Estonian champion Kevin Saar looks forward to World Championship weekend in Madona

On 25–26 July 2026, Latvia’s famous Smeceres Sils motocross track in Madona will once again host one of the biggest motorsport events in the Baltics – a round of the FIM Sidecar Motocross World Championship and, for the first time, a round of the FIM Quadcross World Championship.

The event will bring together the world’s best sidecar and quad riders, including five-time European Quadcross Champion Kevin Saar from Estonia. Located just a short drive from Southern Estonia, Madona has quickly become one of the most exciting stops on the international motocross calendar. Last year, more than 7,000 spectators attended the event, creating one of the best atmospheres of the season.

Although Saar has not yet raced on the Smeceres Sils circuit, he visited last year’s event and believes the track has all the ingredients for spectacular racing.

“I have never raced there, but I watched the event last year, so I know what to expect. The track looks really fun with its elevation changes and sandy surface. Usually, tracks with hills are hard-packed, but Madona combines hills and sand, which makes it completely different from the rest of the championship,” says Saar.

Currently, the Estonian rider is using the short break in the championship calendar to prepare for the second half of the season. “Right now I’m focusing mainly on physical training while my team works on the quad to make sure everything is ready. Once I’m back riding, I’ll spend more time working on my starts because that’s an area where I know I can improve.”

Looking back on the season so far, Saar remains optimistic. “Overall, it’s been a solid season. We’ve had some very good races and a couple of difficult moments, but we’ve been consistent. My team works incredibly hard, and I’m always looking for ways to improve both on and off the track.”

For Saar, the atmosphere around an event is just as important as the racing itself. “A great race weekend is always a combination of the track, close competition and passionate fans. If I had to choose one, I’d say the fans. Without them, racing simply wouldn’t be the same.”

The Estonian champion also expects a strong Estonian presence on the starting grid.

“I don’t know the final entry list yet, but I believe there will be at least five of us competing. Racing internationally is always valuable experience for everyone.”Preparations in Madona are already well underway. According to event organiser Guntis Ķeveris, this year’s event will offer an even better experience for both riders and spectators.

“Preparations for the Madona round are progressing well. We are currently working on the track and the surrounding infrastructure while also implementing improvements based on feedback from last year’s visitors. Parking capacity and traffic management are among our priorities, and together with our telecommunications partner LMT we are also improving internet connectivity throughout the venue,” says Ķeveris.

The organisers also point out that this year’s programme will be even bigger than before, as the FIM Quadcross World Championship joins the Sidecar Motocross World Championship in Madona for the first time.

Saar believes spectators are in for an exciting weekend. “Both Quadcross and Sidecarcross have produced fantastic racing this season with very close battles. I hope we get good weather so everyone — the riders, organisers and fans — can enjoy a great weekend. I’m looking forward to racing in Madona.”

Visitors can enjoy a full weekend programme. Saturday is dedicated to free practice and qualifying, followed by a live evening concert by Rihards Saule & SmartBand. Sunday will bring the main event – the official opening ceremony, rider presentation and autograph session, followed by the decisive World Championship races that will determine the winners of the Madona round.