SOUTHWICK – The new face of Southwick Motocross – Keith Johnson – met with the Board of Selectmen last night and presented a schedule of events for the year.
Johnson is the new promoter for Motocross 338 and is working with the American Legion to revive the sport.
Johnson, who lives in the eastern part of the state and runs a motocros school, grew up racing motocross and raced for the first time at Southwick in 1977.
“By the time I was 16 I’d raced in Southwick hundreds of times,” said Johnson. “I grew up racing here – it’s my hometown track.”
From age 18-36, Johnson raced professionally and traveled the world, but Southwick has always felt like home. When former promoter Mike Grondahl asked him to step in, Johnson was happy to do it.
“I am excited about this,” he said. “Anywhere you go across the country for motocross, people know about Southwick.”
Johnson said the sand pit in Southwick is a prestigious track and he hopes to revitalize it this year.
Johnson presented a schedule of events that included 21 motorized events, eight practices and four non-motorized events, including the Rugged Maniac. Johnson’s plans also include hosting motocross classes at the track.
Johnson told selectmen that there is work to be done at the track and he has studied its topography and how water runs through the track and he plans to preserve the wetlands there.
“It’s been sitting idle, so there is work that has to be done,” he said.
Selectwoman Tracy Cesan asked about the national motocross event that was once held in Southwick, but was pulled from the location.
“Your goal is to bring back Nationals?” she asked.
“Yes,” eventually,” said Johnson.
The board unofficially approved the schedule and said the Legion needs to present a written approval. The American Legion holds the permit for the track.
Johnson said opening day of the track is set for April 5.
