Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
WEC and Gopher Dunes Prepare For Off-Road / Motocross Shootout
It will be the only Saturday event this year, August 11th at the famous Gopher Dunes motocross facility. Racers have been talking about this race since the completion of last year’s event at this fantastic race course. In 2011 we saw some serious motorcross contenders come out and showed the crowd the fast way around this track. The forest section was long and the two hour race really challenged all classes. In the end, experienced motocrosser and off-road sensation Josh Long took the win.
This year, Gopher Dunes will feature our proven Moto Cross Country format. What this means is instead of a race that is 2 hours non stop, we have two motos of one hour each separated by a break of just over an hour. WEC introduced this style of racing early in 2012 at facilities where an MX starting gate exists and the course lends itself to this style of competition. Gopher Dunes is a natural for this format.
The Moto Cross Country style allows racers to ride closer to their limit while still building endurance. Feedback from all riders that have participated in this new style of racing confirms that the result of racing in this format will create faster riders. Elevating the level of talent in Canadian off-road racers has been a key part of the WEC mandate since we began organizing motorcycle racing in 2006.
Weather conditions appear to be optimum for this weekend. The hot temperatures this summer have had a hand in creating some very tough events this year. With temperatures looking like the low 20s for this weekend and some minor rain leading up the race, we should be looking at perfect conditions for this event. The motocross track will be in spectacular shape as always with the groomer out in the morning and the watering system operating making for excellent traction at this well known sandy track.
The forest section of the course will feature the high speed trails and big bermed corners many know. A section featuring man made “Endurocross” style obstacles was a spectator favourite last year and we will see that again this year.
Pee Wee racers will get to experience once again the extensive mini MX track with exciting obstacles designed specifically to challenge and entertain our small wheel competitors.
Of course Gopher Dunes offers camping Friday night as well as Saturday night for all racers. Full facilities are on site making for a pleasant stay and the Pro shop will be open for those needing any last minute parts and accessories. In addition, the concession stand will be there serving up great hot food and beverages for all in attendance. You really can’t beat this set up for a comfortable race day for spectators and racers alike.
Due to the very dry conditions this summer, it should be made clear that there is still a total burn ban in effect in the area so those camping must respect this requirement.
Will Josh Long repeat this year due to his expertise in both motocross and off-road disciplines? Will the ultra prepared and hard charging Brian Wojnarowski or the sharply focused and consistent Kevin Cockayne have what it takes to compete with the outright speed of motocrosser like Derek Arnold? We will have to wait until Saturday to find out.
A few things will be certain, WEC will be paying its Pro riders 100% payback as at every round. We will also see the Royal Distributing $50 Leader At Halfway Award, the Wiesner Insurance $100 Pro Holeshot award, the Wiesner insurance $100 Fastest Lap Award, and the Apex Cycle KTM Canada Amateur $100 Holeshot Award. With all this money going back to our riders and an entry of $45 for all adults and $25 for Minis, it’s the best value in racing around.
