Great Lakes Motocross (GLMX) Concludes its Inaugural Competition Season by Honoring its Athletes

More than 700 riders and families on hand and an incredible 587 awards handed out at the Soaring Eagle Hotel & Casino – GLMX’s destination awards banquet

BUCHANAN, Mich., (Dec. 21, 2009) - Great Lakes Motocross (GLMX) wrapped up its first year of competition with a banquet worthy of the racers who put it on the line throughout the summer and fall at the seven premier MX facilities located throughout Michigan’s lower peninsula.

Packed to the rafters with racers and their families, Mt. Pleasant’s Soaring Eagle Hotel & Casino – billed “A premium venue for premium athletes” - played host to the first-ever GLMX Awards Banquet. With more than 700 people in attendance, the seven tracks that make up the GLMX handed out and incredible 587 awards on the night.

“GLMX gave away more awards and prizes to more riders than ever before in Michigan motocross history,” said Baja Acres’ Patrick Grzebinski. “And we wanted the banquet to be a family destination for the riders and their families, so partnering with the Soaring Eagle worked out very well for us. Congrats to all the MX racers who contested both the summer Michigan Mafia Series (summer) and Mideast Championship Series (fall), along with the ATV racers battling it out in the ATV Championship and ATV Challenge Series.”

Master of ceremonies for the inaugural GLMX Awards Banquet was the team of local GLMX track announcer Larry Witmer (RedBud and Dutch Sport Park) and Dave Knisley (Grattan Raceway MX, Big Air MX and regional AMA Arenacross announcer). One of the many interviews on the evening was when Knisley talked with current AMA Arenacross spokes model – Michigan’s own Lindsey Scheltema, herself a motocross racer who was there to receive an award and promote the upcoming arenacross at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena.

In addition to all of the class No. 1 plates that were awarded, other big winners on the night included:

* Pro Circuit “A” contract to Michigan A-class rider Devon Adair

* Rider of the Year awards to Steve Kluga, Merrillville, Ind. (Adult division); Jacob Williamson, Swartz Creek, Mich. (Youth division) and Derick Granberg, Portage, Ind. (ATV division)

* Parents of the Year – Rick & Paula Dervin, parents of 25-plus and A class rider Mitch Dervin

* Pioneer Award to Gene Ritchie, founder of RedBud, for his contributions to Michigan motocross

There were 315 awards handed out for the inaugural Michigan Mafia Series, 226 awards for the Mideast Championship, 25 awards for the ATV Championship and 21 for the ATV Challenge – totaling 587 awards! In addition, all top five finishers took home contingency products provided by GLMX sponsors and participating dealers.

Other popular door prizes handed out at the ’09 GLMX Awards Banquet included: A set of Asterisk knee braces, an EVS neck brace, a weekend stay at the exclusive Otsego Ski Resort in Gaylord (Mich.). Sponsors for the event, including participating GLMX dealers, included: Michigan-based snow apparel company “Coldwave,” providing jackets for the Mideast Series champions, Thor, Scott USA, Throttle Jockey, Pro Circuit, Mechanix wear and Michigan-based Cobra competition mini cycles.

For a video of the banquet, link to www.greatlakesmx.com

Great Lakes MX supports the sport of motocross. With seven of the Midwest's premier motocross facilities on the GLMX team, amateur racers from all over the Great Lakes region stand to benefit now more than ever. Featuring everything from track safety concerns, streamlined organization and registration, more lucrative contingency programs and prizes and a grand scale awards banquet - along with membership fees that are invested back into the events and series - the GLMX team is stepping up to further the great heritage of Michigan and Midwest motocross racing for both bikes and ATVs. On the web at www.greatlakesmx.com