The 2018 Canadian Motocross Grand National Championships are well underway at Walton Raceway.
President and Owner of the Raceway, Brett Lee, says having the event in Walton is a huge deal with the amateur and pro racers in attendance.
"It's the biggest race for the amateurs and the final of the pro national series that's been going on all across the country. It's an honour to have everyone here and see all the stuff going on, TSN comes in and covers it, there's a lot of hype, and this Saturday, everything builds toward that pro national and it's going to be amazing."
This marks the 26th year of Walton Raceway hosting the Canadian Motocross Grand National Championship. Lee says teams and riders show up from all over the world to be a part of the event.
"Everybody is here, it's like a melting pot for the sport here in Walton of all places, but it's like a pilgrimage for people. People from B.C., South Africa, Quebec, the U.S., Europe and all across Canada, everywhere is represented and they're from all over the place."
The amateur event started on Monday and runs right through Friday night, with the pro day all day Saturday the 18th. Lee notes that the support from the surrounding community every year is excellent.
"It's awesome, our community really embraces it. CKNX, the radio stations, everyone gets behind it, and they understand the sport. We all grew up in rural Ontario, so we got ATV's and dirt bikes in our backyards, so we get what motor sports are all about. So it's a perfect place for people to come out and support us."
An amateur rider catching some air during practice at the 2018 Canadian Motocross Grand National Championship at Walton Raceway. Tuesday, August 14th, 2018 (Photo by Ryan Drury)