by Aaron Hansel
The Vault: History from Millville
Thursday, July 12, 2012 | 1:30 PM
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By now you’ve surely visited the Racer X Vault, [www.Vault.racerxonline.com] the most complete and comprehensive online database of results from AMA motocross and supercross in existence. If you haven’t visited the Vault, you really should. Why? Because only the Racer X Vault has catalogued each and every result from every single pro AMA motocross and supercross race ever held. It’s the ultimate tool for hardcore bench racers, and since all results are organized by year, rider, venue or brand, it never takes more than few clicks to find the information you’re looking for.
This week, we’re opening The Vault to highlight the history of this weekend’s host site for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Spring Creek Motocross Park in Millville, MN. When it comes to a variety of track conditions and varying obstacles, Spring Creek has it all. Consisting of large jumps, big hills, off-camber turns, sand whoops, hard-pack sections and more, this track really throws the book at riders. With all the different types situations riders encounter at Spring Creek, it’s no wonder it has produced some of the most fantastic moments in moto history. Let’s twist the throttle and launch into the Racer X Vault and take a look at some of the most memorable races in this historic venue’s history.
The first race at Spring Creek Motocross Park was held in 1983. Ron Lechien, Bob Hannah and Danny Chandler took 125, 250 and 500 Class wins, respectively.
Ryan Dungey returns to his home track this weekend looking for another win.
Carl Stone photo
In 1985, Spring Creek saw Bob Hannah take the final win of his outstanding career over Johnny O’Mara and Rick Johnson.
The late Donny Schmit, a local hero whose name lives on in the form of the famous Holy Schmit jump, took a victory the first time he raced at Spring Creek. The win took place in 1987 in the 125 Class over George Holland and Erik Kehoe.
It’s been quite a while since Yamaha has won an overall in either class at Spring Creek. John Dowd gave them their last win there aboard a YZ250 in 1994.
In 1999, Nick Wey went 1-5 aboard a KX125 at Spring Creek to take the first and only National win of his career.
While we’re on the subject of first-time winners, we’d better mention that both Mike LaRocco and Andrew Short got their first National wins at Spring Creek. LaRocco’s came in 1990 on a Suzuki, and Short’s came in 2005 on a Honda.
The G.O.A.T lapped the entire field in the second moto in 2006.
Carl Stone photo
Just as he did at so many other venues, Ricky Carmichael regularly handed out beatings at Spring Creek. In fact, RC was so good at Spring Creek in particular that he won every single premier class moto he ever entered there.
And speaking of Ricky Carmichael, in a muddy 2006 Spring Creek National the G.O.A.T. pulled off one of the greatest and most talked about performances in the history of the sport when he lapped the entire field in the second moto.
Last, but certainly not least on the list of Spring Creek’s jaw-dropping moments, is Chad Reed’s horrific crash that took place in the second moto one year ago. Reed was in the air for so long that television play-by-play caller Jason Weigandt was able to actually call the crash as it was happening, getting out several sentences before Reed came crashing back to the ground! Amazingly, Reed remounted and charged all the way back to fourteenth to take fifth overall and salvage his points lead.
As usual, these instances are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great races and memories from Spring Creek. Dive into the Racer X Vault, and share your interesting findings in the comments section below.
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I think at one time on the post........ 1996 were there both witnesses to the GOAT that day!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1996 at Millville was when McGrath was getting crazy with his confidence and tried to clear a jump and hurt his foot. This is what caused him to lose the 1996 250 Title to Emig. McGrath was not 100% at Steel City!
Im glad I live in So. Cal cuz I really hate mud...
Spring Creek has many memories for me!! 86 first year I went, Johnson, Bailey, Ward, and Leichen put on a great show. I made the trip back in 87,88,89,90 to cheer on Cooper.. Also made the trip in 92, 94, 96 and 97, with 97 the year I got to party with MC and the Gang down at Riskys in Rochester..In 01 went back and some how got there a week early, Johnny Martin got a kick out of that!! I went in 04 to see the Hype and then again in 06 when RC lapped the field in the mud. I am taking the same poncho I wore that day in case the rains come as predicted. Every one has there favorite track for what ever reason, Spring Creek is mine, because it has been a great time each and every time...Looking forward to another....
just a quick note before scrub-nuts mom picks him up from day care and he ruins the possibility of decent takes...........checked RC's results.....geezus.....the GOAT part barely describes it...wow......last Yamaha win ,....94...really....maybe time to put some dirt bike engineers back on the design staff...the road race guys ain't cuttin it...
Dungey has won the overall the last four years in a row at Millville and Washougal.
@ snopro35x
Make it 5 now !!
@ tonewall, unfortunately, it will be big news when the tuning fork folks get another 450 class victory. They are taking the "employee of the month" plaque down for the guy that signed off on the 2010-present 450.
NOW would certainly be a good time to see some drama in the 250F's if there's going to be much more of a title fight. Roczen is due to make his mark in the U.S. I won't "stamp it" but, I'm hopeful. Maybe a good mud race is what's needed for the "Orange assault", aren't euros supposed to be mud masters?
@yzpilot62, it's funny 'cause we never get enough of it so, I always look forward to it........no dust. With the exception of that red Georgia clay that will stain your soul, and everything else, I'm all good with mud riding.
Racer x next year when you do thiis same article you have that link for stewart not hitting Millville for 5 years if he ever returns I think his outdoors are going BYE BYE myself back to SX only!
I see Barcia beating Baggett at Spring Creek, Southwick, and Unadilla. Baggett will score better than Barcia at Washougal and Steel City. Lake Elsinore will be a slam-bam fest for the title.
When Lechein held off Barnett in both 125 motos in 83, that allowed Bailey to win the long-defunct Grand National Championship of MX.
epic race track and area knarley track hundreds of injuries also happened there ,must see place if you love moto