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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1993-08-18, Page 10High flying Craig Pratley, #7, from England will be attending the Trans Can National Motocross Championships to defend his two wins from last year, in the Pro class. WELCOME to the participants in the 1992 Trans Can National Motocross Championships BRUSSELS COUNTRY INN Enjoy one of our homemade specialties in our cozy country atmosphere. WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT IN THE LOUNGE THIS WEEK'S ENTERTAINMENT "FARQUAH R" SPECIALS Fri. - Lunch Buffet $5.95 includes salad bar Fri. - Steak & Shrimp or Evening Baby Back Ribs Sat. - Cannelloni Sun. - Smorgasbord $9.95 r Accommodations In our lovely rooms and suites. Early booking recommended. Tu rn berry St. 887-9035 PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 1993. 110Na 11)0 TMEHO C.k.N NEMONAL MOTOCCIEDOC : A Mr 6 tok Country's top riders to race Trans Can event Though the sport of motocross is just beginning to gain status in Canada, it is a sport of note around the world. The Trans Can National Champi- onships held in Walton from Aug. 19 to 22, will draw competitors from across Canada as well as from the United States and Europe. Canada's top racer, Ross Peder- son of Edmonton, has confirmed his intentions to compete at the local event. He has been ranked number one since the end of the 1991 season. Having now reached the age of For the Lee family of Walton, motocross is definitely a family affair. Chris Lee, the father of racers Brett and Matt has been involved in motocross racing since the 1970's. 32, Mr. Pederson is unique among the racers. Most competitors tend to retire by his age often due to injuries and the push by the younger riders. Mr. Pederson's considerable experience and talent will make for tough competition at the event. Bill Wallin of Barrie will also compete in Walton. Mr. Wallin is presently ranked number four in Canada. There will be a contingent of seven riders from England coming to the Trans Can event. Among them will be Craig Pratley who won two of three classes he entered Mr. Lee still races in the "senior" divisions, but spends considerable time organizing and promoting the Trans Can National Motocross Championship which takes place on his farm outside of Walton from Aug. 19 to 22. Brett, 18, and Matt Lee, 17, have passed on their interest in the sport to friends and neighbours. Cousins, Jake, 15, and Tim Lee, 8, of Stratford have taken up the sport. This will be Tim's first year of racing, but Jake had already made a name for himself after only three races on the circuit last year. Tracy Bisback of Seaforth was a classmate of the Lee brothers and heard many tales about their favourite pasttime. After watching some events, Tracy decided to give it a try. Experienced in show jump- ing horses, Tracy says this may have given her a sense of confi- dence and ability to race motocross. Many of the movements are similar when trying to maintain balance and control. She has participated in four races so far and says she usually places last year. During the past year, Mr. Pratley has been racing in the World Championship pro circuit in Europe. Chris Lee, host of the Trans Can event in Walton, expects several competitors from the United States. There could be 15 to. 20 racers coming from Michigan and New York States, says Mr. Lee. Mark Peters of California, has confirmed his participation. Mr. Lee says there were rumours of a group of Belgian riders com- peting but nothing firm has been established. fourth or fifth. Tracy says, "Racing is a lot of fun and the people that travel the circuit are a great group of racers." Neighbour Robbie Mitchell, 12, was also influenced by the Lees. After watching the brothers practise in the field and viewing video tapes, Robbie became involved. This will be his second year of rac- ing. Another local family to take up the sport is the Wernhams from Winthrop. At present, three boys from the family are participating, Brian, Steven and Jeremy. Chris Lee says motocross is a sport the whole family can be involved in. "It is a sport teenagers actually ask their parents to stay involved in," he says. It is a great way to have a family outing where everyone can participate. There are classes for the very youngest to the over 40 crowd and for ladies. There are events across North America every weekend and the number a racer takes part in depends only on the distances trav- elled, says Mr. Lee. Sport, a Lee family affair We offer a complete line of Quality Shell GASOLINE, OIL & LUBRICANTS YOUR FRIENDLY CHEV-OLDS DEALER J.L. McCUTCH EON MOTORS LIMITED Brussels 887-6856 Riding high Brett Lee of R R 3 Walton, tries to clear the tree tops while practising for the upcoming motocross event held on the Lee farm. Action begins Thursday The Continental Motocross Club (CMC) has set practice for the event beginning at 9 am on Thurs- day morning and will run until 2 pm. for all classes. Qualifiers and motos will run from 2 to 6 pm. Only selected classes will run on Thursday. Amateur riders can expect to race either one moto each of the four days or three motos split between Friday and Saturday and the final on Sunday. For the Pro classes, there will be two GP motos on both Thursday and Friday. There will be one 125cc and one 250cc moto on Thursday and Friday and two 125cc and 250cc final motos on Sunday. Time permitting, a half hour Pro open practice may be scheduled on Saturday afternoon. Practice for all classes from Fri- day to Sunday will be limited to one hot lap before each moto. For all competitors and their fam- ilies, gate admission for the week- end will be one time $65 fee per vehicle, regardless of the number of people in the vehicle. A vehicle pass will be issued for entering and exiting the premises at any time without paying an addi- tional fee. This includes camping, showers, bike wash, corn roast and all after hour activities. If you will be using a motor home (for example) that will be staying on site for the four days as well as another vehicle for commuting, a $10 additional fee will be charged for the extra vehi- cle. First year competitor Tracy Bisback of Seaforth is in her first year of competition but says she usually finishes in the top five racers. With experience showing jumping horses, Tracy says racing is similar because of the motion needed to stay with the bike. "Racing is a lot of fun and I have met a great group of people," says Tracy. Gate fee covers all activities