Engines roared, dirt flew, and families cheered as riders tore through the track over Father’s Day weekend. The June 14–15 motocross event, hosted by the Modoc Motorsports Association, brought high-speed excitement and a strong sense of community to the local scene.
Saturday served as a practice day, allowing competitors to prep their bikes and familiarize themselves with the course. By Sunday, the atmosphere was charged with race day energy, as competitors lined up and fans filled the sidelines. It was a full day of racing, camaraderie, and celebration.
The weekend also highlighted the importance of the community’s emergency support system. During the events, a rider named Caelan, son of the Hughes family, suffered a dislocated hip. Thanks to the swift and skilled response from the on-site ambulance crew, including Kristy Sphar and Megan Morris Wright, care was provided quickly and compassionately. Caelan is now home recovering on crutches, maintaining his strong sense of humor.
The Modoc Motorsports Association expressed profound gratitude for the entire emergency response team, including Dr. Kappen and the staff at Modoc Medical Center’s ER. The support and coordination demonstrated by all involved underscored the strength and heart of this local racing community.
Looking ahead, races are scheduled for June 28–29. Saturdays will continue to be reserved for practice, while Sundays will be designated for racing. The Association hopes to add more race weekends later in the summer, but plans are currently on hold due to ongoing insurance issues.
Insurance coverage has become a growing concern across California, with tracks facing rising premiums or policy cancellations largely due to pit bike-related claims. Despite maintaining the same insurance provider for 14 years with no claims, Modoc Motorsports was recently informed that their policy will not be renewed. The Association is actively seeking a new provider, but cannot guarantee races after June 30.
Due to the limited calendar, there will be no formal series this year. Instead, awards will be given at each individual race weekend. The pit bike class will still run, but all participants must pre-register and adhere to the structured race format.
As the season progresses, the Modoc Motorsports Association remains committed to keeping racing alive and accessible for the region. The challenges are real, but the dedication and unity shown by racers, families, and volunteers this past weekend demonstrate that the spirit of motocross in Modoc County is as strong as ever.
