In a massive blow to Washougal MX Park, the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship series has canceled the Washougal National, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22. On Friday, the series, which began its COVID-shortened season Saturday, announced it will race instead for a second week at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Tennessee.
The Washougal National was prepared to take place for the 40th year, after track manager Ryan Huffman worked scrupulously this summer to get approved to host a fan-less event. In a matter of hours Friday, that work was washed away. Huffman could not immediately be reached for comment.
Newly imposed COVID-19 restrictions within Washington state were cited as the reason for the sudden change, according to a Lucas Oil Pro Motocross news release.
“Ryan Huffman, the event organizer of the Washougal National, did everything within his power to organize a safe event for both professional and amateur competitors,” MX Sports Pro Racing director of competition Roy Janson said in the release. “We commend him for the extensive efforts and sacrifices made to make the 2020 Washougal National a reality. Unfortunately, as we have become increasingly aware, circumstances surrounding the spread of COVID-19 can change dramatically in a matter of hours.”
