Interior British Columbia
Off-road racing update
Top riders are competing in this branch of dirt bike racing
There is more to dirt bike racing than just motocross. Although MX gets the majority of the ink, the off-road circuit is huge and continues to pump out some world-class racers from the interior regions of B.C.
Raising the Bar: Cory Graffunder went up against 500 expert riders and placed 18th overall in Austria’s Red Bull Erzberg Rodeo last May. —photo by Kelvin Harrison
The Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Association (PNWMA) has been around for many years and is the sanctioning body of the Off-Road Series (ORS). This race series is split into two regions with the Interior hosting 10 races and the Coast five. The 2008 PNWMA Off-Road schedule has 18 races for 2008, with an additional five coming from the newly formed Okanagan Hare Scramble Series (OHSS). These races attract between four to 500 riders and they offer 11 classes that are sorted on skill and age levels so every calibre of racer has a class in which to race and be competitive.
Some of the world-class riders this series has produced are members of the Graffunder clan from the Clearwater area. This family has racing in their blood and you cannot go out to a race without seeing one of them competing. Kelly Graffunder raced internationally for a number of years and now his cousin Cory is leading the charge to the world stage. Back in May, Cory was over in Austria competing at the Red Bull Erzberg Rodeo Hare Scramble. With 32 countries represented by 500 expert riders, Cory managed an 18th overall, in front of 32,000 fans—an outstanding accomplishment.
Another great rider who has developed his skills through a multitude of racing disciplines is Bobby Prochnau. Bobby hails from Savona just outside Kamloops and grew up honing his skills on the dry desert hills just outside of town. Bobby is a class act and his riding style and abilities are as smooth as they come. He quietly competes without a whole lot of fanfare but is very fast and is always at the front of the pack. Bobby’s been turning in great results the past few years and on July 5th at Round 1 of the AMA Endurocross Championships in Las Vegas Bobby finished 10th overall in the expert class—another outstanding international result.
One of the wildest off-road racers from the past is Tony Allen. Tony brought everything to the table on race day and winning was his only option. Tony’s off the bike now but has mentored his sons Josh and Marcus into fine riders. Tony has built a track on their acreage in Kamloops and very early on had both boys out on a bike. Josh, being the older of the two, is racing in the expert class this year, and he is turning heads and winning a number of races in various disciplines. These kids have grown up around racing and I’m sure they will be the next kids from the Interior region performing on the international stage.
All of these riders enjoy their KTM rides and great local sponsorship from RTR Performance in Kamloops. I’ve got to take my hat off to owner Craig Fortune, who not only sponsors off-road riders and various racing venues in the area, but also runs a national MX team that competes countrywide in the Canadian Motorsports Racing Club (CMRC) National Race Series.
Also, I have to mention that Kamloops will be hosting the only CMRC National Moto-X Race in B.C. for 2009. CMRC president Mark Stallybrass gave the following announcement after the Nanaimo venue on July 12th.
“Due to the excessive cost of getting race teams and privateers to Vancouver Island for the Nanaimo event,” said Stallybrass, “the national race series will now be held at the Whispering Pines Moto-Cross Park in Kamloops.”
This is a great scoop for the area and I know the Greater Kamloops Motorcycle Association (GKMA) will work its butt off to make sure it is an annual stop on this prestigious circuit.
Motorcycle key contacts
Grizzly Ridge Honda
Situated at Slave Lake, Alberta, Grizzly Ridge Honda is your premier Honda dealer. Our huge inventory features all the latest and greatest sport, utility and youth ATVs, as well as Honda cruisers/Vtwin, dirt bikes, scooters and street bikes; browse our selection of pre-owned products to find your next nearly-new machine. Our parts and accessories department is equipped with the latest equipment and dress-up items on the market.
At Grizzly Ridge Honda, we have a rock-solid reputation of providing excellent service, support and satisfaction. We pride ourselves on giving our customers the best service available, the best parts and accessories, and a staff that understands all aspects of our business.
Grizzly Ridge Honda
B&F Sales & Service Ltd.
Your Honda headquarters
At B&F Sales & Service Ltd., located in Grand Forks, B.C., we specialize in superior customer service. Our large supply of Honda products includes ATVs, motorcycles, lawn and garden wares, generators, snowblowers, walk-behind mowers and water pumps.
Equipped with a fully stocked parts department, we'll help you find all the accessories and dress-up items you've been searching for. Our qualified technicians are ready and willing to help with any question or concern you may have.
Let our friendly sales staff and competitive service be the reasons why you choose B&F Sales & Service Ltd. for all your recreation needs.
B&F Sales & Service Ltd.
Greater Vancouver Powersports
At Greater Vancouver Powersports, you will find a huge selection of BRP's newest Ski-Doos, from the ever-popular Summit to the ultimate touring machine—and everything in between. Our full-service shop and highly equipped technicians are happy to provide assistance and answer any technical questions you may have. Be sure to check out our hugely expanded showroom and find any accessory or dress-up item you require.
We are an all-season powersports dealer and carry a massive selection of ATVs, PWCs, motorcycles and boats. So if you are in the market for a new toy, seeking the perfect accessory or need some technical help, head to Greater Vancouver Powersports for a superb selection and superior customer service.
Greater Vancouver Powersports#1 18565 96th AveSurrey, BC V4N 3P7, CanadaPHONE: (604) 888-8700
Mississauga, ON
Let them know you are OK
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Globalstar Canada
Kelowna, BC
Buy and Sell What Moves You
Find Blue Book values for ATVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles and watercraft at www.canadianbluebook.com. Our parent company is All Seasons Publications Ltd., publishers of the Canadian Blue Book. With more than 65 years of combined experience, we want to share, educate and empower you to make informed decisions when buying or selling your powersports vehicle. Our site allows you to browse listings, post your ad, find retail and trade-in values and read industry news reports.
All Seasons Publications Ltd.
Westlock, AB
We've got the truck to haul your gear
When it comes to hauling your toys, you want nothing but the best, most reliable truck—one that has safety and style written all over it. At Westlock Motors, our experienced staff will help you choose the perfect truck to fit your needs. Browse through our selection of new and pre-owned vehicles from GMC, Chevrolet, Pontiac and Buick. When you've made your decision, our service department can install any trailering equipment and accessories you may require. Our dealership prides itself on offering personalized, efficient customer service. We invite you to stop by and discover the Westlock way.
Westlock Motors
Wahl Brothers Racing
We sell pure adrenaline parts
Whether you are looking to improve your snowmobile for the trails or for any kind of racing, Wahl Brothers Racing is the place to go. With over 25 years experience racing performance machines, the team at Wahl Brothers Racing specialize in high performance parts for all types of machines.
Taking their years of experience to the next level, the Wahl Brothers have created one of the foremost companies involved in high performance snowmobile parts. The Wahl Brothers team know what parts your snowmobile needs to get you onto the podium when competing; or what you need to enjoy your time on the trails. With everything from shocks to tracks to sprockets, Wahl Brothers Racing has the performance parts to make any sled a winning machine.
Wahl Bros Racing
