History
History of the Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club & Hangtown Motocross Classic
The Beginning
The story of the Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club (DDNMC) began in the mid-1960s, when a group of riders in northeastern Sacramento and southwestern Placer Counties started organizing impromptu races. Out of this scene grew “The SKWIRLRS,” a small club that eventually transformed into the Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club.
The first official meeting was recorded at the Orangevale Cycle Center in January 1968, and soon after, on April 22, 1968, the Dirt Diggers North MC was legally recognized by the State of California. Inspired by their sister club in Southern California—famous for the Hopetown Grand Prix—the DDNMC set out to create a race of their own.
The First Hangtown Race (1969 – Placerville)
In January 1969, the first Hangtown Motocross was held at Murray Ranch near Placerville. It was an “outlaw” event, as the AMA hadn’t yet sanctioned motocross at the national level. Despite heavy rain, mud pits, and logistical challenges, the race drew top riders like Dick Mann, Gary Bailey, and Brad Lackey.
This bold beginning cemented Hangtown’s place in motocross history as one of the sport’s most daring and ambitious grassroots races.
The Plymouth Years (1970–1978)
After the Placerville years, Hangtown moved to Plymouth, where it quickly became legendary. The track was built on old mining land, with sandy soil left over from gold stamp mills. The event was as famous for its festival-like atmosphere—mini-bike races, streakers, parties, and rowdy crowds—as it was for the fierce motocross battles on the track.
These years built Hangtown’s reputation as the “Woodstock of Motocross,” attracting riders and fans from across the country.
A Permanent Home: Prairie City OHV (1979–Present)
By the late 1970s, the event needed a larger, more permanent venue. Thanks to the vision of Roy “Tinker” McGill and his wife Mary, a lease was secured at the Prairie City site, just outside Sacramento. By 1979, Hangtown found its permanent home at what became Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area
Hangtown – McGill Park Placard
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Since then, the Dirt Diggers North MC has successfully run the Hangtown Motocross Classic for over five decades, making it the oldest race on the AMA National Motocross Championship Series and the only one continuously organized by a club.
Timeline of Key Events
Mid-1960s – Local riders form “The SKWIRLRS,” precursor to DDNMC.
1968 (Jan) – First recorded club meeting at Orangevale Cycle Center.
1968 (Apr 22) – Dirt Diggers North MC officially recognized.
1969 (Jan 11–12) – First Hangtown Motocross at Murray Ranch in Placerville (outlaw race).
1970–1978 – Hangtown held at Plymouth, earning its legendary reputation.
1972 – Roy “Tinker” McGill opens McGill Motorcycle Park (later Prairie City OHV).
1979–Present – Hangtown Motocross Classic held at Prairie City OHV Park.
Today – Celebrating 56+ years as the longest-running AMA National Motocross event.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
The Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club remains dedicated to its founding vision—bringing world-class motocross racing to Northern California while preserving the grassroots spirit that built the sport. The Hangtown Motocross Classic isn’t just a race—it’s a piece of American motocross history.
