Amateurs strut their stuff at the motocross track off Blackwater Road

Prince George, B.C. – If you’re into speed and mud the Blackwater Motocross Track west of Prince George is the place to be this weekend.

The 2017 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals is making its debut here after last weekend’s season opener in Kamloops.

“There’s never been a national here before,” says race promoter Mark Stallybrass. “It moved here from Nanaimo where it had been since 1997 but the ferry and its costs kind of killed it. So, we thought with the track’s proximity to Prince George and with all the outdoor enthusiasts here would make it a good fit.”

He estimates there are over 300 amateur ridings on site today which will be followed up with some top- notch pro talent tomorrow.

“We’ve got a world champion from France, Christophe Pourcel. He’s one of the best in the world. Top Canadians too like Colton Facciotti and two-time champions Matt Goerke, Kaven Benoit and Tyler Medaglia.”

Track builder Stu McQueen adds he isn’t too concerned about the effect the slight drizzle is having on the track.

“You know what, it’s always an issue as far as getting bikes through on the day of rain. This particular track will dry a lot. We hope it doesn’t rain a ton more but rain does make the pro racing better.”

Fifteen-year-old Max Day, an amateur rider out of Lake Country B.C. who dreams of going pro one day, admits the weather has forced him to adjust.

“It’s pretty sloppy in places. It’s more challenging because you get mud on your goggles and you can’t see.”

Max Day, an amateur rider out of Lake Country B.C.

If you’d like to check out the action you can either purchase your tickets online (for a $5 discount) or at the gate. Tickets on site cost $35 per adult and $20 for kids 12 and under.

Amateur racing wraps up at 5 p.m. this afternoon. Gates re-open at 6:30 tomorrow morning with racing set for noon.