Forty plus years of motocross racing! As tracks come and go, the track and tradition of Walton Motocross is one of the oldest in Canada.
The land of the Walton motocross track was originally part of the acreage farmed by the Lee family. An early interest in motorcycles evolved into an interest in off-road riding. This led to the track becoming a local centre of activity for many casual riders and aspiring competitors. A club was formed called the Maitland Dirt Riders which organized its first event in August 1974. This was for Juniors and Schoolboys only (today beginners, juniors, 80 beginners & 80 Experts). Over 300 riders showed up and were so successful that another event was held in October. The sight of riders sliding down frozen clay slopes dictated earlier race dates in following years. The Maitland Dirt Riders hosted a two-day event every year with Juniors and schoolboys one day and seniors and experts the next. From 1976-1979 Molson Breweries sponsored a provincial championship series for experts and Walton was the favourite site for both fans and racers. Racers competing in the Molson series came from Sweden, Japan, England, Czechoslovakia, Finland, and of course across Canada and the USA. Qualifying heats for expert classes, 3,000-4,000 spectators were not unusual.
From 1976-1979 Molson Breweries sponsored a provincial championship series for experts and Walton was the favourite site for both fans and racers. Racers competing in the Molson series came from Sweden, Japan, England, Czechoslovakia, Finland, and of course across Canada and the USA. Qualifying heats for expert classes, 3,000-4,000 spectators were not unusual.
In 1981 the Ontario round of the Canadian National Series at Walton saw Ross Pederson begin his dominance which extended until his retirement after his sweep at the 1993 TransCan. The track sat dormant until a new Lee generation were getting involved in the sport, so a two-day event was organised in 1991.
While reflecting on the success of the 1991 event, we noted that there was a lack of a really major, prestigious event (such as Loretta Lynn Amateur Nationals in the USA). Thus a concept was born. Walton would hold an annual event drawing on all the best things in the sport, an annual coming together for bragging rights, a celebration of Canadian motocross! A five year plan, building from a great natural track ridden on once a year, strong community support, accessibility and support facilities. The emphasis was to be real outdoor style motocross, highly competitive with lots of extracurricular attractions and opportunity to socialize. The format was to be a
Walton would hold an annual event drawing on all the best things in the sport, an annual coming together for bragging rights, a celebration of Canadian motocross! A five year plan, building from a great natural track ridden on once a year, strong community support, accessibility and support facilities. The emphasis was to be real outdoor style motocross, highly competitive with lots of extracurricular attractions and opportunity to socialize. The format was to be a four-day schedule with open practice and four long motos per class. 1992 – It’s expensive, risky and a lot of work! Would sponsors participate? Would riders come? Could we get everything done? What did we forget?