Motocross: Glen Helen National Track Revealed

Kit Palmer | May 13, 2014

Here’s a peek at the track for the upcoming Glen Helen National that kicks off the 2014 AMA Pro Motocross season.

It’s now down to just the fine-tuning. Today, track designer Jody Weisel and noted track builder Karl Scanlon have completed the track layout at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California, for the opening round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, which is scheduled to get underway on May 24.

The track will be shortened in length compared to some of the Glen Helen National tracks of the past. The last National held at Glen Helen Raceway was in 2009. Previous layouts have included parts of the neighboring “REM” track but this is no longer the case. With the goal to reduce lap times a bit, the entire course this year will utilize the facility’s main track, however, don’t expect it to look like your traditional Glen Helen layout, as it will feature new obstacles, including the new “Velodrome,” a steep and very wide banked, right-hand turn located on the extreme north/east section of the track. The Velodrome should provide plenty of passing opportunities.

Not your traditional Glen Helen layout the design for the National features new obstacles including the new Velodrome a steep and very wide banked right-hand turn located on the extreme north east section of the track. Photography By Kit Palmer

Not your traditional Glen Helen layout, the track design for the National features new obstacles like the “Velodrome” pictured here. Photography By Kit Palmer

According to a release from Glen Helen, the 2014 track has been broken down into 17 major sections that feature “dramatic elevation changes, high speed and high technicality with various terrain, and of course the kind of flair that only can be found at Glen Helen. Iconic elements like the longest start straight in the series, ‘Talledaga’ first turn, ‘Mt. Saint Helen’ and ‘Saddleback Ridge.’” The track’s sand section has also been revamped, too. More of the soft stuff has been imported and is said to be as deep as five feet.

And a look at the sand section at Glen Helen.

And a look at the new sand section… Photography By Kit Palmer

“Glen Helen means motocross in Southern California and everyone involved with the series is thrilled to be returning again,” said Davey Coombs, President of MX Sports Pro Racing. “To lead off the series with a track as challenging and spectacular as Glen Helen means that we’re going to know right away who’s ready to compete for the championship.”