Last week’s first ever sanctioned race at the Smithers Motocross Association’s (SMXA) track on Donaldson Road was a great success, according to board member and track builder Dean Elmore.
“There was not a single bad comment from spectators or riders, they were all just totally impressed,” he said. “Some of the top riders said it’s now one of their favourite tracks in the province.”
The weather kept the track from getting too dry, so the dust was minimal. It also meant slightly slower speeds and softer ground, leading to no serious injuries, a rare occasion at a race according to Elmore.
Sponsors and dozens of dedicated volunteers helped keep both days running smoothly and on schedule, he said. Roughly 85 riders took part in two days of sanctioned CMRC (Canadian Motosport Racing Corporation) action at the track, built on a former landfill site after a whirlwind year of planning and organizing by the SMXA.
Elmore said everything went so well, the organizers are hoping to run both a spring and fall series race next year. He’s also hoping the families that came into town for the race helped dispel some of the preconceptions many people have about motocross racing.
“Everyone gets the idea that it’s tattoos and nose rings and that kind of stuff, but it’s a big family event,” said Elmore. “In reality we’re pulling kids off the back roads and putting them in a safe, controlled environment.”
Saturday, Aug. 20
Race winners:
50cc - 4 to 6:
Christopher MacGregor
65cc PeeWee:
Daniel Elmore
85cc 12 to 16:
Warren Constantine
85cc 7 to 11:
Gabriel Elmore
Beginner MX-1:
Grant MacGregor
Beginner MX-2:
Wade Proctor
Beginner MX-3:
Ryan Murphy
Intermediate MX-1:
Rob Hawrys
Intermediate MX-2:
Kyle Odiorne
Junior MX-1:
Craig Kendell
Junior MX-2:
Charlie Mott
Junior MX-3:
Charlie Mott
Ladies:
Sara King
Plus 25:
Nathan Mack
Plus 40:
Nino Roldo
Schoolboy:
Branden Small
Super Mini:
Landon M. Nelson
Vet Junior:
Nino Roldo
Youth:
Andrew Kennedy
Sunday, Aug. 21
Race winners:
50cc - 4 to 6:
Christopher MacGregor
65cc PeeWee:
Daniel Elmore
85cc 12 to 16:
Warren Constantine
85cc 7 to 11:
Gabriel Elmore
Beginner MX-1:
Grant MacGregor
Beginner MX-2:
Tyson Stumborg
Beginner MX-3:
Tyson Stumborg
Intermediate MX-1:
Rob Hawrys
Intermediate MX-2:
Kyle Odiorne
Junior MX-1:
Kevin Whitecotton
Junior MX-2:
Sheldon Smaha
Junior MX-3:
Charlie Mott
Ladies:
Sara King
Plus 25:
Peter Douglas
Plus 40:
Earl Houlden
Schoolboy:
Branden Small
Super Mini:
Warren Constantine
Vet Junior:
Kevin Whitecotton
Vet Master:
Francis Guerin
Youth:
Andrew Kennedy