The Polish Championships are back. And it looks like they're back for real!

After a year-long hiatus, we once again heard the name "Polish Championships" at the starting gate. For some, it was just another racing weekend; for others, it was the long-awaited return of the most important national series. However, from the very first hours spent in Piekoszów, it was clear that this event was more than just a regular round of the season.

A new track prepared especially for the Polish Championships, the presence of the city authorities, an orchestra playing the Polish anthem before the start of the competition - all this created the atmosphere of an event that wanted to show from the very beginning that Polish motocross once again wants to play for something bigger.

And honestly? If this project continues in this direction, I wholeheartedly support it.

At first glance, it was clear that the organizers wanted to take care not only of the sport itself but also of the overall atmosphere of the event. The track was thoroughly prepared, and numerous marketing elements made the competition at times look more like a large international event than a standard domestic round. Sponsor banners, Red Bull and Przegląd Sportowy gates placed near the jumps, added character to the entire facility and made a huge difference from a photographer's perspective. Suddenly, practically every photo looked like it had been taken from a motorsports magazine.

It is details like these that build the perception of the competition.

Of course, not everything was perfect, but it's hard to expect the new design to work flawlessly from the first round. Organizationally, there were a few situations that were more likely to provoke a slight laugh than to have a real impact on the overall experience of the event. For example, the moment when the Polish flag was announced to be raised, only to discover that... the flagpole wasn't there yet. The ceremony for the competitors was similarly uneventful, with the microphone losing reception right at the podium's location, and the announcer had to rely on his own voice for a moment.

However, these are things that can be improved very quickly in subsequent rounds. Strong projects aren't built in a single weekend. It takes time, experience, and the ability to draw conclusions after each event. The most important thing is that there's a clear direction and a desire to create something greater than just another competition on the calendar.

Although 116 riders showed up at the start and there wasn't even an MX Open class, which would have certainly boosted attendance and the level of competition, the races themselves were truly thrilling. Maciej Więckowski's battle with Kuba Barczewski was a real eye-opener, with the pace and aggressive driving keeping fans on their toes practically until the very end. The race between Kuba Celej, Bartek Parka, and Michał Valyavski was equally exciting, controlling the situation with a significant lead for much of the race.

One of the most spectacular moments of the entire day, however, was Roman Gwiazda's race. Gate problems forced him to fight his way from practically the back of the pack, but the way he gained positions and the pace he set for his rivals was truly impressive. These were the kinds of moments people come to watch motocross for.

There was definitely no shortage of fans in Piekoszów.

It's been a long time since I've seen so many people at the tapes at a national motocross event. And it was a very good sign, showing that after a year's break, people were eager for the Polish Championships to return. However, such a large turnout also brings with it an added responsibility. At times, you could see people getting too close to corners or jumps just to take a photo with their phone. In motorsport, this can be spectacular, but it can also be very dangerous for both fans and competitors.

Regular motocross photographers know where to go and how to anticipate bikes on the track. Casual spectators often don't, so controlling spectator zones at such large events will be a key element to refine in the future.

Despite everything, the impression I left from this weekend was, above all, very positive. Even after 26 hours with virtually no sleep, leaving at 1 a.m. and returning at 3 a.m., it was hard to regret a single moment spent at this competition.

Because it's events like these that make you remember why you started riding motocross in the first place. It's about the emotions, the atmosphere, the people, and the feeling of being part of something that's just starting to write a new chapter.

Before the season, I had my own concerns about the return of the Polish Championship. Today, however, I see that this project truly has potential. Of course, it still takes time, patience, and steady development, but if the next rounds continue in this direction, I'm confident about the future of motocross in Poland.

Because sometimes it's really worth remembering that big things weren't built in a day. And perhaps we're witnessing the beginning of something that, in a few years, will look even better than it does today. 🏁