Los Angeles (MX)
Los Angeles, CA
One of the most important venues in the history of American Motocross and Supercross is the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The stadium (site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics) is considered the birthplace of Supercross. It hosted the “Super Bowl of Motocross” starting in July 1972, two years prior to the running of what we now call the Monster Energy Supercross Championship.
Fast Facts
Venues
Opened in 1923, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is one of the most recognizable stadiums in the world. The stadium has hosted the Summer Olympic Games twice (and will again in 2028) and currently serves as the home field for USC’s college football team. The Coliseum formerly hosted NFL games and two editions of the Super Bowl.
Beginning its two wheel history with “Super Bowl of Motocross” in 1972, the Coliseum last hosted a round of Supercorss in 1998. Racing returned to LA Memorial in 2023 for the final round of the SuperMotocross World Championships.
The genesis of Supercross racing in America, the “Super Bowl of Motocross” ran in LA Memorial Coliseum on July 8th, 1972. It is a date that will live forever in our sport, as the first ever “stadium motocross” took place.
A crowd of over 29,000 watched the recently-turned 16-year-old Marty Tripes etch his name into the history books as the first winner of this new style of racing. Tripes went 2-2-2 in the three moto format to nab the win.
He beat out eventual 1972 250 Pro Motocross champion, Gary Jones and Jimmy Weinert.
Marty Tripes repeated in the second Super Bowl of Motocross, this time going 1-2-2 for the win. Tripes spoiled the party of several European racers, pulling away from the field in the first moto.
Tripes once again held the lead but tipped over late in moto two, handing the win to Czech rider Jaroslav Falta. Tripes and Falta battled for the lead early in the final moto, with Tripes making an incredible pass around the outside of Falta and pulling away.
Late in the race, Tripes had to back down the pace after hearing strange noises coming from his motorcycle. Nursing his Honda to the finish line, Tripes took second behind Jim Pomeroy to secure his second straight win in the City of Angels.
This interactive table details the all-time leaders at the Los Angeles Motocross. 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.
All-Time Leaders
This interactive table details the Los Angeles Motocross 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.