mild temperatures and optimal track conditions. In contrast, the season finale in September often brings more challenging heat that tests riders’ physical conditioning and hydration strategies.

The late summer date, combined with the physically demanding layout, makes Fox Raceway II one of the most grueling stops on the calendar, often revealing which riders have maintained their fitness throughout the long championship season.

The So-Cal Motocross Experience

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For spectators, Fox Raceway offers an authentic Southern California motocross experience. The venue provides excellent viewing from multiple vantage points around the track, with the hilly terrain creating natural amphitheaters where fans can watch several sections simultaneously.

The open layout allows spectators to move freely around the facility, following the racing from different perspectives throughout the day. Many fans choose to hike to elevated viewing areas that provide panoramic views of the entire track.

The region’s typically perfect weather makes Fox Raceway ideal for the all-day outdoor event format of Pro Motocross, with fans enjoying consistent sunshine and comfortable temperatures, particularly during the May event.

Amateur Access

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Fox Raceway maintains strong connections to the amateur motocross community, hosting regular race series and practice days for riders of all skill levels. During national event weekends, the track hosts amateur racing days that allow up-and-coming riders to compete on the same circuit as their professional heroes (with modifications for safety and appropriate challenge levels).

This accessibility makes Fox Raceway particularly meaningful for aspiring professional riders, who can chart their progress from amateur races to potentially competing in the national events at the same venue.

Lawrence Brothers Dominance

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In recent years, Fox Raceway has been the showcase for the remarkable talents of Jett and Hunter Lawrence. The Australian brothers have dominated recent events at the track, with Jett in particular demonstrating exceptional mastery of the terrain.

The 2023 season saw the unprecedented achievement of the Lawrence brothers winning both the 450 and 250 classes at Fox Raceway, cementing their status as the premier racing siblings in the sport and establishing a special connection between these international stars and this distinctly American venue.