SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen made it clear last night they agree with Police Chief David Ricardi that JDay motocross racing must be toned down.
JDay is an extreme version of motocross racing which includes an offroad segment in the woods where riders must navigate over logs and other hurdles. Ricardi expressed concern not about the style of the race, but the danger associated with JDay spectators.
“I was quite surprised at how dangerous it is,” said Ricardi. “I have nothing but good things to say about motocross, but when it comes to JDay, I have concerns about safety.”
Spectators are allowed in the woods and on the motocross track during the event.
“People are allowed on the track during the race and can even cross the track,” Ricardi said. “Maybe we shouldn’t allow JDay races in Southwick.”
Police Lt. Kevin Bishop, a longtime motocross racer himself, said he did not realize spectators were allowed on the motocross track. He said part of the draw of JDay races is that spectators can get close to racers in the woods but he did say he was at a JDay race last year in another town where a rider came out of the woods and hit six people.
Ricardi said the event is billed as an “extreme spectator sport” and he asked the board to reconsider allowing it in Southwick.
Safety Officer Sgt. Kirk Sanders said last year the JDay race in Southwick was a concern from a traffic standpoint because it was a big draw for crowds and only one officer was working the detail.
Selectman Joseph Deedy and Ricardi both said the traffic concerns could be alleviated with pre-planning and having enough officers on-hand.
“It’s probably on the heels of the National as far as attendance,” Deedy said. “That, we can take care of. On the public safety side, I think we could clear up some of those spectator issues.”
Ricardi met with Motocross 338 promoter Keith Johnson, who took Ricardi’s concerns seriously. Ricardi said he planned to meet again with Johnson.
“We will set up a meeting and come up with a game plan,” said Selectman Russell Fox.
