Desert Motorcycle Club

The 59th Annual Winter Classic

Round 1 of the AMA National Hare & Hound Series

DATE: January 24th & 25th, 2026

LOCATION: Johnson Valley, California (The legendary desert proving grounds)

SANCTIONED BY: AMA National Hare & Hound Series

Challenge Accepted: Kick Off Your 2026 Season

Get ready to drop the banner on the 2026 racing season at one of the longest-running and most revered off-road events in the country: the Desert MC Winter Classic Hare & Hound.

For 59 years, DMC has been setting the standard for open desert racing. This isn’t just a race; it’s a rite of passage. This year, we are honored to once again host Round 1 of the AMA National Hare & Hound Series, guaranteeing the highest level of competition, massive start lines, and unforgiving terrain that will push every rider and machine to their limit.

Why You Can’t Miss the Winter Classic:

• Historic Challenge: This is your chance to conquer the same challenging landscape that has forged legendary desert racers for nearly six decades.
• National Prestige: Start your season strong by earning critical points in the AMA National Series right out of the gate.
• Johnson Valley Terrain: Expect fast washes, technical rock sections, and high-speed lakebeds that define true high-desert racing. This course is designed by riders, for riders.
• Family & Community: Join hundreds of fellow racers and spectators for a weekend of camping, camaraderie, and the distinctive energy that only a Desert MC event can deliver.

Weekend Schedule Highlights (January 24th & 25th)

Saturday Youth Race Day

Registration (morning) 7am – 11:30am

Youth – Race 1 (Pee Wee) ~4 Miles for 30 Minutes 9:30am – 10am

Youth – Race 2 (Girls, Jr. Girls, Micro Mini Sr, Micro Mini Jr) ~7 Miles for 1 Hour 10:30am – 11:30am

Youth Race 3 (Big Wheel, Mini, Jr. Mini) ~16 Miles for 1.5 Hours 12pm – 1:30pm

Registration (afternoon) 2:30pm – 5pm

Youth Trophy Presentation 2pm

Pro Q&A on the Podium 4pm

Sunday – Hare & Hound Race Day!

Registration 7am – 9am

Bomb Practice 7am – 9am

Adult Race 9:15am rider’s meeting (at start line) 9:30am banner drop (start)

Adult Trophy Presentation Directly After the Race

Rider Information

All participants must be registered AMA members and follow all rules of the National Hare & Hound Series. Please monitor the official Desert MC and AMA NHHA social media pages for final course details, environmental announcements, and staging location maps.

See you at the line!