The Pro Motocross Championship visited Old Dominion nine times, descending on Lake Sugar Tree MX Park. Starting out with local Trans-Am racers bringing European rivals to the track to compete against each other, the track was once one of the premier Motocross venues east of the Mississippi. Despite hosting its last national in 1991, the property still hosts races and now features a Supercross style course with lighting to set up nighttime battles.
Venues
Lake Sugar Tree joined the schedule in 1975 and hosted three nationals before a nine year gap. The venue returned in 1986 and hosted a round until 1991. Once owned by Gary Bailey, the step-father of three time Motocross champion David Bailey, the track fell off the schedule but continues to host local racing events on the Motocross and Supecross tracks at the facility.
Iconic Moments
From one legend “owning” the competition to triple digit heat, here are some pivotal moments from Lake Sugar Tree’s time hosting a national.
1976-Survival of the Fittest
An action packed day of 500cc racing ended with Kent Howerton taking the win with 1-2 scores. Multiple collisions shook up the field in the first moto, starting with a clash between Pierre Karsmakers and Tony DiStefano. The two hit each other’s wheels in a corner, handing the lead to Rick Burgett, who had stalled after previously holding the top spot. DiStefano and Burgett would have their own incident, with Burgett landing on top of Tony D. The crash left both men with bent up motorcycles, but the duo continued as Bob Hannah and Howerton grabbed the top spots. Hannah’s moto would eventually be undone as well, with a shock issue ending his race early. Howerton took the win, surviving the chaos. Hannah took the lead early in the second moto and battled once more with Howerton, who made a pass for the lead. Hannah returned to the top spot late to score the moto win, as Howerton won his second consecutive overall.
1986-Stomping Grounds
As Lake Sugar Tree hosted its first national in nearly a decade, the hometown hero dominated. David Bailey owned the competition, going 1-1 at his own facility. The second round of the 500MX championship, Bailey conquered the heat which caused his own goggles to be filled with sweat in practice. He thrashed the competition in the first moto, beating points leader Rick Johnson by over ten seconds. Johnson was much closer in the second moto but Bailey withstood the pressure, taking a popular win and celebrating in style by tossing a pair of goggles into the crowd. Bailey would secure the early points lead in what would become his final championship season.
1991-Red Hot
The final national at Lake Sugar Tree took place on a humid July afternoon, with temperatures near triple digits. Jeff Ward began the day in the top spot, but his day ended quickly after a heavy crash. The Kawasaki rider went end over end after riding on the front wheel down the back side of a jump. Ward attempted to stay on track, but the damage to his body forced him to pull off. Jeff Stanton and Jean-Michel Bayle took advantage out front, with the Honda teammates swapping the lead. Bayle won the first moto, holding off Stanton to extend his points lead slightly. Damon Bradshaw darted out to the lead in the second moto, but Stanton would catch up to him and secure the moto and overall victory.
This interactive table details the all-time leaders at Lake Sugar Tree. Who has the most starts, wins, podiums and points. Filter by class. On mobile, slide left to access more columns. To see all years of data, become a member of the We Went Fast Garage and help us continue (and expand) these unique views of the sport’s history.
This interactive table details the Lake Sugar Tree winners history. Who won in what year and what round was this venue. Filter by class. On mobile, slide left to access more columns. To see all years of data, become a member of the We Went Fast Garage and help us continue (and expand) these unique views of the sport’s history.
