The famous Southwick Motocross National is this Saturday. This is the 35^th anniversary of the first national held at the track in 1976. Dutch sand specialist and Honda factory rider Pierre Karsmakers won that first 250cc national on June 6, 1976, over Tony DiStefano, Brad Lackey, Kent Howerton, Bob Hannah and Danny LaPorte. How’s that for an all-star lineup? Southwick is a huge, power-sapping sandbox. The ruts that form are normally the deepest on the pro tour and I’ve seen many a rider pull off the track before the end of the moto, the rough track getting the better of them. You have to be in supreme shape to win at Southwick and knowing how to ride in deep sand doesn’t hurt. It’s definitely one of the most unique motorcycle racing events in America.

Factory Honda’s Pierre Karsmakers leads Bob Hannah in the first Southwick National in 1976. Karsmakers went on to win the race. It marked his final career AMA Motocross victory. (AMA press photo)