Motocross riders from across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and even North Dakota are gearing up for the first race of the South Corner Racing Circuit (SCRC) season this Saturday in Estevan, and there’s plenty of excitement ahead.
Randy Franke, a rider representative for the club, said everyone is eager to get going, especially with several new updates being introduced this year.
“We’ve got some new transponders and a new scoring system with live scoring available, so it’ll be a good experience for riders and for fans,” Franke said.
This year’s SCRC season will feature 10 races—more than in previous years. The series has welcomed the return of tracks in Assiniboia and Weyburn, as well as a race over the border in Manitoba.
“We’ve been down for a few years to six or seven [races],” Franke said. “Assiniboia and Weyburn haven’t been in it the last couple of years, so they’re returning to the series again.”
Franke said initial entries for the season opener are looking strong, and the club is anticipating a turnout of between 130 and 140 riders.
The event will take place Saturday, with practice beginning at 9 a.m. and racing getting underway around 10:30 or 11 a.m. Spectators can expect a full day of action, as the series runs a two-moto format for all 14 classes.
“Everybody gets two races through the day,” said Franke. “There are classes from 50cc—which are five to seven-year-olds—up to the pro classes and plus-40. We’ve got ladies’ classes, moto moms… there’s really good racing in all the classes.”
The cost to attend is $10 (cash only), kids 6 and under are free.
Motocross continues to grow in popularity in the southeast, Franke said, and much of that is thanks to the friendly and family-oriented nature of the SCRC.
“It’s a little more laid back than some other series,” he said. “It’s really centered on having fun out there, and the camaraderie of the sport.”
Franke said the most popular demographic includes riders aged 12 to 16 in the 85cc class, as well as a new youth class introduced this year for ages 18 to 25.
While excitement is high, organizers are also keeping an eye on the weather. Conditions have been dry heading into the spring season, and wind and heat could pose additional challenges on race day.
“Our track has been so dry this year you’d think it was the middle of August,” Franke said. “We’re just going to have enough water for this race and then hopefully get some rain.”
Still, organizers are confident it’ll be a great start to the season—and a strong showing of what makes the sport so special in southeast Saskatchewan.