Massey Motocross no more

By Nadine Labelle

Posted 3 days ago

MASSEY - The Massey Agricultural Society (MAS) website just says, "Sorry, Motocross closed." But that does little to explain to motocross fans and riders the reasoning behind the sudden closure in the middle of last week.

And, what about the three remaining CMRC (Canadian Motocross Racing Circuit) events including Summer MX Series Race June 26, July 24 and August 28? There will no more bikes on the track. There will be no more practices or events at the fair grounds track.

"It was our choice to close," said MAS president Don Patrie. The motocross track is being replaced by a mud bog event and the demolition derby at this years annual Massey Fair.

He said, "(The motocross) was not strong enough." He blames the new motocross track in Sault Ste. Marie for hurting the use of the Massey track. "It'll keep the dust down for neighbours too."

"The Massey Agricultural Society made a breach, they did not honour their side of the agreement. In my eyes, as a CMRC representative they let down a lot of young riders," said Randy Hall, Central Ontario CMRC representative. Hall agreed that the decision to close the track was fully a choice of the MAS and disappointing to the CMRC.

Former motocross director Karen Gerrard, said she and her 17 year old son Ryan who is regular motocross racer are disappointed with the turn of events.

"Practices were supposed to start in June. The CMRC website advised to check the Massey Agricultural Society website for a practice schedule but none was posted.

"Ryan, like other riders, will probably use the local snowmobile trails, back roads, pole lines or travel to Sudbury or Providence Bay. Travel would mean a 90 minute trip for a two hour practice time. Not very economical considering that there is a track that is within a two minute drive."

"Having a national sanctioning removed from this area's motocross track has not happened before and it is going to be very difficult to get another track sanctioned in this area."

Gerrard continued on to say, "We are concerned that the buildings and property at the Fairgrounds, of which the municipality either owns or partnered in building, are not being used to their full potential because the volunteer board of directors are not capable of taking on any programming other than the fair weekend. With the high turnover of members of the Board, there lacks the continuity and lack of direction in programming."

"I believe that the Fairgrounds could play a much larger role in the tourism and recreation portion of the economic development," said Gerrard who intends to raise her concerns with council.

There are still two motocross tracks located in Providence Bay (on Manitoulin Island) and in Sault Ste. Marie Hall explained. The June 26 race has been cancelled and other two ones are yet to be rescheduled. Hall said, "An event such as that usually brings in around 70 riders and their families. We're talking about between 200 and 250 people in town for that weekend."

If riders have questions or concerns regarding area motocross and possible rescheduling of the two races in July and August, contact Randy Hall at : hallre@hotmail.ca.

"The event was not profitable," said Patrie. "They're just not coming any more. I can't comment on numbers but I would like to pass on our regrets to those who were attending. We feel bad for riders, but it'll be closed now."

"It's sad to see it close. There's not much in Massey area and while they loved the track ... we can only do so much. It's time for a change and we're trying something else."