The Citizen, 1995-05-31, Page 364/4
•"A, 0.,
High flier
Racers at the Trans Can National Motocross Championship in Walton
reavch the height of their sport as they become airborne in the attack on
steep hills and sharp embankments.
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Motocross Trans Can Nationals draw thousands to Walton
automatic and therefore do not require a
clutch to change gears.
Riders in the 50cc class often have their
own track which allows them to practice all
day, under a parent's supervision.
The next class, 60cc, has riders to the age
of 11.
The more experienced'riders with larger
bikes, race on the full-size track, thus
preparing them for the move to the 80cc
class.
A special challenge event is organized for
the enjoyment of racing fans.
Dan "Dangerous" Davidson puts together
a Vintage Can/Am challenge. Riders from
Michigan and New York will race against
any CMC Canadian rider on a vintage
machine.
There will be two classes; machines from
1974 and before, and 1975 to 1980.
A three day motocross school, conducted
by former U.S. National and Grand Prix
professional motocrosser Gary Semics, will
be held before the Trans Can National
Championships.
"The school teaches the racers to ride
better, safer and with more productivity,"
says Matt Lee, co-ordinator for the program.
It deals with the mental aspects of racing as
well as the physical challenge.
Many post race activities are offered for
competitors and spectators alike. A
volleyball tournament will once again take
place as will a corn roast, community camp
fire and for those with aching bones and
muscles, massage services will be available.
Entertainment such as rock band Lonny
chicago and a fashion show are also planned.
Prizes for the weekend Trans Can National
Motocross Championships are as follows:
125/250 Pro: $1000, $700, $500, $300,
$250, $225, $200, $175, $150, $125, $110,
$85, $70, $60 and $50.
GP Pro: $500, $350, $250, $225, $175,
$150, $125, $100, $75 and $50.
Int 125/250/GP: $500, $125, $100, $75
and $50.
Up the Hill, Veteran Master, and Old
Timers: 50 percent payback.
For all competitors arid their families, gate
admission for the weekend will be a one
time $55 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 additional 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 vehicle.
The CMC can be contacted for more
information on motocross racing at (416)
642-5607 or come to Walton, on Huron
County Road 25, on the weekend of Aug. 17
to 20, and get lost in the excitement.
A new tradition
Blyth Country Fest entertains
with hayrides, games and fishing
Bigger and better every year, The Trans
Can National Motocross Championship
races held on the Lee farm near Walton,
from Aug. 17 to 20, promises to be more
exciting and packed with thrills than ever
before.
Motocross, a sport which requires sheer
strength, endurance and a lot of guts, is run
on a closed-circuit track, either natural or
man-made, for a set time period.
Covering steep hills, sharp turns, abrupt
embankments and washboard bumps, jumps
can send the bike and rider up to 30 feet in
the air.
A group of 40 riders traverse the terrain
for 15 to 20 minutes to attain the lead
position.
Racers are divided into classes depending
on their age, experience and bike size.
The sport is very demanding on the knees,
shoulders and arms, says Chris Lee, amateur
racer from Walton. It is widely reported that
motocross racers are among the most fit of
any athlete.
Lee hosts the Trans Can National
Motocross Championships at his farm, an
outdoor, natural track which is a very unique
experience for the ridefs as many facilities
are now using indoor tracks. The outdoor
races can be greatly affected by the weather,
says Lee, sometimes making the conditions
miserable.
Knowing the possible dangers in
motocross, racers realize they must exercise
common sense on the track. The rate of
injuries in motocross is no worse than that of
minor hockey, many racers say.
With interest growing across the country,
Lee says, qualifying races are being held in
Quebec and the Maritimes to determine
racers for the Walton event.
"Because of this, Ontario also has the hold
qualifiers as we can only run 40 riders per
class."
From a membership in Continental
Motocross Club (CMC) of 800 last year, it
has jumped to approximately 2,000, says
Lee.
"We could have 700 riders in Walton."
One of the special moments at the Walton
event is the presentation of the Rick Joseph
Memorial Award, in memory of a young
man who loved the sport.
Joseph was a modest young racer whose
natural talent and personal dedication to the
sport were obvious. His drive to succeed had
allowed him to achieve a personal goal in his
last competition, earning a motocross win at
the Florida Mini-Olympics.
The award is made possible by Rick's
parents, Ellie and Richard Joseph, who
remain strong supporters and great
competitors in motocross.
The award, a combination of cash and
plaque, is given to the intermediate rider
who best displays the qualities of
sportsmanship and dedication to the sport.
A step into the national spotlight comes
when Canadian sports channel TSN
broadcasts the races for the first time.
Another change in motocross in recent
years as seen at the Walton races, is the
growth of the sport with the young.
The CMC brought the PeeWee class to
Ontario, providing a beginning class for the
children, ranging in age from nine to as
young as three.
The 50cc class is the smallest
displacement class in which the riders
compete. These mini-bikes are generally
What could be better than eating, fishing,.
dancing and finding bargains? Doing it all
on one day, in Blyth.
The community Country Fest, to be held
on June 17, will feature a day packed with
fun activities for the whole family.
For those who can't resist a bargain, the
merchants will be having early bird sales
while yard sales will be found on every
street.
Radford's Pond, just west of Blyth on Hwy
4, will be the site for a fishing derby for
young and old alike.
For the children and children at heart,
Richard Knechtel and Dicky Bird will
entertain while face painting and games will
bring laughter to participants and observers.
The ever-popular water barrel fights will
cool off even the hottest competitor in the
battle of the steady hand.
The day will draw to a close with a
smoked pork chop barbecue and the Lions
dance featuring Cadillac Ranch.
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