A rider soars under the finish line during a practice run in the buildup to the final Motocross National Championship at Motocross 338 in Southwick last summer. (File photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – Organizers of the new Southwick Motocross have one more hurdle to jump before getting the official thumbs-up to begin races in 2014.
Motocross backer Mike Grondahl said he was cautiously optimistic following a meeting with the Southwick Board of Selectmen last night.
“It’s baby steps, but it appears everything’s going to be positive,” he said.
Grondahl and a group of friends, including Gary Yelin and Travis Loucks, joined forces to keep Motocross 338 going after its longtime coordinators retired last year.
The track is owned by the American Legion Post 338 who has leased the property for many years for racing events. The track also became home in recent years to the local Rugged Maniac race.
Questions were raised by selectmen and the public about the permitting of the track, how many races would take place, and the use of several acres of land owned by the town and run by the school department.
Selectman Joseph Deedy worked with organizers to hammer out some of the details so the track could open this year.
American Legion Post 338 Adjutant Michael Sullivan said they agreed to run 20 events this year and continue allowing local Team Justice to use the track Wednesday evenings for several hours to practice. He said only 10 riders would be allowed on the track at a time and all riders would be part of Team Justice.
Team Justice is a motocross team for youth that not only teaches racing, but the adult mentors and managers of the team serve as positive role models.
When asked about a schedule of events, Grondahl said there was nothing “set in stone” because he wanted to make sure they received the go-ahead from the town first.
“I can get that within 24 to 48 hours,” he said.
Russ Pike of Post 338 said the track would run close to the way it always has.
“Aside from different faces, everything else hasn’t changed,” said Pike.
Deedy said to deal with the issue of using town land, a “revocable permit” would be issued specifically for that four-acre parcel. This would allow Southwick Motocross to use the land and insure it.
All parties at the table yesterday agreed things were moving forward in an amicable, positive way.
“Obviously there are some people who don’t like motocross, but a lot of people realize it’s just a part of Southwick,” said Selectmen Chairman Russell Fox. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s a go.”
Selectwoman Tracy Cesan was absent last night and Fox and Deedy postponed the vote until she was present. They expect to approve it next Tuesday during a brief consent agenda prior to the May 30 Town Meeting.
Grondahl said the MX338 track – affectionately called “The Wick” in motocross circles, is very sentimental.
“It’s the first place I ever raced,” he said. “It had a big impact on me.”
Grondahl isn’t the only one. At a public forum on the topic in late March, the Town Hall auditorium was filled with residents overwhelmingly supporting the continuation of the track.
“It’s part of Southwick,” Grondahl said last night.
Sullivan said he felt very hopeful that the track would soon be open.
“It looks good,” he said. “I think it would have been a crying shame to see motocross leave Southwick.”
