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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-08-25, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016. Motocross fans endure despite vicious storms The big race The first ever Walton Pro Open was held at the Walton Raceway on Sunday and, despite the rainy weather that preceded it, the event was exciting according to organizers. The race, part of the annual TransCan Grand National Weekend, took place on Sunday. The winners were, from left: third-place Joey Crown, first -place and King of Walton Kaven Benoit and second - place Brad Nauditt. (Vicky Bremner photo) General Manager Brett Lee. "We had a lot of good response to the race," he said. "People loved the format, because it's simpler to follow." Lee, who took over the raceway from his father, founder Chris Lee By Denny Scott The Citizen The first Walton Pro Open was a big success at the annual TransCan Grand National Weekend according to Walton Raceway President and several years ago, explained the race makes the sport more approachable for fans of all levels. He said that the last race typically held at the end of the TransCan sees two awards; the King of Walton title, which includes a sword, for whoever won the race and the trophy for winning the season which doesn't always go to someone who performed well at the race. "We have a lot of fans come here and they aren't hardcore fans," he said. "They're people who come here because the entire event is something to experience" The new race features both MX1 and MX2 racers vying for a single prize, the King of Walton title and sword. "This is one big moto and whoever wins it takes home the trophy," he said. "It's easier to follow than looking at combined scores which makes it easier for fans to follow and understand." For some of the race, it even looked like Nathan Bles, a racer from Varna, was going to ride away with the prize. "It was a cool thing to happen," Lee said. `ales led for most of the finale." Bles was riding for Hondo Canada GDR Fox Racing and was one of two racers brought in by the team to race for Colton Facciotti who was crowned King of Walton last year. Facciotti was sidelined with an injury. "The place was going pretty bonkers keeping up with him," Lee said. "He was in the lead for about three quarters of the race." In the end Kaven Benoit won the won the pro open and was crowned the King of Walton. While the race and weekend were both successful, Lee said the rain made it difficult to put on an event on par with events of years past. "Outside of the weather, we are very happy with the weekend," he said. The Walton area, according to Lee, received an average of two inches of rain per day since Thursday, Aug. 11, the week before the event started. "That may be great for filling swimming pools," he said. "It wasn't great for the motocross." Lee explained the event experienced several delays due to the weather, including the concert which he said didn't get cancelled, but was later called a "survivor's concert." "The guys from Cold Creek County are pretty cool," he said. "They sat on stage for an hour and a half and waited until almost 11 p.m. to start the concert. At that point, it was a survivor's concert for whoever stuck it out." Numbers -wise, Lee said there were 4,000 to 5,000 people staying on site, and a total of 25,000 visitors over the weekend. Approximately 800 riders were registered across the various classes. He also said there was representation from across Canada, which is important to the organization. Vice President and Director of Marketing Mark Perrin said a release date would soon be announced for the television special based on the weekend, which is set to air on TSN. Continue to watch The Citizen for updates. Walton population swells with 25th TransCan weekend Excitement The 25th annual Parts Canada TransCan Grand National excitement that drew tens of thousands to the village of Walton photo) PEOPLE AROUND WALTON By Jo -Ann McDonald Call 887-6570 The village of Walton swelled in population for the 25th year on the third weekend in August. The Parts Canada TransCan motocross celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Walton Raceway and Lee Farms. It just seems like yesterday when we first started working at the Lee farm. The first year we cooked hamburgers and hot dogs on barbecues under the big maple trees. There weren't the crowds like today but a lot of fun was had by the small group. Over the years change, expansion and participation by the ever-expanding numbers of motocross riders, have seen the event grow from 100 racers in half - ton trucks and tents to over 800 race entries and huge motorhomes and bike trailers. A couple of days to five days and classes for four to six year olds in the 50cc class to ladies to vet masters for the mature riders and of course pro riders. Many local riders, more from around Ontario and now from across Canada. A trio of B.C. families travelled to Walton and some riders from Alberta, Quebec and the U.S. enjoyed the unique Weekend featured plenty of over the weekend. (Vicky Bremner challenges of the Walton track. We have experienced many changes over the years and the many challenges of weather. We have baked in the heat, been chilled by cold, damp nights, choked by dust and like this past event, have waded through the mud brought on by the torrential downpours of rain. Challenges faced by the hard- working crew of Walton Raceway this past weekend and heavy rains of Friday evening had the track crew pushed to the brink of exhaustion. But coming forward to lend a hand and for their love of the Walton track, were former riders who manned shovels to dig trenches and ran equipment to help. The Saturday races were pushed back to start until 2 p.m. with a modified schedule, but the races went on and the riders said the track "was mint". The weather did not help the attendance with the threat of rain and lots of mud, but it was great racing. It was a year of change around the Walton track but change can be positive when given the chance. Twenty-five years and counting and we look forward to more exciting changes in the future of TransCan. Congratulations to Steve and Jacklin Henderson on the birth of a beautiful daughter. They have welcomed Kinley to be a little sister to Kipton. Happy grandparents are Murray and Carol (Wilbee) Henderson. Our sympathies are extended to the Blake and Fraser families on the passing of Phil. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. Our condolences to all. Our sympathies are extended to the family and friends of Doris Simpson. She will be missed by her five children and their families and special friends Joe McClelland and family. A memorial service was held at the Walton Hall on Sunday. Our condolences to all. Neil McDonald has returned to Vancouver after a week's visit in the area. Our sympathies are extended to Brad Speiran and family on the passing of Olga Speiran. She was a long-time resident of Grey Township until her retirement to Huronlea. Our condolences to all. Celebrating his special birthday of 90 wonderful years was Emerson Mitchell. A lovely drop-in of friends and relatives was held at his home of birth on Cranbrook Road. Even relatives from Saskatchewan made the trip to help celebrate the occasion organized by his family. The well wishers enjoyed refreshments and cupcakes and the FROM WALTON family enjoyed a meal following the afternoon drop-in. A familiar face was home from Edmonton to see family and celebrate Andrew McDonald's birthday, son of Jim and Linda. He was only here a week and has returned to his home in the west. Enjoying a four-day holiday with Aunt Margaret and Uncle Rick Mclnroy was Brad Shortreed. The trio went camping at Cathcart Park on the St. Clair River near Sombra. They went to Dresden to Uncle Tom's Cabin, to Chatham to see the sights and toured the Corunna and Sombra area. They enjoyed their time away together. Celebrating birthdays this past week include Jim Armstrong, Susan Nichol, Andrew McDonald, Jacob Flood, Shawn Flaxbard, Christine Gulutzen, Nicole McIntosh, Gloria Wilbee, Terri Gulutzen, Pat Nolan, Bradley Shortreed, Blaine Hackwell, Cheryl Lee, Earl Pennington, Sarah Fraser and Kelly Hackwell.