8th Annual Baja Brawl: Bigger and Better
Starting with an Open practice on Friday, racers from around the country pulled into the property and got a taste of the sandy Baja course for the first time ever. With new track changes and challenging sections built by GPF front man and pro motocross racer Josh Woods, as well as long-time track builder for Michigan’s Nick Wey in Joe Mahoney, racers had a brand new Baja to tackle come race day. As one racer’s father put it, “That track is a beast. They do not call that mountain of sand Kong for nothing.”
On Saturday, racers lined the starting gate in anticipation for an extraordinarily long weekend of racing, because along with the special 3-day weekend came a special 3 moto format. The 3 race program went from Sunday to Monday and promised for some great racing with a $5,000 pro/am purse; Honda, Kawasaki, and Cobra contingencies; and $100 holeshots for the third and final motos. Young amateurs like Brad Esper, Chase Sexton, Tanner Stack, Tristan and Cody Charboneau, and Kyler West made it look easy as they battled their way around the winding hilly track. Pro racers making their way back from the final round of the outdoor motocross nationals in Steel City, Pennsylvania were especially exciting to watch as well. Riders like Kelly Smith, Josh Lichtle, Jerry Lorenz, Shane Sewell, Eric Montreuil, and Dalton Carlson were crowd favorites as they battled the track and each other. Furthermore, with trackside support from companies like PR2 and Fox Shocks, Cobra Motorcycles, Team Green Kawasaki, Rock River Yamaha, FMF, GPF, and MotorCity Powersports, racers were well taken care of throughout the weekend.
Racing aside, the real draw for the weekend was the all-important “fun factor.” The Baja Brawl is synonymous for providing new and exciting festival activities every year, and 2009 was no different. Along with repeat favorites like the 200 foot Cobra Slip-N-Slide, “Night Under the Lights” Pit Bike race, the Golf Cart (G.C. Open) race, and the Freestyle BMX Pond Jump competition; new events like the World Goon Ride Championship and first-ever Union Park Pro Wakeskate Invitational were fun and exciting additions to the weekend. Also, Nico Izzi dropped by to update everyone on his status after his heel injury at the Jacksonville supercross, as well as sign autographs and hand out free swag courtesy of Volcom.
For race results and event video recap, visit Baja’s new website at www.bajaacres.com
About Baja Acres
Baja Acres is a motocross track in Millington, Michigan focused on providing a safe, fun, and challenging environment for all motocross athletes. Moreover, with quality service and innovative ideas, Baja MX hopes to increase recognition and growth for racers and the motocross industry. For more information on Baja MX, please visit their website at www.bajamx.com
