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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1994-08-24, Page 2S.THI HURON EXPOSITOR, August 24, 1094 • Local Weather a test for motocross racers BY TIM CUMMING Expositor Editor The weather waffled between hot and cold, wet and dry extremes on the weekend. Its confusion was not shared by the 500 or more motocross racers who single- mindedly took to the race track of the Lee family farm near Walton. The racers converged in the area, along with thousands of motocross fans, for the combined amateur and professional Trans Can Grand National Championships. The four-day event featured some of the top motocross riders in North America, coming from as far away as Alaska, Saskatchewan, California and Alberta. The weather didn't stop the locally -staged event from drawing a record number of spectators and hosting a record number of entries. The weather provided a challenge which was perhaps fitting for a national championship, said co - promoter Chris Lee, of Walton. "We really went everywhere from dusty on Thursday to wet and incredibly muddy on Saturday right to just about perfection in between....it was a real test for a championship." Some local riders who made their mark in the amateur competitions included Clinton's Justin Jankowski who won the 125cc Junior Class and organizer Chris Lee who, for the third year in a row, won the Old Timer class. (Walton's Matt Lee has been injured and could not compete). Unlike the professional competition the amateur champion- ship was decided entirely on the basis of performance during the Walton weekend. Seaforth's Tracy Bisback placed sixth in the women's division, closely followed by Mandy Hadenko, of RR 1 Clinton, who finished ninth. A local rider competing in the fifth and final round of the Pro National Championship Series (held in Walton) was Brett Lee, of Walton. It was a disappointing weekend for last year's intermediate champion who was racing in his first competition in the professional class. In one race the bike 'crashed out' after a good start and in another race he split a motorcyle (borrowed from brother Matt) in half. The Walton pro competition was the fifth of five rounds which deter- mine the national champion. It was especially important because it was a 'double -points' competition for professionals. The Walton competition featured the best riders in Canada, according to Lee. He said they were the "new Top Dogs" trying to fill the motocross boots of longtime motocross great Ross Pederson. The top professionals included Pennsylvania's Mike Jones who maintained the first place he held in the 125cc Pro class going into the final round in Walton. Quebec's Carl Vaillancourt defended his perch atop the 250cc Pro class by winning the national championship in Walton. California's Ray Sommo also placed in the top three in both races, moving up from, fifth in the 125cc Pro class. Several local riders competed in the amateur portion of the weekend, called the CMC Eastern Canadian Amateur National Championships. They include Lome Wemham (80cc expert), Steve Wemham (80cc beginner), Rob Mitchell (80 cc beginner) and Rob McIntosh (vet- erans), all of Walton and area; Dan Morgan (125cc Junior), of Clinton; Joel Richert (80cc expert), of Seaforth and Harley Davis (60cc pee wee), of Centralia. Helping fallen riders off the track were volunteer 'flaggers' from Seaforth District High School. The students found themselves helping through sunshine and extremely muddy conditions. When -wet conditions delayed racing at one point Seaforth's Kathleen Dunn decided to slide down the mud of one hill, right into the pond below. "It was great, it was just like Woodstock," said the student, who volunteered with other students on the weekend to help raise money for the school's student's council. The Walton -based event saw the return of popular Michigan motocross competitor John Kitsch, TIM CUM INO PIMOTO SPEED - Tracy Bisback, of Seaforth, placed sixth in the national amateur championship for women during the Trans Can Grand National Motocross Championships held in Walton on the weekend. The 21 -year-old woman has placed in the top three in some other competitions. who has become a 'Walton folk In reference to the weather legend' over the last three years Davidson joked that he saved through his stunts and antics for money by not paying to do to the fans. Woodstock music festival for He was one of many riders to mudslides. comment an the roll h natural ter- ��Orgganizers of the weekend racing rain of thw100ton Ipt�rselw rp 'gwere pleased with the turnout doesn't !efy' ,oil am an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 obstacles. people to the Walton site. Co -pro - "When it gets rough that makes it moter Chris Lee expressed thanks more physically demanding on the to the community when it pulled riders," said Kitsch, who had to together to park overflow crowds at battle asthma and allergies during the local church, school and farm one race. "It