It was the biggest stage for many riders last week as the Walton Motocross celebrated its 20th Anniversary Parts Canada TransCan Grand National Championship races. Both amateurs and pros were on hand to take part in the biggest events and throw their weight and ability around on the cross.

Huron County had 13 riders represent the area and all did well in their respective divisions.

"The Grand National is always held in Walton and it is said to be one of the best or the best track in the country," said Chris Lee, Walton Raceway general manager. "It is the best event; it draws the biggest crowds and participation."

World MX3 Champion, Julien Bill from Switzerland became the Walton champ on Sunday. Bill partook in some of the amateur events during the week to get ready to compete against the top riders on the Canadian scene.

"This is his first time in Canada, he is fluent in four languages," Lee said.

"Not only has Julien Bill brought over the experience that comes with winning world championships, but he has come to Ontario's West Coast and embraced everything that it has to offer. On the track at Walton Raceway last week, Bill has shown the speed and smoothness that you would expect from a world champion. Off the track he has been there to offer his guidance and support to local Huron County future star Nathan Bles and a host of other future Canadian heroes. Everyone has enjoyed him being at the event as much as he has enjoyed being at it," said Lee.

Walton Raceway celebrated its 20th anniversary of holding the Parts Canada TransCan. The raceway had been busy since the beginning of August getting the track ready for the riders and new facilities for the viewers.

"We invested in infrastructure, it looks better," said Lee. "We went above and beyond on the track to make it the best."

Also competing at the Grand National Competition was Cole Thompson from Bridgen, Ont. and he made his pro debut after collecting many awards as an amateur. Thompson just recently won a national championship two weeks ago in the States. According to a press release, Thompson is a multi-time TransCan Grand National Amateur Champion and has lists that Walton Raceway as a favourite.

With over 15,000 people expected to be in attendance on Sunday alone, the event is one of the biggest events in the county.

"A bunch of countries are represented by the riders," said Lee. "Guys that have been competing all over the country and now come to win in Walton."

Local Rider Results – as of Friday afternoon

80 (12-16) (out of 42 riders)

Lucas Godkin (Walton) placed 29

Kennan Macdonald (Blyth) placed 31

Super Mini (out of 43 riders)

Lucas Godkin (Walton) placed 39

School Boy (12-16) (out of 38 riders)

Mitchell Godkin (Walton) placed 8

Kennan Macdonald (Blyth) placed 26

Youth (14-24) (out of 43 riders)

Lucas Cooke (Auburn) placed 41

+25 (out of 28 riders)

James Emmrich (Walton) placed 23

Ladies (out of 37 riders)

Megan Bedard (Seaforth) placed 22

MX3 GP Junior A (out of 45 riders)

Mitchell Godkin (Walton) placed 5

Dan Dery (Londesborough) placed 31

MX3 GP Junior B (out of 43 riders)

Trevor Somerville (Seaforth) placed 13

Jamie Hern (Exeter) placed 18

Trevor Keys (Seaforth) placed 24

Matt Shannon (Seaforth) placed 29

Aaron Popp (Londesborough) placed 34

Lucas Cooke (Auburn) placed 42

MX2 125 Junior A (out of 42 riders)

Mitchell Godkin (Walton) placed 4

MX2 125 Junior B (out of 43 riders)

Dan Dery (Londesborough) placed 6

Jamie Hern (Exeter) placed 7

Trevor Keys (Seaforth) placed 13

Lucas Cooke (Auburn) placed 35

Aaron Popp (Londesborough) placed 38

Matt Shannon (Seaforth) placed 39

MX1250 Junior (out of 31 riders)

Trevor Somerville (Seaforth) placed 17

James Emmerich (Walton) placed 26

Vet Junior (out of 27 riders)

Brian Keys (Seaforth) placed 18

+40 (out of 36 riders)

Brian Keys (Seaforth) placed 27