Article by:
Frank McGwire
Brett Konkin and his crew at Transcanada Moto Park are excited to be the host venue for the first-ever Central Canadian Amateur National Championships (The event runs from June 22nd to June 26th at Transcanada Moto Sports Park). The event is sponsored by Jetwerx/MRC and Grassroots Motocross.
Konkin and his team have been hard at work putting together a remarkable racetrack at the facility located just west of Brandon, Manitoba (north of the number 1 highway near Kemnay, MB). In a recent interview with The Sport Zone’s Mike Shaw, Konkin explained how the track came to fruition, “It started about 5 years ago when I moved onto this property here after I built my house. I’ve always had a passion for motocross so as soon as the house was finished, I decided to put one or two jumps up on the property and it just kind of developed from there!”
Initially, the track was purposed for Brett and a few of his close friends to use whenever they wanted to go for a rip, but it quickly morphed into a full-fledged business which allows motocross riders of all levels to come out and sharpen their riding skills. “Depending on their caliber and what they’re looking at doing the cost to ride out here varies.”
There are two different tracks which helps keep the cost affordable for riders. “We always want to make it beginner friendly for kids and family to get into the sport without it becoming overwhelming or expensive. The kid’s track is free to ride on. It gives them a chance to try out the sport and see if they enjoy it without any extra cost. But once you get to the main track it has more of a substantial layout and we put quite a bit of work into it. We start off the morning tilling the track, watering it and grooming it and for that we charge $25.00 for small bikes and $30.00 for big bikes.”
During Trans Canada Moto Park’s Wednesday night ride they’ll see upwards of 45 bikes come out to use the facility plus their family and friends show up, “It’s usually a great turn out and we can see 100+ people out here on a typical Wednesday night ride,” said Konkin. As the track became more and more popular, they decided to host events which lead to the major event this weekend. “We saw an opportunity with the Canadian Triple Crown Series going across Canada. As they’ll be travelling through, we thought we’d offer to be a stop on the series tour. It's a professional race series with an amateur series that goes along with it. You’re going to see a lot of up-and-coming motocross athletes from Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and B.C.” The event runs from June 22nd to June 26th at Transcanada Moto Sports Park.”
When it comes to Motocross in Westman Konkin is quick to tip his hat to those enthusiasts who paved the way over the past generation or two, “For many years it started off with Farm Boys Raceway Craig Hargraves and his crew they’re the pioneers of this sport in the Brandon area for sure. It’s from their grassroots and growing the sport in our community that’s helped get us to this level.”
Food trucks, vendors and bleachers will be set up for attendees, “We’ve set up the bleachers in a way that will give spectators some different vantage points to watch these riders in action which will help make it a fantastic event.” To add an extra element of excitement Trans Canada Moto Sport Park is having an open pit, “The public is encouraged and welcomes to tour through the pit area and see the different set ups and the bikes and the families and get a better understanding of the sport and what goes into it.”
Local sponsorship is key for the facilities continued success and a major supporter is Trans Canada Moto Sports (206 – 16th Street North in Brandon) who Konkin is quick to credit, “We’ve been very fortunate with our facility, Scott Harlan with Trans Canada Motor Sports has been involved in this sport for a very long time and he’s been a huge supporter of our community and we wouldn’t be where we are today without guys like him. He’s a strong supporter and we’re very appreciative and happy to have him. So you know what, if there’s anything you need for your bike he’s the guy to go see down at Trans Canada Motor Sports.”
The crew at Trans Canada Moto Sport Park is looking forward to seeing all motocross fans out for the big event this weekend, “For us at the end of the day it’s all about bringing people and community together, promoting our sport and having a good time so that’s our main focus and goals here,” said Konkin.
HOW TO REGISTER
The Central Canadian Amateur National is open to everyone, no qualifications* required! This event will prove to be a fantastic building block for Manitoba riders to test their skills against other competitors under a true amateur national format. Grassroots Motocross will be hosting the registration. The cost is $65.00 per class with 3 motos per class. Registration closes Thursday, June 23rd, 5 pm CST. To register CLICK HERE!
ADMISSION
4 and under FREE
5 - 12 $8 per day or $20 for weekend
12+ $15 per day or $50.00 for the week.
* Camping - $40.00 for the week
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