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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2018-04-12, Page 8PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018. Sports Walton Raceway brings back TransCan event By Denny Scott The Citizen The Walton Raceway is bringing the Walton TransCan Motocross Grand National Championships back in 2018 after last year's event was cancelled and the President Brett Lee says event will be a return to its roots. After business issues and weather combined to make 2017 an untenable year to host the event, Lee says the event is scheduled for Aug. 14-18. "It's going to be the traditional weekend, and the only big change is that the event ends on Saturday Award winner The Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association held its awards night last week. Three players received the Luke Anderson Award presented to the association's most dedicated Novice players. Above, Diane, left, and Ken, right, present the award to Novice Rep player Dylan Lee. (Photo submitted) night," he said. "The nationals will end on Saturday, instead of Sunday" Lee said that, organizationally, Walton Raceway is returning to a structure it was utilizing several years ago. A series promoter will broadcast the races and the grounds and the events will be under the Walton Raceway banner. "The event is being run by us," he said. "In the past, it was a shared event, a shared vision, but having everything done through others wasn't keeping us connected with the community. This way, we can leverage the advantages of the connections we have" Lee said that 2016 was a tough year with lower turnouts due to weather, which led to business problems that manifested themselves in 2017. After re- evaluating the situation, he feels that any event in 2017 wouldn't measure up to the Walton Raceway standard. "I knew that I had a shot at doing something really good this year and 1 wanted to make sure whatever I did hit a standard we had," he said. "I wasn't comfortable with where we were last year so I laid the event down, regrouped and looked to this year. "The big thing here is we're returning to our roots," he said. "The Pro National Series is ending here again, and that's a huge step for us. We're recognized by sanctioned bodies with the Grand National Championship which is another huge step" He said that recognition, alongside hosting the Grand National Amateur Championship, will help re-establish Walton Raceway's pinnacle event, the TransCan Motocross Grand National Championship, as the NH seeks booth operators North Huron is issuing a request for proposals to run the concession booths for community centres in Wingham and Blyth after deciding, during budget deliberations, not to open the booths next year. Increased costs, primarily attributed to increased wages and Luke Anderson Award Diane, left, and Ken Anderson presented the Luke Anderson Award for most dedicated Novice players during the Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association's awards night last week. Above, Novice Local League Black player Wes Marks receives the trophy. (Photo submitted) benefits due to Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act passed last year, led to council deciding that the booths were no longer financially feasible. Deputy -Reeve James Campbell asked how the decision, which was made earlier this year, would impact the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association or the annual camp -out and jamboree held by the Barn Dance Historical Society. Newson said that North Huron had previously operated the concession booth in Blyth during those events and the groups had been advised of the change. She said that, with the Thresher reunion, there would likely be little impact. Council approved circulating the request for proposals. ( cot Ma/otied... Share your news by placing your announcement in The Citizen Call for pricing & details 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114/ success it has been in past years. Lee also said more of a focus will be put on the events being hosted outside the TransCan weekend. "That's our flagship event, but we also have events like [the mud bog event held on the Victoria Day weekend] and our challenge course on the grounds," he said. "The goal, this year, with the facility is to let people locally know about what's going on." For more information on the TransCan or any of the events or services hosted by the raceway, visit waltonraceway.ca. Memorial award Blyth Brussels Novice Local League Burgundy's William Nesbitt received the Luke Anderson Award during the hockey association's awards event last week. Diane, left, and Ken Anderson presented Nesbitt the award, which goes to the most dedicated Novice players. (Photo submitted) STILL RUNNING OUT TO FETCH THE PAPER? "rnim,,014„- Having a subscription to The Citizen saves you money Newsstand price - $1.25/week Subscription price - 76¢/week Save up to $2450 a year off newsstand price Yes - I want to save money. Enclosed is $38.00 for a 1 -year subscription Name Address Town Postal Code On-line subscriptions available too at www.northhuron.on.ca Mail cheque & coupon to: P.O. Box 429, P.O. Box 152, Blyth, ON NOM 1H0 Brussels, ON NOG 1H0