Ryan Dungey and Mike Alessi lead the way ahead of Southwick on Saturday. Image: Simon Cudby.

Following a two-week break in action, the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, returns to the track on Saturday, 11 August, with its anticipated return to Southwick for the Moto-X 338 National.

Legendary Moto-X 338 will provide the most unique challenge of the 2012 season as the lone stop of the Nationals to feature sand, which provides an ever-changing surface sure to keep the world’s best riders at their best.

This weekend marks the series’ 34th visit to Southwick, which has been the site of some of the sport’s most memorable moments.

Last season at Moto-X 338, Team Yoshimura Suzuki’s Australian Brett Metcalfe overcame heavy rains from incoming Hurricane Irene to claim his first career motocross victory.

Behind him, both Dungey and eventual champion Ryan Villopoto were forced to overcome their own bouts of misfortune, ultimately tightening the championship. With both Metcalfe and Villopoto out due to injury, Dungey will look to secure his second 450 Class win at Southwick.

In the 250 Class one year ago at Southwick, Tyla Rattray secured his second consecutive win in the sand with a strong 2-1 outing.

Moto-X 338, named after American Legion Post 338, which owns the property, has been hosting motocross events since the 1973 season. Just three years after the facility opened, the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship held its first event in Southwestern Massachusetts.

Since then, Moto-X 338 has been a staple on the schedule and one of the most anticipated stops of the season. Affectionately referred to as the “sand box” and “the beach,” Southwick is a fan and rider favourite, year-in and year-out.