More than 1,500 fans crowded into Sackville’s civic centre over the weekend to catch an amazing line-up of pro riders from across Canada and the United States who came to compete in the third annual Josh Damery Arenacross event.
“The weekend was awesome,” said organizer Richard Strang. “We had pros here from all across Canada and two from California and they put on an incredible show for us.”
The event, deemed a tremendous success, attracted more than 500 people into the arena on Friday night and 1,000-plus spectators on Saturday. About 100 riders competed throughout the two days of competitions.
“Everything went just phenomenal,” said Strang.
The annual Arenacross is an indoor racing event that kicks off the motocross season in the Atlantic region.
Californian Eric Nye took home the pro title Saturday night, while Kyle Keast of Millbrook, Ont. placed second and Tyler Medaglia of Kemptville, Ont. came in third.
Local rider David Strang from Melrose captured the youth title while his brother Devon placed second. In the 85 cc main event, Sackville’s Dylan Cormier brought home the gold. Also competing were Dylan’s brother Lucas Cormier and Sackville’s Justin Phinney.
Although last year’s event drew a number of safety concerns due to several injuries throughout the weekend, Strang said he was pleased to report that there were no such problems this year.
“There was not one ambulance ride . . . no one was taken to the hospital,” he said.
Strang said a lot of time and effort is put into ensuring the safety of the indoor dirt track, which is inspected and tested by professional motocross racers as well as local riders of various skill levels.
Strang also gave kudos to the civic centre staff, who “bent over backwards to help me out” throughout the organization of the event as well as on the competition days.
With the success of this year’s event, plans are already under way for next year’s Arenacross, promised Strang.
