Revving engines and tough competition were a common occurrence at the Buster Ingram Memorial Raceway. From July 8 to 9, 150 riders of all skill levels took part in round three of the Alberta Dirt Rider Association (ADRA) Provincial Race Series.
Revving engines and tough competition were a common occurrence at the Buster Ingram Memorial Raceway.
From July 8 to 9, 150 riders of all skill levels took part in round three of the Alberta Dirt Rider Association (ADRA) Provincial Race Series.
The two-day event features racers of all ages, with races in MX3 junior and senior, youth/vet master, super mini, MX3 ladies, MX3 pro, plus 40, 50 CC, among others.
Riders collect points for participating and placing, as they make their way through the provincial series.
Cold Lake Motocross Association (CLMA) president Cody Warman said the rider with the most points is heading to race nationally.
"At the end of the year, whoever has the most points gets to claim the MX1 Pro title win," he explained. "That will allow you to jump into the national series, which is all of the Canadian circuit."
This is the track's ninth year hosting the race, with riders claiming it's one of the best tracks within the circuit.
"The riders love our track, so the ADRA ask us every year," Warman said.
MD of Bonnyville motocross racer Brock Zagoruy agreed.
'The local track is the best track around, in my opinion," he said. "It's our local track so we take pride in it."
Zagoruy has been racing seriously for two-years, participating in the ADRA for his second time.
"I love going fast, hitting big jumps, and the adrenaline rush," he expressed.
The track not only has to be rider-approved to be a part of the provincial race series, it also has to meet certain credentials by the ADRA. This includes track width, jump height, proper track markings, and start gate.
These races are not only for the pros; newer riders also take advantage of the opportunity to get on the track, whether they're new to the motocross scene or a veteran.
"A lot of guys are nervous to race because they have never raced before, and they might not want to travel to Whitecourt or Grande Prairie. It gives them a chance to race in-town in front of their friends and family," noted Warman.
It also brings racers from across the province to the area, giving the community a bit of a boost.
"For our racers it gives them a chance to come out and race and see what they have against some of the other races in the province," Warman said.
When they first started hosting the event nine years ago, they would see about 400 riders take part.
A dip in the economy has caused that number to drop significantly, but racers don't seem to mind too much.
Reginald Lapointe is a Cold Lake motocross racer. He participated in a few of the weekend's races.
For Lapointe, it's not only the adrenaline rush that has kept him involved in motocross; it's also the friendships that he has made along the way.
"We're like a family. Everybody that comes here, we try and make them a part of our club. It doesn't matter if we're here at the track or trail riding at Crane Lake, we try and get everyone out there and try to make it a community thing."