takes technique and equipment dealership and trans • that separates the men from the ported people by hay wagon. boys." Brussels Optimist past -president Vintage motorcyle racer Don Don Sholdice said the event spilled Davidson, who has been competing over into Brussels and Walton in motocross since 1968, calls the businesses. Walton course a classical track "When you get this many people which rivals those of the late around at any event it does a lot for 1960's and early 1970's and major the community," he said series like those in Europe and The national racing event was some in North America. taped by a TSN sports network "It's a great, fun, natural motorcycle program for possible course...and fast," he said. "It's a broadcast this week. (See TV list - true motocross track." ings for details). Winners in the Championship Pro Classes The top ten winners in the Trans Can Grand National Motocross Championships Pro classes, at the end of the full series of five rounds (ending at Walton), were fol- lows: TIM CUMMING PHOTO RACIN' DAYS - Jessie Grisdale, 4, of Brussels, tries out a small 50cc motocross bike while viewing the Trans Can motocross champion- ships in Walton. 250cc PRO 1. Carl Vaillancourt 2. Ray Sommo 3. Mike Jones 4. Marty Burr 5. Bill Wallin 6. Corey Stoll 7. Axel Holvoet 8. Chad Fleck 9. Rich Taylor 10.Jesse Wilson 125cc PRO 1. Mike Jones 2. Carl Vaillancourt 3. Ray Sommo 4. Bill Wallin 5. Marty Burr 6. Jesse Wilson 7. Doug DeHaan 8. Corey Stoll 9. Rich Taylor 10.Axel Holvoet Local rider finds track tough but stays determined Twenty-one-year-old Seaforth motocross racer Tracy Bisback, who finished second place at a recent competition in Brantford, was disappointed with her sixth- place finish at the CMC Eastern Canadian Amateur National Cham- pionships held in Walton on the weekend. "It was a tough weekend," said the two-year veteran of the motocross circuit. "This is a tough race, the natural track really tests the riders." The experienced horse rider and motocross racer became interested in motocross through her friendship with brothers Brett and Matt Lee, who were fellow students at Seaforth District High School. The Seaforth woman aims to train harder and be more competitive with the male motocross riders. Motocross a family sport for the Lees of Walton Motocross racing is a sport which an entire family can enjoy, says Walton's Brett Lee. "It's grown a lot in popularity in this area," said Lee, who races along with his father Chris and brother Matt. "It's a family sport with lots of great people to be around." Racers in the fast, flashy, muddy and noisy sport talk of the rush of jumps over hills and dramatic turns. They also talk about the camarad- erie and the competition. Motocross is an exciting event, said racer Jeff English. "It's such a fast -paced, non-stop, action sport," said the Alliston Calling 1� WALL BUSINESSES LARGE or SMALL This is an opportunity for All rider. "You've got to be aggressive to win." The 15 -year-old competitor in the 125 Junior class says motocross riders know there is a certain amount of danger when they begin the sport. "You've got totake risks," he said. Rider Brett Lee says he's been hurt more often playing hockey than during his four years of motocross racing. Michigan racer John Kitsch, who has been riding for 15 years, says motocross is a great way to get into shape, meet people and visit many different places. FOR SALE COMING SOON! COUNTRY WIDE "CREATIVE REALTY INC." • ) MINOR HOCKEY REGISTRATION WED., SEPT. 7 and THURS., SEPT. 8 7:00 to 9:00 PM Seaforth District Community Centres HOUSE LEAGUE $125 (Family of 3 or more '320) MITES (7'& UNDER) 575. MIDGETS only =165 Plus An Additional $100. for all travelling teams Please bring two cheques. (Travel Reg. by Post -Dated Cheque) rQ by sect M tit; Mark Coulthard FALL FERTILIZER IS IMPORTANT As summer ends. many of us start thinking about our fall gardening activities. One of the most important fall lawn practices is the application of a quality, fall fer- tilizer Fall fertilizer can be applied from August until November. The best material to use is a fertilizer with a high analysis of nitrogen in the slow-release form. Only slow- release fertilizers will not produce succulent growth which can be damaged by, low temperatures and diseases Canada's lawn grasses grow best in cool. moist autumn weather and our lawns require fall feeding When you think about raking leaves and other autumn gar.; dening activities don't forget youurrraapplication of fall fertilizer! Ai • WE CARE FOR YOUR LAWN LAST 1994 TURF TIP GODERICH Proprietors _ , Christine & Mark Coulthard INSECT PROBLEMS, See us for all your lawn Insect needs: Ants. Earwigs, Chinch Bugs. Grubs, Etc. UNWANTED GRASS & WEEDS? Driveways, Patios, etc. Give us a call for a free quotation. 524-2424 1=80d= ''=0342 Junior Achievement is looking for 24 business people to work with the youth of Huron County... and you might be one of them!!! 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