The world of motocross is buzzing with excitement as Travis Pastrana the legendary action sports icon, has been named the Grand Marshal for the 36th Yamaha Budds Creek National. This prestigious event, presented by Carter CAT marks the penultimate race of the Pro Motocross Championship and Round 27 of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship regular season.
Pastrana, a beloved figure in the sport, will make a highly anticipated return to his home race at Budds Creek Motocross Park in Maryland. The event, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing promises to be a spectacular celebration of Pastrana’s illustrious career and his enduring impact on the sport.
Pastrana’s Legendary Career and Contributions
Travis Pastrana’s career is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days as a freestyle motocross phenom to his seamless transition into SMX competition Pastrana has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. Under the mentorship of Roger DeCoster at Suzuki he won the 2000 AMA Motocross 125cc Championship and the 2001 AMA Supercross East 125cc Championship. His contributions to the sport were further cemented when he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.
Pastrana’s influence extends beyond motocross. He has made a significant impact in rally racing becoming an American Rally Association champion and capturing numerous X Games gold medals. His creation of Nitro Circus a collective of action sports athletes, has pushed the boundaries of physics and entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide. The Nitro Circus Tour will make a special stop in Pastrana’s hometown of Annapolis at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Sunday, August 23.
Event Highlights and Schedule
The Yamaha Budds Creek National will take place on Saturday, August 22 with on-track action kicking off at 5 a.m. PT / 8 a.m. ET. The day’s festivities will include opening ceremonies at 9:15 a.m. PT / 12:15 p.m. ET followed by motos for the 250SMX Class450SMX Class and WMX starting at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.
Fans can look forward to a special autograph session with Pastrana from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. local time at Budds Creek. The event will also feature comprehensive live streaming coverage on Peacock beginning with Race Day Live at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET. Live network coverage of the second motos will air on NBC starting at 12:30 p.m. PT / 3:30 p.m. ET.
Pastrana’s Enduring Legacy
Travis Pastrana’s career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. From his early days as a freestyle motocross sensation to his successful forays into rally racing and beyond, Pastrana has consistently redefined what it means to be an action sports athlete. His contributions to the sport have earned him a place among the legends, and his impact continues to be felt today.
As the Grand Marshal of the Yamaha Budds Creek National Pastrana will have the opportunity to celebrate his legacy and share his passion for the sport with fans. His presence at the event is a testament to his enduring influence and the respect he commands within the motocross community.
