Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
The Grand Prix de Mud is a unique standalone event that came to be for different reasons. The main reason is the originator, Lawrence Hacking, loves vintage motorcycles and the people who ride them. As an event promoter and long-time motorcycle racer, the GPdM was a natural fit.
When asked about the philosophy behind the GPdM, Hacking responded, “Vintage motocross bikes are things of beauty and they represent the Golden Era of racing. Riding them on a modern motocross track doesn’t do the bikes or the sport justice. Often the bikes look slow and dated, which erodes the mystique of the past. The Grand Prix de Mud scrambles track is freshly mowed grass like days gone by. Some people restore the vintage bikes to perfection and it is a shame to ride them on really rough tracks in abrasive dirt. Also, many of the older guys are not in the shape they used to be. The grass track is easy, safe and not tiring. We will have short motos in order to give the guys a chance to squeeze into their leathers and relive the past even if it is once a year. For spectators, which are admitted free, the GPdM is a chance to see and hear these glorious bikes being ridden in their natural habitat.”
Jay Kimber was a master of the corners back in his day.
The GPdM is for vintage dirt bikers but everyone is welcome. The concept is very simple. The event is mainly a social event with a riding component. There are many vintage guys who like to socialize and ride together in a friendly environment. The owners of the Mohawk Inn, Shawn and Bridget Saulnier, shared the vision and were open to the idea to use their facility to stage the first GPdM on Saturday, June 27.
As news broke about the GPdM, many other key people became involved. The crew from Sasquatch Cycle jumped on board first, followed by the Southwestern Ontario Vintage Trials Group, then the Brantford-based shop Dualsport Plus agreed to provide support. The kicker was the initiative of Bill Petro, renowned racing photographer and promoter of the Legends of Canadian Motocross, when he agreed to bring his display of incredible historic photographs to the event and encourage past champions such as Glen Nicholson, Doug Hoover and Jay Kimber to make appearances.
Very few riders could match the smooth style of Doug Hoover during the 1980’s.
One phone call and a few emails was all it took to secure title sponsorship from Husqvarna Canada. This provided the means necessary to bring in two legendary special guests: 8-time AMA National Enduro Champion Dick Burleson and multi-time Hill Climb World Champion John Williams. Both luminaries still ride and are true ambassadors for the sport of motorcycling.
Additional support for the GPdM is provided by Mefo Tires, Motonation Canada, and the exclusive media sponsor is Motocross Performance Magazine. For details about the GPdM, visit www.grandprixdemud.com
Glen Nicholson was another fast Ontario rider that made a name for himself on the National circuit.
