Virginia City Grand Prix
The days of riders galloping through the middle of town on horseback may be history, but how about on motorcycles? Each spring, speed demons descend upon historic Virginia City for a rough-and-tumble motorcycle competition unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. As one of the largest and most competitive off-road motorcycle races in the west, thousands of spectators watch nearly 1,000 racers compete in dozens of classes over this two-day race in and around Virginia City.
The annual Virginia City Grand Prix gives spectators an about-as-close-as-it-gets view of one of the largest and most unique motocross races in the west, with dirt bikers ripping up and down mountains, old mining roads, and Historic C Street.
Part of the Virginia City events lineup since 1971, the Grand Prix is typically held during the last weekend in April every year. The Virginia City Grand Prix begins on Historic C Street, where spectators can get up-close and personal with competitors before they hit the gas onto the off-road race course on the Comstock. Pro and non-pro classes compete, as do racers of all ages and experience level. The Full Loop race course is 20-27 miles, and the Sunday Red Loop is 8-15 miles. Anyone who wants to ride in the Virginia City Grand Prix will have to pay a registration fee, but cheering on your favorite racer(s) and enjoying the party atmosphere is free.
As competitors rip around Virginia City’s high desert terrain, stroll Historic C Street for all kinds of shops, restaurants, and saloons that have been part of the Virginia City story since the very beginning.
