...riders from around the globe, gather in Walton, Ontario, home of Canada's largest outdoor Motocross event, to fight for the Canadian Motocross Championship title and the right to be crowned as... "The King of Walton"
Motocross in Walton, Ontario, has certainly
evolved. The Lee family took their first steps into promoting motocross at
their family farm in 1974, held their first Ontario Provincial races in 1976
and their first National Motocross round in 1981. Seeing the need for an even
more prestigious motocross event, one that could rival what was happening in
the U.S, the TransCan was born in 1992.
Walton TransCan 09 release #3 for DMX
8/10/09
Photos and text by Dan Paris
Motocross in Walton, Ontario, has certainly
evolved. The Lee family took their first steps into promoting motocross at
their family farm in 1974, held their first Ontario Provincial races in 1976
and their first National Motocross round in 1981. Seeing the need for an even
more prestigious motocross event, one that could rival what was happening in
the U.S, the TransCan was born in 1992.
There is plenty of action on and off the track at TransCan
TransCan has been drawing top amateur racers
from across Canada, the U.S and around the world ever since. The tiny town of
Walton has watched TransCan grow to become one of the biggest tourist
attractions in Huron County. Walton’s pride in TransCan is evident the minute
you drive into town past the ‘Motocross town’ signs! International television
broadcasts, a great family atmosphere and the best motocross facility in Canada
have made the TransCan a legend.
Cole Thompson and Richard Grey on the box at Walton
The heart and soul of Canadian motocross lie
in the thousands of amateur racers that gather in Walton every August. Yes, high-profile professional
racing is an essential part of the sport, but for riders as young as six and
older than 60 becoming part of the TransCan legend requires dedication and a
level of athleticism unequalled in amateur sport. For them, even getting to
TransCan isn’t easy. Thousands of amateur racers compete for the chance to race
at Walton by working their way through the Amateur National Qualifier Series,
with races all across Canada.
A highlight of amateur racing at TransCan is
the annual IMX East vs. West
shootout, where top riders from Eastern and Western Canada form teams
to compete for the coveted IMX Canada Cup.
Last years Troy Lee Designs bicycle jump contest was epic
Winning races is one thing, but there are even
more important awards up for grabs at TransCan. Perhaps the ultimate is the
‘Rick Joseph Memorial’ award, jury selected for the intermediate rider who
shows the best character, sportsmanship and achievement. Kurtis Ritchie won
this coveted award in 2008.
Gaerne, a motocross boot manufacturer, provides the ‘Bronze Boot Award’ for the
best all-around amateur rider. This award is a huge honour that often kick
starts its winners into Professional motocross careers. Richard Grey took the
award in 2008 by dominating the 12-16 year-old 85cc class and running up front
in several other youth classes.
Motocross fans come in all sizes
A family atmosphere surrounds the massive camping area at TransCan, extending
beyond racing to social events each night. Everything those campers need, from
coffee to pizza to full home-style meals at
Dominic's Kitchen, is available on site. Each night at TransCan there are activities for everyone to enjoy.
Activities like the opening ceremonies, scavenger hunts, track building, golf
shoot out, trophy presentations, and the ‘MXP MotoSlide’ Show are capped off by
the ‘MXP Night of Fire’ fireworks show.
During the week there will be
drawings for tickets to the Blyth Festival Theatre for a production of Hockey
Mom, Hockey Dad! The Blyth festival theatre is located 15 minutes West of
Walton, and is great entertainment for people looking to get away from the
track for an evening. http://www.blythfestival.com/plays.php?ID=44
Huron County will have a tourism
booth set up in the Honda pavilion with information about all the fun things to
do nearby.
She is wearing a big smile under that helmet
Zero motorcycles will be on site
allowing racers and fans to try out their new Zero electric motocross bikes.
The battery-powered machines have the motocross press buzzing over their
surprising power, strength and durability. Zero will have special pricing
discounts for people wanting to take home a Zero from the 2009 Walton TransCan.
www.zeromotorcycles.com
Any golfers visiting TransCan will
want to enter the annual Walton Golf Tournament on Friday August 14! Just
fifteen minutes North of the track, Billy Whitely and the Cernic Monster
Kawasaki team host this charity event. The $25.00 per player entry fee goes
into the Injured Rider’s Fund, which has in the past helped racers like Blair
Morgan, Kyle Elliot family, and our own Chick Schumias. So not only does your
money going to a good cause, the golf tournament gives you a chance to meet
factory racers and maybe even win some great prizes!
Sunday, August 16 is when amateur racers and
motocross fans alike line the track to watch the final round of the Monster
Energy Canadian National Motocross Pro Series. Between the Pro races on Sunday
the vintage bikes take to the track, providing not only great racing but also
an interesting visual lesson on motocross history.
Moto evolution. The vintage bikes race on Sunday
During TransCan the information
superhighway is going full blast. For schedules, special events, to breaking
news and even weather reports visit:
Walton, Ontario, home to the most entertaining
week of motocross
racing in Canada, smack in the middle of beautiful Huron County! Be there
August 12-16!
The kids track building contest is always a family favorite
