Portland International Raceway (PIR) is celebrating a major milestone in 2026: 60 consecutive years of Thursday Night Motocross (TNMX), the nation’s longest-running nighttime motocross series. What began in the early 1970s as a novel idea to race under the lights has grown into a beloved Pacific Northwest institution, drawing generations of riders and fans every summer Thursday from April through September. Join them Thursday, July 23rd for their special anniversary night event!
A Legacy Born Under the Lights
Thursday night racing at PIR started in 1970, dreamed up by Duane Wylder and Jim “Rockstead” Rockstead after attending a Friday flat-track event at nearby Sidewinders. They envisioned something unique: weekday motocross under stadium-style lights, close to town, without competing with weekend venues. The concept was an instant hit—there was simply nothing else like it in the region.
For over 38 years, Duane Wylder was the face and promoter of PIR motocross, building a family-run operation that became a “landmark staple” in the Portland–Vancouver dirt bike community. Today, his sons Rick and Ron Wylder carry on the legacy through Wylder Promotions, continuing the tradition their father started and expanding TNMX’s reach and energy.
What Makes TNMX Special
Thursday Night Motocross stands out for several reasons:
- America’s longest-running night motocross series, operating consecutively for 60 years
- Family-friendly, with three generations of riders often competing together
- A mix of grassroots pee-wee racers to national-level pros battling on PIR’s soft dirt and steep hills
- Weekly racing from April to September, with gates at 4 p.m., practice at 5 p.m., and first motos at 6 p.m.
- Affordable access: $10 adults, $5 for kids 5 and under; rider entries at $25–$35
More than 200 riders show up on a typical Thursday, creating a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere that’s as much about family and tradition as it is about racing.
2026: The 60th Anniversary Season
This year marks 60 consecutive years of Thursday Night Motocross at PIR, a milestone being celebrated throughout the 2026 season. Special anniversary nights, including a very special 60th Anniversary Night on July 23, 2026, honor the event’s deep roots and ongoing impact on Northwest motorsports culture.
TNMX remains a weekly summer ritual for racers and fans alike, offering top-level professional competition alongside amateur and youth classes—all under the iconic PIR lights.
Why It Matters
For six decades, TNMX has been more than just a race series—it’s a Portland tradition, a community hub, and a proving ground for talent. Its continuity reflects the dedication of the Wylder family, the support of the City of Portland, and the passion of riders and fans who keep the engines roaring every Thursday night.
As Rick and Ron Wylder continue to build on their father’s vision, Thursday Night Motocross stands as a testament to what’s possible when family, community, and motorsports collide—under the lights, on the dirt, for 60 years straight.
For more info, schedules, and registration: thursdaynightmotocross.com
