The B3 Motocross Park was abuzz with activity on Aug. 16 and 17 during the fourth annual Fountain Tire Kids Race.
Located a few miles south of Spedden, the park is carved into a thicket of tall trees, with well-maintained trails rolling up and over the natural hills. Ropes and flags marked the boundaries for the race, and the constant whine of the bikes lifted steadily into the air, travelling higher than the dust that was thrown by turning tires.
According to event organizer Cory Goodon, this particular race is always geared towards the younger riders. “It’s focused on the kids, we’ve got quite a few kids out today,” Goodon said. “It’s just a fun, family race, with a focus on family traditions, riding, riding safe, and spending time with the kids.”
The race falls under the umbrella of the Alberta Oldtimers Motocross Association (AOTMX), a club that Goodon has been a member of for 25 years. Even so, Goodon claims that this particular race is a little bit different than the rest. “Usually it’s a points race, this is more focused on the kids,” Goodon said. “This is to get a lot of the new beginner kids out that are intimidated to go to different tracks. This is low-key, for fun.”
Though the event was a little more laid back, there was a still a bit of motivation for the more experienced riders. “We’re keeping score for laps,” Goodon said. “Fountain Tire has graciously given us prizes for all the kids for first, second, and third place in all the classes.”
There were about nine different classes competing over the weekend. Saturday saw about 60 riders compete, and they were expecting an even bigger turnout for Sunday. Though the day was geared toward the kids, there were some older riders hitting the track as well. “There are riders here as young as four years old,” Goodon said. “I think the oldest is probably about 60.”
One young rider, Cory’s son Brennan Goodon, was pleased with the speed of the track. “It’s actually in really good condition,” he said.
The heats used staggered starts in order to help spread the riders out, but as Brennan pointed out, they didn’t always stay that way. “If you want to pass somebody you need to be a little bit aggressive,” he said.
His technique seemed to work, as Brennan Goodon ended up finishing in first place in the 65A Class.
