American Motocross will continue at Washougal this Saturday. Image: Simon Cudby.

The 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will continue with the Peterson CAT Washougal National this Saturday, 21 July.

Legendary Washougal MX Park hosts the championship’s lone visit to the beautiful Pacific Northwest and has been providing one of the most unique landscapes to challenge the world’s best riders for over three decades.

Last weekend at Spring Creek MX Park, Minnesota native Ryan Dungey captured his fifth consecutive win of the 2012 season in front of his hometown crowd, once again extending his lead in the championship standings, which now sits at 80 points.

Since capturing his first win of the summer at the third round of the championship, the Red Bull KTM rider has been relentless in his pursuit of a second career Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 450 Class title.

In addition to his fifth straight victory, Dungey also enjoys a 10-moto winning streak and by virtue of his 19th-career win in the 450 Class, now sits alone in fourth on the all-time wins list behind Hall of Fame riders Ricky Carmichael (76 wins), Bob Hannah (27 wins), and Ricky Johnson (22 wins).

On Saturday, he returns to the site of his first-career Lucas Oil Motocross victory back in 2008, where he has yet to relinquish his position atop the podium since.

The primary challenger to Dungey’s dominance this season has been MotoConcepts Suzuki’s Mike Alessi. The veteran rider continued to impress last weekend, posting a strong runner-up performance for his fifth overall podium effort in seven rounds.

Currently occupying second in the 450 Class standings, Alessi heads to Washougal with added motivation to succeed for his Spokane-based MotoConcepts team, which is experiencing a breakthrough season as a privateer effort with Alessi leading the way.

Last season at Washougal, Dungey claimed his second straight 450 Class victory at the facility, relying on a second-moto tiebreaker to edge out eventual champion Ryan Villopoto and keep the Washington native winless at his home track.

The 250 Class continues to produce exceptional competition among its top four riders in the championship standings. Last weekend, GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac ended a recent string of dominance by points leader, and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider, Blake Baggett to capture his third overall win of the season.

While Baggett was in position to secure his fourth win of the summer at Spring Creek, a crash while leading ultimately allowed Tomac the opportunity to capitalize, while also costing Baggett some points in the championship. While he rebounded to finish third, Baggett will be looking to make up for the ground he lost to his rivals.

Last season at Washougal, Baggett emerged victorious following a highly competitive battle with his teammates Tyla Rattray and eventual series champion Dean Wilson. Baggett hopes his past success will work to his advantage against the field.

Washougal MX Park is one of the oldest stops on the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship schedule and is the only round of the season to run in the Pacific Northwest. The first National was held at Washougal in 1980 and with the exception of 1987, the track has been a part of the championship for the last 30 years.

Over that span, the facility has been the site of many of the sport’s most memorable moments and has become one of the most challenging circuits on the schedule. Washougal boasts one of the largest climbs on the circuit, with the iconic Horsepower Hill.

Its picturesque setting, surrounded by evergreen trees and rolling hills, make it a must see for any motocross enthusiast.