Vurb Moto does a nice job compiling an overview of the tracks that will make up the 2010 Motocross Outdoor Circuit.

2010 Outdoor National Track Preview

by Brent Stallo/Vurbmoto.com

01 - Hangtown / Rancho Cordova, CA
Once again serving as the opening round of the Lucas Oil National Motocross Championship, the Dirt Diggers at Hangtown have been hard at work making a racetrack that motocross fans have grown to love in it's vast history which began in 1968. Typically the track is turned around each year, and for 2010 likely expect no different. The huge
step-up on the hill from last year will turn into a stepdown, and the entire track reversed. Last year saw rookie Justin Barcia nearly win both motos; can he turn them into victories this year?

2009 Winners
- 450 class: Michael Alessi (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
- 250 class: Christophe Pourcel (Monster Energy Kawasaki)
- WMX class: Ashley Fiolek (Honda Red Bull Racing)

02 - Freestone / Wortham, TX
In its short three year existence, Freestone has quickly made a name for itself as one of the hottest and most brutal races on the entire circuit. Temperatures average in the low 100's with humidity off the charts, making it a psychical feat to complete both motos at full race pace. The track offers a wide variety of terrain and dirt, which ruts and roughs up well. Alessi put on a dominating performance here last year, and starts seem to be the most important part of the race on
this course. Will he be able to rocket out of the gate on the KTM 350?

First National: 2007

2009 Winners:
- 450 class: Michael Alessi (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
- 250 class: Ryan Dungey (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
- WMX class: Ashley Fiolek (Honda Red Bull Racing)

03 - High Point / Mount Morris, Pennsylvania
A brainchild of Dave Coombs Sr., High Point offers riders their first look at east coast ruts. Originally designed with the natural flowing European style tracks in mind, in 2008, the track received a makeover courtesy of star track builder Marc Peters, resulting in more hang time for the riders. With a mix of the old school and the new, High Point is a true challenge for the racers and remains one of the most popular tracks in the United States. As a fan you expect great natural elevation, big jumps and long sweeping corners in a natural amphitheater setting.

First National: 1976

2009 Winners:
- 450 class: Chad Reed (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
- 250 class: Christophe Pourcel (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki)
- WMX class: Ashley Fiolek (Honda Red Bull Racing)

04 - Budds Creek / Budds Creek, MD
Henry's Hill and Ryan Villopoto's dominating 2007 MXoN performance are two things that come to mind when thinking about the legendary Budds Creek racetrack. Like Hangtown, Budds reverses the track each year and changes a good bit of obstacles and course design. Instead of making a sharp 180 degree start corner, the racers will come off the
gate and go straight up a hill. While it'll still be important to get a good jump, it won't be nearly as imperative as last year. This round has moved from the end of the season to the beginning, putting it right in the heat of summer. Great conditioning will come in handy on this rough course.

First National: 1989

2009 Winners:
- 450 class: Chad Reed (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
- 250 class: Jake Weimer (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki)

05 - Thunder Valley / Lakewood, CO
One of the newest and most innovative tracks on the circuit, Thunder Valley is the only race run under the lights. The track sits nestled in the beautiful Colorado only miles away from the Denver skyline. Its natural terrain allows viewers a clear shot of the track from almost anywhere on the premises and it hosts some of the richest soil around. The track gets rough and once the sun begins to sink behind the Rocky Mountains this quickly becomes one of the most intriguing races of the year. Thunder Valley won't only play host to Round 4 of the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, it will also be the stomping grounds for the 2010 Motocross des Nations, both of which will be don't miss events.

First National: 2005

2009 Winners:
- 450 class: Ivan Tedesco (Honda Red Bull Racing)
- 250 class: Jake Weimer (Monster Energy Kawasaki)
- WMX class: Ashley Fiolek (Honda Red Bull Racing)

05 - RedBud / Buchanan, MI
Located in the beautiful rolling hills of southwestern Michigan RedBud has bragging rights to claim the largest attendance of any U.S. motocross race, year after year. If you're looking for a good time at one of the most pristine motocross tracks on the circuit, mark RedBud down for your July 4th weekend. Known simply for Larocco's Leap, the track is separated into two main sections, which separates the crowd and gives viewers ample room to view the racing. With just the right soil mix, plenty of room for passing, and the biggest jump on the circuit - the infamous LaRocco's Leap, named after local legend Mike LaRocco - RedBud is one of the top motocross destinations in the series. And the loyal Michigan fans' chants of "Red Buuuuud!!!" are well-known throughout the motocross world.

