The 2026 Washougal National, held on July 25, 2026, was a pivotal round in the AMA Pro motocross championship, showcasing the best riders in the world. The event took place at the Washougal MX Park, known for its challenging forest setting and unpredictable weather conditions. This year, the series’ annual Military Appreciation Race added a special touch, celebrating the men and women of the Armed Forces with military-inspired graphics and ceremonies.
The weather conditions were ideal, providing a perfect backdrop for an impactful afternoon of racing. The event saw Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence extend his points lead in the 450SMX Class, while Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies made a resounding return to the top of the podium in the 250SMX Class.
The 450 Class: A Battle of Titans
The 450 class at the 2026 Washougal National was a battle of titans, with the Lawrence brothers, Jett and Hunter, at the forefront. Jett Lawrence, known for his consistency, had a few crashes this season, including one at Spring Creek that cost him a potential win. Heading into Washougal, he trailed his brother by ten points, a small margin but significant given Hunter’s rock-solid performance this year.
Haiden Deegan, another standout rider, has a strong track record at Washougal, winning the first two times he raced there and taking second last year. This year, he was racing on a 450 for the first time, adding an element of uncertainty. Deegan has been pushing hard to beat the Lawrence brothers, and Washougal’s challenging terrain could provide him with the advantage he needs.
Eli Tomac, a seasoned rider with a strong history at Washougal, made his return to racing after injuring his neck at the season opener. His performance at Spring Creek was modest, but the Washougal track, one of his strongest, could see him bounce back. Justin Barcia, another experienced rider, has had a rough season with multiple injuries and the development of a new machine. However, his performance at Spring Creek showed signs of improvement, and Washougal could be the stage for his continued resurgence.
The Weather Factor
Unlike some of the blazing temperatures seen in other rounds, Washougal usually offers a more temperate climate. This year, the highs were forecasted to be in the low seventies, providing a respite from the summer heat. Cooler temperatures often allow riders to push harder and longer, potentially benefiting those who can adapt to the changing conditions.
The 250 Class: A Tale of Resilience and Comebacks
The 250 class at the 2026 Washougal National was marked by resilience and dramatic comebacks. Julien Beaumer, riding for Red Bull KTM, had a breakthrough performance at Spring Creek, winning his first moto and securing his first Pro Motocross This success moved him up in the points standings, closing the gap to series leader Levi Kitchen.
Levi Kitchen, who leads the 250 Class, faced a challenging weekend. Despite it being his hometown race, he has never performed well at Washougal, with his best finish being sixth. Home races can bring added stress and pressure, and Kitchen will need to manage these factors to maintain his points lead.
Carson Mumford, another notable rider, has been having a strong season with multiple top-ten finishes. His performance at Spring Creek, where he finished third in the second moto, showed his potential. RJ Hampshire, consistently in the top ten since moving up to the 450 class, finished fourth
Qualifying and Race Results
Qualifying for the 450 class produced a surprising outcome, with Haiden Deegan holding the fastest lap ahead of Garrett Marchbanks. Jett Lawrence led the second session but ended up third The top four riders were separated by less than six-tenths of a second, setting the stage for an intense opening moto.
The second 450 moto opened with the top three riders in the championship running first, second, and third. Hunter Lawrence took the early lead, followed by Jett Lawrence and Haiden Deegan. Jett made a mistake, running off the track but rejoining without surrendering his position. The Lawrence brothers built a gap of roughly six seconds over Deegan by the halfway point. However, a controversial penalty for leaving the track cost Jett the moto victory, handing Hunter the win and the
In the 250 class, Cole Davies made a dominant return to the top of the podium with a 1-1 effort, moving back within striking distance in the title fight. Levi Kitchen, despite his struggles at Washougal, managed to extend his points lead, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the season.
