10th Annual Baja Brawl in Michigan
In typical Baja Brawl fashion, the summer motocross festival started with a variety of interactive events ranging from the MotoPlayground’s “Goon Riding Championship” to a 200’ Cobra Motorcycles Slip and Slide. The weekend also featured a variety of action sports competitions and demos including the Action Water Sports wakeboard and wakeskate winch park, the Otsego Club and Resort skate bowl, and BMX freestyle pond jump presented by Albe’s.
For the over 900 racer entries and 6,300+ guests that attended the Baja Brawl, there was a surplus of excitement to be experienced, both on and off the motocross track. Even motocross moms had an event created exclusively for them in what was called the “Moto Mom Olympics” presented by the Great Lakes Grand Prix.
“It’s sometimes shocking to my family and I how many events we can fit into this 4 day event” said Baja Acres owner Patrick Grzbinski. “Thanks to our loyal sponsors, friends, and families, we’re never short on great ideas and fun events that everyone can enjoy… our fans have made this event a great success”.
Aside from the entertainment, the Baja Brawl also saw great racing from Pro Sport riders Shane Durham, Drew Yenerich, Kelly Smith, Freddy Karrle, and more. Racers in the 85 classes watched Tanner Stack, Brock Papi, Ashton Hayes, and Brandon Hartranft separate from the field to battle for moto wins and overall championships while Georgia native Colton Ford had several strong motos in Schoolboy 1 and Schoolboy 2, earning himself championships in both classes. A $5,000 Pro/Am purse and amateur factory support from Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Cobra proved to be a great incentive for racers traveling to what many described as “a national caliber track”.
One race in particular awarded a rider the “Heart of Stone” award, presented by Volcom. This new award, along with a $1,000 cash prize, was created to recognize the rider who “displays noticeable determination and effort” during the Baja Brawl weekend. The award was created in commemoration of Josh Lichtle, his incredible determination and “never give up” personality. The Volcom award and $1,000 prize was presented to Jerry Lorenz by Nario Izzi and Dave Lichtle for his inspiring ride in Monday’s 250A Pro Sport moto. A tearful recipient in Lorenz was honored by the award, and reminisced of a lost friend who he shared countless battles with on the motocross track.
The weekend also featured a number of other events and happenings dedicated to the memory of Josh Lichtle, including Pant Saggin Designz and New York graffiti artist “Crook” who painted “811” inspired murals on a handful of Baja Acres facility buildings, along with a Josh Lichtle party that took place on Saturday evening.
For full race results, as well as additional info on the 2011 Baja Brawl, please visit http://bajaacres.com/. Also keep an eye out for video event coverage of the Baja Brawl, to be released early next week.
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 Acres hopes to increase recognition and growth for racers and the motocross industry. For more information on Baja Acres, please visit their website at www.bajaacres.com.
