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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-08-19, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19,1992. TRRNS CRN NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS ‘92 What is Motocross? Unloading Motocross racing is a closed circuit race over man-made obsta­ cles or natural terrain for a fixed amount of time. For amateur racers, like Chris Lee and his sons Brett and Matt of Walton, that means about 15-20 minutes of strenuous, thrilling action. It's a demanding sport with the most stress being placed on the knees, shoulders and arms, so rid­ ers must stay in top physical condi­ tion to be at their best. Professional motocross riders have been report­ ed to be the most physically fit ath­ letes and many compete in triathlon events to help them maintain that conditioning. tive event, about 40 riders vie for front position, completing laps, by careening down hills, up banks, around sharp turns and over bumps. Bikes will often reach a height of 30 feet above the track at some jumps. Riders compete in divisions according to bike size and rider's age and experience. While not as popular in Ontario as in the United States, there were about 600 licensed members of the Continental Motosport Ciub (CMC) in the province as of 1991. With many of the races run indoors now, the idea of running an outdoor, natural track is a unique experience today. On outdoor tracks, weather conditions mean nothing and racers have often rid­ den in snow storms, which is, Chris Lee says, "every bit as miserable as it sounds." Though referees are present at races it comes down to essentially who gets there first, thus their role is minimal. As well, though the sport is highly competitive, riders realize the potential dangers of not exercising common sense on the track. Many motocross racers agree that it is, to some extent a gentleman's race, with the rate of injury no worse than that of minor hockey. Justin Jankowski of Clinton unloads his bike at a practice session at the Lee farm in Walton. National race, 4 days of motocross excitement The sport of motocross—one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The high fly­ ing acrobatics and gravity defying manoeuvers endured by both man and machine are enough to turn any seasoned spectator's hair grey. Many of the modem day warriors who tolerate the torture and battle of a motocross race are in for a challenge at Walton, one of Canada's toughest, natural terrain, outdoor motocross circuits. The age span of motocross com­ petitors ranges from three to 50 years of age. Serious racers pre­ pare for days and weeks, tuning their bodies and their minds with hard physical exercise including running, bicycling, weight training and of course disciplined riding to accomplish one single goal...to be number one! The four day Trans Can Nation­ al at Walton is what riders have been working toward and gearing up for since the winter. Riders of all ages and classes have invested their time, money and sweat to claim the National Championship. Beginning Thursday, Aug. 20 and running through to the finals on Sunday, Aug. 23, spectators will have a terrific opportunity to see non stop, heart thumping action as one of the most gruelling motor­ sports takes on some of the fittest athletes, rain or shine. The R&M Motosport Trans Can National Championships, sanc­ tioned by the Continental Moto­ sport Club, will feature a range of classes including 80cc Beginners and Experts, Juniors, Intermediates and Pros. All compete on either 125cc, 250cc, or 500cc technically advanced motorcycles. The higher the class, the faster the rider, there­ fore the Pro races are without ques­ tion the ones you won't want to miss. A special group to catch is the Pee Wee class with youngsters between the ages of three and nine zipping around on a specially designed dirt track. These kids are the stars of tomorrow and they are hot! Not to be outdone by the charm­ ing fresh faced kids are a notewor­ thy group of individuals who will tangle bars as they did in the 60’s and 70's. The Masters of Motocross class will highlight many former Pro riders and stars of the past in this celebration of motocross. Complementing the intense competition and quest for the championship will be an industry midway' of motorcycle dealer­ ships, aftermarket companies, vin­ tage motorcycle displays and manufacturers who will debut their 1993 motocross, off-road motorcy­ cle and all-terrain vehicle line-up. If you think you've seen all the activity from one vantage point, try catching the spills and thrills from the air in a hot air balloon. Hot air balloon rides will operate Saturday and Sunday for enthusiast and spectator alike. Don't miss this four day bundle of motorsport excitement for the whole family, all in one great loca­ tion. The R&M Trans Can Nation­ al Championship is racing at its best. In a typical motocross competi- BRETT LEE Brett Lee, age 17 of Walton Ont., began racing in 1988 on a 1986 Rm 80 which he bought him­ self. He now rides a Kawasaki Kxl25 and has many a racing title under is belt including a first in the Michigan Spring Supercross series in the Novice class in 1991. Open Daily Sunday Hours for July & Aug. 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 526-7759 Jerry & Helen Sabo AUBURN ^OYDS ATV MX Light lunches Full course meals BOYD'S EXTENDS A SPECIAL WELCOME TO ALL RACERS & FANS AT THE 1992 TRANS CAN NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS Boyd's is the exclusive SUZUKI ATV and motorcycle dealer in this area $SUZUKI Wednesday WING NIGHT 25e each (minimum order of 10) Thursday SCHNITZEL NIGHT buy one dinner & get second dinner 1/2 price Friday Lunch - HOT BUFFET . STEAK & SHRIMP NIGHT Brussels 887-9035 Accommodation New Rooms & Suites Fine dining for the whole family Sunday Smorgasbord All You Can Eat $8.95 Daily Specials Special Party Room for special occasions Specializing in parts and service Buy or layaway a 1992 or 1993 SUZUKI from Boyd’s Racing and receive FREE: 1 Dunlop Tire (of your choice) 1 Tire Tube 1 Chain approx, retail value $170.00 PLUS 15% OFF parts for 1993 and your Suzuki spares kit A GREAT DEAL 82, FRIENDLY SERVICE BOYD S RACING FORDWICH, ONTARIO (519) 335-3539 TRANS CAN NATONAL SPECAL a winner Everybodys at Boyd s Weekend entertainment Featuring D.J. Farquahr August 21 & 22