Motocross traces its roots back to post-WWII Europe where what amounted to virtually motorized bicycles were raced on beaches and streets. Continuing throughout the 1970’s, European racers dominated motocross competition and never gave much thought or respect to their American counterparts. But the 1980’s saw the tide begin to change as American racers became stronger and faster and were beating Europe’s best. Since then, motocross in the U.S. has never looked back and remains the pre-eminent racing ground. World Championships mean little here; it’s all about being an American Champion. Bikes of today bear little resemblance to their earlier models. At Unadilla, the jumps are huge, the turns varied, and the speeds intense. What has evolved now lets the rider catapult large distances while maintaining heights approaching 30 feet without thinking twice.
While we hold several events from May-September, every year for one weekend in August, Unadilla becomes a pilgrimage for fans from all over. Over 15,000 spectators are expected to witness the high-flying, extreme action at the Unadilla Pro Motocross National in New Berlin, NY, typically held the second Saturday of August. The top 250cc and 450cc motocross racers in the world will have their skills put to the test. Unadilla, long known to typically bring out some of the best racing of the season, challenges bike and rider alike to endure the 1.5 mile natural terrain track. Dirt bikes repeatedly soar 100 feet off several jumps, including “The Skyshot” one of the longest jumps on the national circuit. Also popular with fans is “Gravity Cavity”, a steep downhill followed by an uphill with a jump at the top. Unadilla’s all-natural terrain provides sections for an up close view of the bikes in action as well as vantage points that allow for viewing over 90% of the track.
National weekend has become one of the area’s largest events. Drawing spectators from throughout the world, all gather together to cheer on their favorite racer. The weekend begins with amateur racing on a separate amateur track known as U-2. Over 1,000 amateur racers and their families from throughout the U.S. and Canada will call Unadilla home beginning on Thursday. Amateur racing begins on Friday morning and continues on Sunday. Saturday morning the pro show begins with open and timed practice. It also affords the opportunity to access the pro pits and get autographs and posters from team racers. At 12:30 on National Saturday afternoon, the first gate of forty 450cc riders will be loaded and ready to go. Racing continues throughout the day and concludes about 5:30 pm.
Unadilla’s spectators find great viewing from the hillsides and straightaways. Many spots provide an almost full view of the entire track. There are some reserved seating spots but the majority of the track viewing is open to all. You are free to move around throughout the day and take advantage of several of Unadilla's great viewing areas. Described as “America’s Greatest Spectator Track” by Team Suzuki’s Team Manager, Unadilla offers a family friendly atmosphere. Bleachers, modern bathrooms, and a full area of vendors offering food, apparel, product displays, and other items are all offered.
While the Pro National is our largest event of the year, early June sees dirt bikes from past eras racing on a vintage friendly, tamed down pro motocross track. MX Rewind has become the largest vintage motocross event in the country drawing over 800 vintage motocross and cross-country racers to Unadilla for three days of racing from the past. MX Rewind Weekend brings motocross racing history to life.
Growing in popularity is the Unadilla ATV National, held in July. Pro, amateur, and expert level ATV racers from throughout the country will return to challenge all that Unadilla throws at them. Held on the famous pro national motocross track, the Unadilla ATV national features over thirty-five motos each day. The appeal of the ATV national series has been growing with both racers and fans. The pits are open to the public the entire weekend.
For those who like the challenge of cross-country ATV or motorcycle racing, September brings the GNCC (Grand National Cross Country) series to Unadilla MX. Typically one of the largest events in the series, GNCC racing utilizes both motocross tracks, fields, woods, and any muddy sections they can find to provide over 8 miles of racecourse. GNCC can best be described as a marathon in the ATV and off-road motorcycle racing world. Spectators can choose to watch from any vantage point along the 8+ mile course.
We encourage you to check out our website for more information about motorcycle and ATV racing at Unadilla.
Local
Eat and Drink
- Cooperstown Farmers' Market - Cooperstown (19.3 miles) - Visitors to the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market can look forward to the quality items local customers ...
See and Do
- Unadilla Motocross New Berlin (0.0 miles) - Motocross traces its roots back to post-WWII Europe where what amounted to virtually motorized bicyc...
- Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad Milford (20.7 miles) - Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Upper Susquehanna River Valley and historic Cooperstown, NY with a tr...
Shopping
- Cooperstown Farmers' Market - Cooperstown (19.3 miles) - Visitors to the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market can look forward to the quality items local customers ...

