Washougal MX Park hosts the 40th annual Dick Jagow GP on Sunday featuring more than 20 classes from open amateur to AA and quads.

Racing starts at 8 a.m. with amateur classes and ends with quads lining up at the gates at 3:30 p.m.

The annual race, sponsored by the Mt. Scott Motorcycle Club, often brings nearly 400 racers to the AMA sanctioned event. Jagow was an original member of the Mt. Scott Club and renowned in Portland area Motocross. He lost his life on Feb. 24, 1972 desert racing near Bend, OR. At the time, Jagow was an up-and-coming off-roader, held AMA national plate #97 on the flat track circuit and even rode in the International Six Days Enduro one year in Spain. He was considered one of the fastest riders on the West Coast.

"His true passion was to race motorcycles in the desert," said Dave Keogh, club member. "There he was able to run the bike at full throttle and ride freely. Dick passed away doing what he loved to do."

Dick Jagow

A few years after his death, the club founded the race in his memory which began as a cross country race in the Millican Valley Desert outside of Prineville, OR. In the early 80s, the format changed to the current Grand Prix style and organizers moved the race to the Portland International Raceway where it remained until 2000. In 2001, with the memorial race growing in popularity, it was moved once again to Washougal.

"The course includes both the MX track and vast off-road sections of property," Keogh said. "As a tribute to tradition, the club continues to use a hand punch card to time the event, similar to what was used during the time Dick raced in the desert."

Mt. Scott wants to make the race all-inclusive therefore includes ATVs and a sportsman's class for those who want to participate but not there for the competition.

"If you are in the area and looking for a great race to participate in, come on out to the Jagow," Keogh. "It will be a time you won't forget and Mt. Scott Motorcycle Club hopes to see you there."

Cost to race is $40. Register at Washougal MX Track, 40205 NE Borin Road in Washougal, WA. For more information see the Mt. Scott Motorcycle Club website.