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Five local youth motocross riders took to the dirt, and the skies, at the first leg of the 2012 Fountain Tire Miniseries at B3 Riverside Motocross Park, putting their skills to the test against competitors from across the province.
The Miniseries featured races across nine divisions, but track owner Corey Goodon, father to Brennan, 9, and Brett, 5, said the event is not a standard points-series event, and as such, it is aimed strictly at creating an exciting environment for youth racers.
“They don’t have a lot for the little guys,” Goodon said of other racing events, which typically allow entrance to riders aged nine-and-up. “That’s why we run this series, so the little guys on the little bikes can have some fun too.”
It was very much a family affair at the B3 Riverside Motocross Park, as parents like Gooden took to the track in the 35-plus class and later mingled with other like-minded parents while cheering on their children.
Goodon’s five-year-old son Brett, who rode his dirt bike with a set of training wheels, managed third place on Saturday and fourth on Sunday in the 50cc B class. His other son, nine-year-old Brennan earned top place in the 50cc A class on both race days, as well as second in the 65 cc A class on Saturday, despite riding a 50cc bike.
Siblings Mason, McKenna and Madi Watt also competed with fun on their minds. Mason placed first overall in the 50cc B class through the weekend, while nine-year-old McKenna came second overall in the 65cc B class. Madi, a 14-year old provincial and national level rider, placed second on Saturday and first on Sunday in the Ladies A division, despite being younger than the majority of her competitors.
“(Madi’s) one of the younger ones . . . at the national level (most riders) are in their 20s. It’s pretty crazy. She’s got a lot ahead of her if you see where they’re at, at their age,” her father, Trevor Watt, said. “She’s given up a lot. She quit ball and focused on (motocross) this year. It’s a big commitment from her.”
While Madi has suffered her share of bumps and bruises on the track, including a knee injury at the beginning of the season, none have stopped her from getting back on the bike.
“(Riding) kind of lets you get away from everything else in life and just focus on one thing,” says Madi.
Watt said it is clear that his children love the sport of motocross, a fact confirmed by the smiles on their faces. But as a parent, he said the sport does not come without its anxieties.
“The faster they get, the more stressful it gets. You almost want to take up fishing,” Watt said with a laugh. “It’s pretty stressful sometimes, but it’s pretty neat.”
Stony Plain resident Russ Nollski also brought out his sons Guerin, 11, and Tucker, 6, for their first ever motocross competition.
“To do these types of things is perfect. To be able to come out and try it, there’s no real commitment,” Nollski said. “(Guerin and Tucker) are loving it. I couldn’t ask for a better father-son weekend, it’s a blast . . . They ran their first practice, then both gave me a big hug and said, ‘This is the best.’”
Nollski’s youngest, Tucker, finished second on Saturday and third on Sunday in the 50cc B class, while Guerin tried his hand in the 65cc B class, placing fourth on Saturday and third on Sunday.
The 2012 Fountain Tire Miniseries will continue at Vegreville Motocross Track on Aug. 26. Trophies will be awarded to the overall top three riders in each class.
