Millington, MI -- In its 10th year of combining motocross racing with
family friendly events, the annual Baja Brawl kicked off last Friday at
Baja Acres in Millington, Michigan. The Labor Day Weekend event drew
racers and their families from over 20 states across the country, as
well as parts of Canada, on September 2nd -- 5th, 2011.
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.
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