Photo by Nathaniel Lopez
The 19th running of the San Manuel Copper Classic, hosted by the Trail Riders of Southern Arizona (TRS), took place on Saturday, March 8.
We welcomed nearly 250 big bikes and minis to the old Gardner Middle School Campus for a weekend of competition and family fun. Riders from all over Arizona and beyond got to experience the friendly atmosphere of San Manuel.
The race was a Dual Scramble format with two separate courses, that all the races got to experience at least once. The fan favorite “rock garden” was the Enduro Cross section which included obstacles to challenge the rider’s slow speed technical skills. It also included riding up and over a large and elevated wooden pole (balance beam fashion) crossing over wooden poles and huge tractor tires laying perpendicular to the direction of travel.
As always, the event and TRS received tremendous support from the local community. Without their support this wonderful tradition could not continue. A huge thank you to:
• BHP Copper for allowing TRS to use their property for the entire racecourse.
• The San Manuel-Mammoth School Superintendent for again allowing TRS to use the school property for staging the race.
• The San Manuel Fire Department for providing on site emergency medical support. There were first aid personnel positioned out on the racecourse as an extra measure of rider safety.
• The San Manuel School Superintendent for providing TRS access to the school property for race registration, parking, and camping.
• And to the San Manuel Schools providing Saturday breakfast and lunch food service.
TRS had over 60 club volunteers, family, and friends on hand to manage this event.
Sponsors and Supporters of the Copper Classic include: AMA, AMRA, Turn 14, CSA, AZKKT, Serrano Motorsports, GR Financial Group, Oro Valley Automotive, TBT Racing, BHP Copper, Mammoth-San Manuel Schools, San Manuel Fire Department, Alexandra Miller, CPA, STAMBACK, AWP Safety, Pinal County Office of Tourism and TRS members, family and friends.
TRS has a tradition of giving back to the local communities where they host events such as the Copper Classic. This year we are proud to announce cash donations to the San Manuel Schools and Fire Departments in the amounts of $5,000 and $2,000 respectively will be made.
The tentative date for the 2026 Copper Classic is Saturday, March 7, 2026. Hope to see you then.