CARLYLE - People could hear the roar of the motocross engines as they approached the Carlyle track on Aug. 12.
Kelly and Susan Rekken's son, Bowan Rekken, had passed away and was very involved in riding his dirt bike. It was shortly after his death that the Carlyle Rental Centre, which was owned by the family was contacted by Craig Erik in 2003 to build a memorial racetrack in Carlyle. The idea took off and construction of the track began in 2004 with many bikers stepping up to the plate to make this possible.
In 2007, the first races were held at the newly-built track.
Two programs are held at the track yearly and Saturday was the first one for the year.
Spectators could purchase a drink at the concession stand, which also offered breakfast and lunch.
With throttles wide open, the gates came down and the first race began.
Sharp turns need to be maneuvered and steep hills sent the bike and riders high in the air, but this did not slow down these racers.
According to the riders, the weather was great, with cooler temperatures in the morning.
Kate Lees is a member of the Carlyle track club and the president of the 麻豆传媒AV Corner Racing Circuit, which has races in Carlyle and other communities.
Lees said racers come from Estevan, Weyburn, Carlyle, Alameda and Souris, Man., but they could come from Moose Jaw and further east into Manitoba as well.
With the dirt and stones flying, each rider gave it their all in the 11 individual classes.
Each class has a chance at the beginning of the day to check out the track with a trial run.
Flag people are placed on the hills, watching for any issues that may arise.
Approximately 15-20 riders took part in each class, which was a great turnout for the day.
Placings for the classes were: A-class went to Travis King and the B-class went to Tucker Wyatt, with the C-class going to Matt Russill.
The 125class went to Tucker Wyatt, while Kate Lees took the women's class.
Supermini went to Leo Hickey, and he also took the 85cc class.
Eli Hickey won the 65cc class and the 50cc class went to Boston Olmstead.
The over-30 vet class went to Bryce Friess and the youth class was won by Travis King.
The next race will be held on Sept. 16 at the Carlyle Motocross race track.
