When Matt Orlando, one of the passionate minds behind Hot Laps, reached out to ask if Vital wanted to be a media partner for the 2025 event, our response was an instant and enthusiastic, “Heck YES!”
Hot Laps is everything we love about core, grassroots mountain biking events. The trails? Dialed AND accessible for every rider, yet packed with enough hidden gems to challenge the pros. The vibe? Pure fun. Competition is there, but it’s all about community, jumping higher, turning faster, and stoke on two wheels.
Events like this are the heart of MTB culture. They bring us together, spark new friendships, and leave us buzzing with memories that last long after the awards ceremony. Vital is proud to help shine a light on the incredible scene, effort, and celebration that the Hot Laps crew poured into this event. Who's already looking forward to next year? (My hand is raised). -gordo
Article, video and photos provided by the Hot Laps crew
PORT GAMBLE, WA — In its second year, Hot Laps MTB was a huge success, selling out all events with 380 registered riders eager to throw down at Washington’s stunning Port Gamble Ride Park. But this isn’t your typical race weekend — Hot Laps delivers a unique “best-of-three” format on short, lap-able trails, giving riders multiple chances to put down their best run while still enjoying time with their crew.
Add in sculpted jump lines, a high-octane slalom showdown, the Whip Contest, a dedicated Women’s Jump Session, food trucks, bike demos, raffles, stage prizes, and waterfront camping — and you’ve got an unmissable weekend for anyone who lives for two-wheeled excitement.
The mantra? NO BAD TIMES. Hot Laps is about the people — the laughs between runs, the shared stoke, and the kind of memories that stick long after the dirt settles.
COMMUNITY & PROGRESSION
OPEN JUMP JAMS, WHIP CONTEST, AND WOMEN’S JUMP SESSION
Hot Laps is as much about style and progression as it is about racing. The Top Gun Jump Zone served as the event’s social hub, featuring freshly rebuilt lines — including the new “Maverick” line — offering riders more airtime and room to express their style.
Open jump jams ran all weekend, culminating in the crowd-favorite "Best Whip" Contest on Saturday night. Judged by R-Dog (Ryan Howard), Chelsea Kimball, and Matt Orlando, the contest delivered serious style with winners Cami Nogueira and Kade Klinginsmith earning top honors. Entry fees from the contest went straight to Evergreen West Sound to support continued trail development in the park.
“The team of trail builders we have out here at Port Gamble are on an endless pursuit of making this park awesome and the proof is in the pudding here at Hot Laps. Seeing everyone having a blast together is truly what it's all about. Pretty surreal when you get to step back and watch the years of hard work pay off in one epic weekend.” - Matt Orlando - Trail Builder and Co-founder of Hot Laps MTB
WOMEN’SJUMP SESSION
SUPPORTED BY LUME SIX + SWEETLINES
The Women’s Jump Session was a standout moment — part of Hot Laps’ commitment to creating inclusive progression spaces. Led by Sweetlines coach Kat Sweet and pro freeriders Chelsea Kimball and Hailey Elise, over 30 women came out Friday evening to ride, learn, and build confidence. From small tabletops to bigger lines, the ladies progressed together in a supportive, positive atmosphere.
RACE FORMATS: ENDURO + SLALOM
Hot Laps ENDURO featured our “Best of 3” format, where riders can take multiple attempts per stage on lap-able trails, with only their fastest time counting towards the overall. With stage sponsors, prizes, and a laid-back approach, the format lets riders strategize, session with friends, and push themselves at their own pace.
The E-Bike Enduro category tripled in size on race day as more riders wanted in on the action. Crestline Bikes sweetened the deal with a cash prize for the Pro class, elevating the competition and fun all the way around.
In the Cool Runnings Slalom Invitational, top talent lit up the berm-packed course in a head-to-head display of speed and skill. Meanwhile, the Amateur Slalom Session offered a two-hour jam format with unlimited timed runs — perfect for testing lines, refining technique, and racing your way.
Cool Runnings Invitational - Pro Podiums
“We built Hot Laps to give riders what they want — multiple chances to ride their best, fewer rules, more freedom, great trails, and the ability to session with friends. It’s a low-pressure space with some strategy in picking your route and managing your effort. Add in the jumps, clinics, demos, raffles, food, sponsored stages, and waterfront camping, you've got a weekend unlike any other. Our goal was to have a little something for everyone to enjoy.” — Jill Kintner, Pro Rider & Co-Founder of Hot Laps MTB
HOT LAPS ENDURO - Podiums
HOT LAPS E-ENDURO - Podiums
Hot Laps 2025 delivered on the promise: great trails, good energy, and a format that let riders show up, ride hard, and have fun with their crew. With almost perfect weather, great stages, and a focus on community and progression, the weekend struck a balance between racing and just enjoying the ride. Whether you came to win, learn, or just hang out—this was mountain biking at its best.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
For more info, head to www.hotlapsmtb.com
6/16/2025 7:07am
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