After a year of hard work and countless volunteer hours, a new track for motocross riders was officially opened last Saturday, across the street from the Smithers/Telkwa transfer station on Donaldson Road. The track was the work of the year-old Smithers Motocross Association, which formed “with the sole purpose of constructing a track for the local riders,” said Association president Dan Heideman.
Dozens of riders gathered at the track to meet with friends, take laps on the track and check out the rides in the bike swap. There is also a smaller track for children and beginners, set up so as riders advance in their skills, they can smoothly transition to the full-sized track.
Heideman said the track will save travel for many riders, as the closest tracks were previously either Terrace or Prince George.
“It was a lost revenue for the community,” he said, pointing out that riders from Hazelton, Houston and other towns along the Yellowhead now have another destination for a motocross track.
“[It has] generated a ton of interest from anyone with a bike,” he said.
The Association has plans for a number of local races, and is also working through the process of possibly putting on a Canadian Motosport Racing Corp. provincial-level race. They’ve been working closely with the more established Terrace Motocross Association, drawing on their experience to help in the process of setting up races.
Heideman said although there was very strong community support overall, there were a few essential partners. West Fraser Concrete donated both the land and the dirt to build the track. Several Association board members with contracting companies also loaned equipment, time and expertise to help build the track, including Dave Mellroy and Dean Elmore.
“They made it possible for us,” said Heideman.