The Historic Tradition Continues

The 20th running of the San Manuel Copper Classic, hosted by the Trail Riders of Southern Arizona (TRS), took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026. TRS welcomed over 220 “Big Bike” and “Minibike” racers 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 Sprint Enduro format which from the racer’s reaction was extremely well received. As it has been the case in the past few years, spectators enjoyed watching the race action at the enduro-cross section and “rock garden”. This section challenged the rider’s slow speed technical skills. Racers were required to ride over large diameter wooden poles and huge tractor tires laying perpendicular to the direction of travel, then ride through a rock garden.

As always, TRS received tremendous support from the local community. Without their support this wonderful tradition could not continue. A huge thank you to following:
• BHP Copper for allowing TRS to use their property for the entire racecourse.
• San Manuel-Mammoth School Superintendent for allowing TRS to use school property for race registration, parking, and camping.
• San Manuel Fire Department for providing on site emergency medical support.
• San Manuel Community Schools providing Saturday breakfast and lunch food service.
• Pinal County Economic Development, Tourism.
• Willingham Foundation.
• 70 TRS club volunteers, family, and friends who were on hand to manage this event.

TRS has a custom 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 Community Schools and Fire Department in the amounts of $5,000 and $2,500 respectively, that were made on May 11th.

The tentative date for the 2027 Copper Classic is Saturday March 6-7.

Hope to see you then.