Officials at Southwick American Legion Post 338 have selected a new partner to assist in the 2014 race season. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – American Legion Post 338 announced yesterday that its legendary sand motocross track is not closing.
Since the Pittello family announced in June they were retiring as motocross promoters in Southwick, the Legion has been working to continue the 40-year-old Southwick motocross tradition.
In a press release, Post 338 announced it had “finally selected a new partner to help bring our historic facility to a whole new level of performance.”
A homemade sign at the entrance of Southwick American Legion Post 338 indicates that racing will continue during the 2014 season. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
After considering more than a half-dozen offers, the Legion stated that one offer clearly stood above the rest.
“The Legion’s board has unanimously selected the offer from Michael Grondahl,” stated the release. “Mr. Grondahl has many ties throughout the business world and most importantly he has direct ties to the motocross industry both as an avid past motocross racer and a current partner of the GEICO Honda race team. In addition, Mr. Grondahl has brought Gary Yellin along as a consultant to his team. Gary is the son of Southwick legend Bernie Yellin, the original founder and successful operator of MX338 for many decades. Our expectations for MX338 are sky high!”
Erosion from last week’s heavy rain has taken its toll on Southwick Motocross 338 racetrack. Officials of Southwick American Legion Post 338 have announced a new track promoter has been selected for next year’s events. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
Grondahl is the co-founder and former CEO of Planet Fitness, a fitness club chain which he grew from one gym in New Hampshire to the largest fitness chain in the world. Planet Fitness currently has over 675 locations and serves 4.6 million members.
“This business experience will prove invaluable to support his plans for MX338,” Post 338 board members said. “But we believe the key to Mike’s future success with MX338 lies in his passion for the sport of motocross.”
Grondahl raced his first NESC moto at Southwick in 1979 and earned his AMA professional motocross license in 1981.
Over the last five years Grondahl has been a partner in the GEICO Honda race team which boasts numerous AMA 250 championships. This year the GEICO team will take a big jump by filling departing 450 rider Kevin Windham’s boots with Eli Tomac, who will race both SX and MX in the 2014 season. In addition to the GEICO partnership, Grondahl recently started the ALIAS clothing line with longtime industry veteran Jeff Surwall, Jeff Makrzak, and the legendary Factory Connection suspension guru Rick Zielfelder.
A dirt road on the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District property leads to Pit 3 at the Southwick Motocross 338 track area. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
“The thought of Southwick closing was just not an option that I could sit back and do nothing about,” Grondahl said. “I remember when I was only 15 standing at the fence at the old finish line jump screaming for my hero JoJo Keller. So many motocross legends like Bob Hannah, Doug Henry and John Dowd have graced the sand whoops at Southwick. For me, getting involved was an obvious step for the luckiest guy alive!”
Board of Selectmen Chairman Russell Fox said it was good news. He hoped to have input from the track’s neighbors moving forward.
“People have been asking about the schedule,” said Fox. “That neighborhood has really built up over the past 40 years. We need to get their input.”
Grondahl said he is planning to schedule events soon.
“Very soon we will negotiate Southwick’s 2014 schedule and there are some new ideas that we need to agree upon with the Legion,” he said. “I want to express my sincere thanks to the Southwick American Legion Post 338 for choosing me and for being absolutely fair and very open-minded to all of the various issues that have surfaced.”
“At the recent Amateur Nationals held at Loretta Lynn’s ranch in Tennessee, Carrie Coombs told me in no uncertain terms there will be no 2014 National held at Southwick and there probably will never be one in the future. American Legion Southwick Post 338 has saved Southwick and it is now my job to bring some big races to this legendary sand track!”
Fox noted that the nationals had a beneficial economic impact on the town and he is curious what Grondahl plans to bring to the table.
“We will revisit this and find out what kind of operation they are planning,” said Fox.
Southwick resident and founder of Team Justice Kevin Bishop said he was thrilled with the news.
“We are very excited,” said Bishop. “Mr. Grondahl has quite a reputation in motocross.”
Bishop said Team Justice is happy still to be able to call Southwick home.
“I’m hoping the new promoters will show the same support for Team Justice as the previous promoters,” said Bishop.
