The Terrace Motocross Association (TMA) is getting ready for additional upgrades and changes to the track this spring.
Earl Houlden, president of the association, said plans are in place to raise the viewing area, improve the track, as well as
add a super-cross style track and sand dig strip.
The association is also hoping to put in an ATV off-road course.
The bulk of the work is being done by students in the heavy equipment operating class at Northwest Community College (NWCC) and will begin this March.
Brian Badge, chair of trades at NWCC, said the college often works with the community in projects like this one.
The college is trying to meet the needs of the motocross association with our heavy operators program, Badge said.
“Any type of trade that we offer here, we try to work with the community to help,” he added.
The college has worked with the TMA in the past, and was instrumental in its creation last year.
According to Badge, this set of upgrades will be done entirely by female students.
“We just feel there is a need for women in the workplace in this program,” Badge said.
The students will be using equipment simulators in the classroom to prepare for the field work they will be doing on the track.
They will work five students at a time, in accordance to safety standards under the instruction of Ian Black.
Badge said the college is also looking into arranging a similar trade-off with the carpentry program.
Houlden said the association is planning to host two races this year as a part of the BC Motocross Association (BCMA).
“Word is out with the BCMA about our track, and the work we are getting for free, and the support from the community to set up a world class facility,” Houlden said.
He said it has been quoted by some as the best track in B.C. right now.
The first race will be the spring series at the end of April, and the second will be the fall series in mid July.
“The July race will be a qualifier for the BC Pro-am, three day race to be held in Prince George,” Houlden said, adding this means some high level riders will be out.
The association is also hosting a fun race to encourage locals to come and try their hand at the sport.
They will be hosting poker runs, which Houlden said were a big hit last year, as well as a lot of fun.
Houlden said that while the track is too new at the moment, in the future they are looking to keep momentum up on their tracks and possibly be a hosting consideration for future, larger, BC Motocross Association races.
“We've got big plans this year,” Houlden said.
The association is currently looking for sponsors, and new members.
Last year, their membership was 200.