First National: 1974

2009 Winners:
- 450 class: Josh Grant (JGR Toyota Yamaha)
- 250 class: Jake Weimer (Monster Energy Kawasaki)

07 - Spring Creek / Millville, MN
With some of the most naturally elevated layouts in the country, Millville is definitely one race you don't want to miss. Huge uphill and downhill sections give spectators nearly 100% view of the track. Millville was once the breeding ground for new rookies to make their pro debut, but recent schedule changes now give that honor to Unadilla. Instead Millville now rests on the reputation of the gnarliest whoop section known to man. And buried deep in that whoop section is none other than the infamous Whoop Monster, a local hero who shows up donning camo and an air horn each year to root the riders on and give the fans another attraction.

First National: 1983

2009 Winners:
- 450 class: Chad Reed (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
- 250 class: Ryan Dungey (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)

08 - Washougal / Washougal, WA
An interesting note about Washougal that we pulled from MXSports.com, Washougal MX Park opened in April of 1972 and has hosted a round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship every year but once since 1980 (the year of the Mount St. Helens volcano eruption, mere miles away)." Some tracks are destined for success, and if you've ever been to Washougal you know why. Deep soil, great spectating, fast lap times and unforgettable scenery have Washougal high on our list of must see events. Being placed late in the season riders often roll into Washougal fighting for valuable points and fending off nagging injuries. Another attribute that makes this such a magical event.

First National: 1980

2009 Winners:
- 450 class: Chad Reed (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
- 250 class: Ryan Dungey (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
- WMX class: Jessica Patterson (Honda of Houston)

09 - Unadilla / New Berlin, NY
As of last year, Unadilla moved to the round following the biggest and most prestigious amateur national of them all, Loretta Lynn's. Outside of Eli Tomac, this will be the round where all of the 2010 rookies will make their pro debuts. While there isn't a huge list of racers waiting to turn pro from the amateur ranks, Unadilla will still hold plenty of excitement. The round will be hosted live on NBC on August 14, and the racing never disappoints here. The track is laid with infamous obstacles such as Gravity Cavity, Horsepower Hill, Screw U, the Wall, and Skyshot. With its great spectator viewing, Unadilla is guaranteed to be packed to the brim and showcase one of the most exciting rounds on the circuit.

First National: 1972

2009 Winners:
- 450 class: Chad Reed (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
- 250 class: Christophe Pourcel (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki)

10 - Moto-X 338 / Southwick, MA
The track name is Moto-X 338, but true fans know it simply as Southwick. The name alone brings nightmares of huge breaking bumps, peg swallowing ruts and swapping straight-aways to all who have tried to conquer it. Southwick is notoriously rough and physically exhausting, and has been since the first Southwick National event was held in 1976. It comes late in the year when the riders are feeling the fatigue hard fought season and it is the only true sand track on the circuit. This track is only for the toughest of the tough and is often the decision maker round for the championship.

First National: 1976

2009 Winners:
- 450 class: Matthew Goerke (Factory Yamaha)
- 250 class: Justin Barcia (Geico Powersports Honda)
- WMX class: Jessica Patterson (Honda of Houston)

11 - Steel City / Delmont, PA
The Steel City track is favored by both riders and spectators alike. The soft Pennsylvania loam forms huge berms and deep braking bumps, and because the track is laid out in a valley, it creates lots of off-camber turns and gives fans nearly 100 percent viewing of the track from a variety of areas.

First National: 1988

2009 Winners:
- 450 class: Thomas Hahn (Canidae Motosport.com Kawasaki)
- 250 class: Christophe Pourcel (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki)
- WMX class: Jessica Patterson (Honda of Houston)

12 - Pala Raceway / Pala, CA
Brand new to the Lucas Oil Motocross Championship, Pala Raceway sits on an Indian Reservation only a few miles away from the beautiful Pala Casino, 6 miles off Insterstate 15, and a mere 30-45 minutes from the amazing city of San Diego. Word is the track will be undergoing enormous changes and facility enhancements before it hosts the final round of the tour on September 11th. This race will be a wild card, but with the way the racing looks to be stacking up this season it will undoubtedly be one you can't miss.

First National: 2010

2009 Winners: N/A