Motocross showing increased participation

Jena Doak, [email protected]

Sweetwater County, Wyoming — This weekend at the Sweetwater Events Complex, the Rock Springs Motocross (RSMX) Winter Series will hold its second-to-last event of the year. The last month in the series is March.

This is one sport that has actually increased in participation due to COVID-19.

“I think COVID kind of benefitted us a little bit. It seems like the last couple of years, people have taken more of an interest in motorcycles with other sports being shut down,” said Boyer.

This year, the month of October was added to the mix, which has also increased participation. Usually, the series begins in November. Participants accrue points throughout the series, which are added up and awarded at a banquet when the season is over.

Racers come in from Utah, Colorado, Idaho and Montana to join the event, as many places do not have an an arena for motocross racing in the winter.

“It’s kind of neat for them to be able to travel and come in to race with us,” Boyer said.

Races are held according to age and bike-size.

“We have races for all ages as long as they are able to ride a bike, from four-year-old’s and up,” said Jeremy Boyer, RSMX board member. “We have the small kids on the peewee bikes, and sometimes 50- to 60-year old guys on the big bikes.”

A $10 practice session is held Friday evening between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings, practice is held at 10:00, with races following. The price for racing is $25 per race for peewees and 50cc bikes, and $30 for 65cc’s and up.

The event is open to spectators.

Boyer, who was also a racer years ago, enjoys his involvement on the board.

“I enjoyed the sport, and don’t want to see it go away, so I do what I can to keep the sport going,” said Boyer. “It’s exciting to see the kids growing up in it.”