Along the way, the 61-year-old Lakewood native became a fixture in the local motocross community
David Clabaugh, owner of Thunder Valley Motocross Park, poses for a portrait by the track of park in Lakewood on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. LAKEWOOD — When David Clabaugh took over Thunder Valley Motocross Park in 1999, he opened his wallet and his mind.
“Without that track, Colorado motocross wouldn’t be what it is,” argues Raice Hernandez, a 20-year-old Lakewood resident who practically grew up at the track and is making his pro debut on Saturday. “I would say Colorado is probably around the top five best states in the country for fastest motocross racers, and a lot of that has to do with Thunder Valley and the work that David puts into it.”
In his first few years running Thunder Valley, as Clabaugh traveled the country networking, he knew he needed to make a number of updates to have the track ready for its shot at a spot on the circuit. Hosting a national race was also key to the track’s sustainability. After all, this aspiration came from a motocross diehard who used his earnings as a Denver Post newspaper boy to buy his first dirt bike at age 10. He rode in the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Lakewood Sportcycle Park shortly after that, and then decided that track management was his calling when his pro career ended with a serious leg injury in 1994.
Back home in Lakewood, Clabaugh puts on about 10 amateur races annually, while also maintaining a kid track on the south end of the 200-acre property. Thunder Valley is open year-round for locals to practice. And with nearby Bandimere Speedway closing in 2023 following a 65-year run, Thunder Valley is now the premier motosport venue in the metro area.
That includes the sport’s preeminent star, Jett Lawrence, the reigning 450 class champion who won every single race last year. That feat, achieved in Lawrence’s first year in the 450 class, had been done only three times before. Reigning Rookie of the Year and current 250 class leader Haiden Deegan as well as current 450 class leader Chase Sexton are also competing.
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