It is fast becoming one of Sackville’s most anticipated events of the year and organizers are gearing up to host yet another successful one this weekend.
Set for this Friday and Saturday (April 16-17), the third annual Josh Damery Memorial Arenacross competition will once again kick off the spring motocross season at the Tantramar Veterans’ Memorial Civic Centre.
The indoor racing event is expected to draw in hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators from throughout the Maritimes, Quebec and the New England States for the two-day extravaganza.
“It’s going to be a great two nights of racing,” said 18-year-old Devon Strang of Melrose, a competitor in the upcoming event and the son of head organizer and event promoter Richard Strang.
Devon said he believes the Arenacross has been such a success because racing on an indoor track is a much different experience than the outdoor atmosphere the riders are accustomed to throughout the motocross season.
“There’s different types of jumps and obstacles, and there are bigger crowds,” he said.
Expecting more than 200 riders throughout the two-day event, Devon said bikers of all ages and skill levels will be competing. The level of racing will vary depending upon the division, with competitors ranging in age from four to 40.
The qualifying races will run throughout the day with the main event scheduled for 7 p.m. both nights.
Among the professional riders in attendance will be Eric Nye, Kyle Keast, Daniel Blair, Davey Fraser, Kyle Chatham, Johnny Montes, Nathan Slater and Charlie Smith.
“There are a lot of big names coming this year,” said Richard.
Arenacross, believed to be one of the largest events ever held at the Tantramar Veterans’ Memorial Civic Centre, features an indoor track constructed in the rink area with 200 loads of soil, which takes several days of preparation. The track is inspected and tested by professional motocross racers as well as local riders of various skill levels.
Richard, who operates a CMRC-sanctioned track near his home in Melrose and builds the track at the arena every year, said an indoor event is a great way to kick off the motocross season because not only do riders get to experience a different type of track, but fans have the opportunity to watch some races when the weather isn’t yet fit for outdoor racing.
Devon, who has been competing in motocross since the age of 10, said he’s definitely looking forward to taking part in the Arenacross again this year.
“It’s just fun to get out there and compete on an indoor track with different jumps and obstacles than what we’re used to,” he said. “And it’s a great event because it’s close to home.”
