An Iconic Event, 50+ Years In The Making
The Virginia City Grand Prix roared to life in 1971 as an AMA-sanctioned off-road motorcycle race, established by the Western State Racing Association (WSRA). The course cuts straight through Virginia City — a mining town built during the mid-1800s Comstock Lode boom, once home to one of the richest silver and gold deposits ever discovered — and it quickly earned a reputation as one of the toughest events in the sport.
The Race Is Founded
WSRA launches the first AMA-sanctioned Virginia City Grand Prix, setting a demanding course through the streets and hills of a historic mining town.
The WSRA Era
For three decades, WSRA runs the event, drawing legendary competitors including Larry Roeseler, Ty Davis, Danny Hamel, Carl Cranke, and Shane Esposito.
WSRA's Final Race
The 30th and final WSRA-run race is commemorated with tombstone-shaped awards, marking the end of an era for the event.
A Year Off
The event goes dark for the first time since 1971.
Revived
The Virginia City Motorcycle Club brings the race back to life, running it under MRANN (Motorcycle Racing Association of Northern Nevada) sanctioning.
Going Independent
After three years under MRANN, the race steps out on its own, continuing on as an unsanctioned event.
Virginia City Motorsports Club
Now run by the Virginia City Motorsports Club, the race draws nearly 1,000 competitors across three days of racing every last weekend in April.
