For more than 40 years, the Hinterberg circuit has hosted official competitions, ever since the first motorcycles roared into life in this former sand quarry on August 31, 1980.
Since then, the Mothern circuit has written some of the finest chapters in the history of motocross in Alsace.
From rounds of the French Inter Championship and Inter Sidecar Cross Championship in the mid-1980s, to the European rounds in 1993 and 1994, and later the prestigious Motocross INTER series, the Rhine-side track has welcomed some of the biggest names in international motocross.
Over the years, the Hinterberg circuit has continually evolved to keep pace with advances in motorcycle technology and meet the growing demands of the sport. This careful balance between technical challenge and spectacle gives races held in Mothern a unique identity, capable of bringing thousands of spectators together around the track.
The Hinterberg site has also benefited from the development of new facilities, made possible through the dedication and hard work of a team of passionate members of MC Mothern.
During the winter of 2014–2015, the circuit layout was redesigned to meet the new FFM standards. A further phase of optimisation followed in 2015–2016, further improving the experience for both riders and spectators.
As part of this ongoing commitment to improvement, the spectator area is currently being redeveloped in order to provide the public with even better facilities and a more comfortable experience.
CLUB HISTORY
CLUB HISTORY
TRACK HISTORY
TRACK HISTORY
THE HINTERBERG TRACK
The MC Mothern was founded in 1978. Under the leadership of Joseph Schauinger, a small group of passionate enthusiasts set out on the motocross adventure. The motivation was strong — but a proper track was still missing.
The first laps took place in Betschdorf, on the “Moulin” track.
In 1980, everything changed. The MC Mothern took over the “Hinterberg” track, a former sand quarry made available by the Lauterbourg gravel company and soon permanently acquired by the municipality of Mothern. A new chapter had begun.
On August 31, 1980, the first official race was held — a round of the Alsace Championship. Mothern quickly entered a successful era. French Championship races followed, and renowned riders helped build the circuit’s reputation, including Jacky Vimond, the first French motocross world champion.
However, in the late 1980s, momentum slowed and the club went through a difficult period. In 1991, a new generation stepped in to revive the club. Lacking experience, they turned to Pierre Staller, who became president and played a key role in taking the club to the next level.
Since then, the Hinterberg circuit has continuously evolved: track extensions, layout improvements, installation of an irrigation system, purchase of a bulldozer, and construction of a clubhouse — all made possible by the dedication of the club’s members.
In 1993, Mothern hosted its first European round. Two years later, the track reached international level, welcoming some of the world’s best riders, including Joël Smets, a five-time world champion. For fans, Ascension Day became a must-attend event — race day in Mothern.
In 1996, a joint presidency was established between Pierre Staller and Christophe Schmitt. In the early 2000s, roles evolved and new goals were set: renovation and electrification of the clubhouse, creation of a kids’ track, training of officials, development of Motocross Inter events, and active involvement in local community life.
Today, the MC Mothern has around 250 members, all committed to continuing the club’s legacy and promoting its values.
After 26 years as president, Christophe Schmitt stepped down, leaving behind a strong and well-structured club.
In early 2023, Philip Weisenberger, an active member for many years, was elected president of MC Mothern.