The fourth time was a charm for Tamrack International Motocross in Chapple Township, which saw its season officially open on Canada Day after three previous racing weekends were canceled due to inclement weather.
Track owner Mike Scheibler said it was a “relief” to finally get things moving at Tamrack. “The riders were getting so itchy,” he conceded.
Scheibler had to cancel the scheduled season-opener on May 27, a second race on June 17, and then the make up date—all due to rain.
But while the practice day on Saturday was bright and sunny, it seemed there simply was no escaping the rain for the motorbike enthusiasts, who endured a few minutes of light drizzle Sunday morning.
“We didn’t [avoid the rain]. Had a few drops,” Scheibler admitted. “A couple drops on my glasses, that’s all.”
The racers themselves had been travelling to other motocross tracks in Northwestern Ontario in the meantime, and said they were glad to be back racing on their home turf.
Aaron Lowes of Rainy River was one of the racers who was more than happy to race in Chapple, and added he got time on the track mid-week to practice with the races cancelled.
His practice paid off when he won the 250cc beginners’ race that night.
He was quick to say the track conditions were “very fun” despite the layoff. “Track kicks butt,” Lowes enthused. “It’s awesome.”
Lowes borrowed a bike from Rob Gavel for the day—and managed to stay close with Gavel on races throughout the day.
“The track keeps good competition,” Gavel shrugged.
The day was highlighted by awards for the youngest racers on the tike track. Four-year-old Tyler Currie took the win for the 70cc ATV mini category, and was all smiles as he competed with other children around their small track.
“This is how young they start,” Scheibler said. “He just turned four . . . he couldn’t even get himself dressed this morning.”
With the season finally underway, racers can look forward to more motocross action, as well as a slate of clinics coming up featuring seasoned pro Mike Boyce.
Class dates run from July 9-20, with separate classes for beginner and advanced riders.
Space is limited and paid pre-registration is required. For more information, call 482-2913 or visit www.tamrack.ca.tt
Winners from
Sunday’s races
•50cc age seven-eight PeeWee—Lorna Vold (Fort Frances)
•65cc PeeWee—Nolan Vold (Fort Frances)
•70cc ATV mini—Tyler Currie (Dryden)
•85cc age seven-11—Nolan Vold (Fort Frances)
•85cc age 12-16—Pierre Demers (Thunder Bay)
•125cc beginners—Aodhan Climie (Ear Falls)
•125cc juniors—Rob Gavel (Stratton)
•250cc beginners—Aaron Lowes (Rainy River)
•250cc junior—Jesse Graf (Dryden)
•250cc youth—Kolton Kohoot (Ear Falls)
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
