Photo Reports from Lethbridge Arenacross Presented by BlackfootDirect.com

 The 14th Annual Alberta Arenacross Championships kicked off last night in Lethbridge. KTM's Eric Nye won both main events, with Ryan Lockhart and Chuck Mesley trading the runner up spot. Johnny Montes was leading the AX1 main, until Nye gave him a little love tap that put Montes to the ground. Local racers George De Graaf Jr., Luke Firth, and Dustin Hayes have been mixing it up with the "ringers." The organizers of the event do a great job; they treat the riders well, put together a fun and safe track, and it's just an overall good time. A decent crowd showed up at the Enmax Centre last night, but the promoters say tonight will see a few more fans.

The boys over at Lethbridge Honda/Suzuki/KTM have brought in a slew of talent from across the country. Chuck Mesley, Ryan Lockhart, Eric Nye, and Giver are all borrowing bikes for the arenacross. They even provide a factory mechanic too - "Dan the Man."

The track in Lethbridge is fairly straight forward, so it makes the racing tight and starts super important.

My buddy Mike is behind the mic. 

Josh Snider earns some TV time. Snider's been working on the oil rigs in Northern Alberta, and is down here racing for New Way Kawasaki, along with Johnny Montes.

The Alberta Dirt Riders Motorcycle Club put together a well organized event in Lethbridge every year.

Cole Varty took the win in 85cc class. 

Dan the Man takes a break from wrenching to provide trackside support.

The defending champ, Ryan Lockhart, kicked off the opening ceremonies. Lockhart won both his heats, and led the AX2 main event for a few laps before settling into second behind Nye. In the AX1 main, Lockhart worked his way up to fourth but then tipped over on the second last lap to finish fifth. 

Giver became an honourary member of the Over The Bars Club after going over the bars yesterday in practice. He sat out the first night, but will be looking to give Nye a run tonight.  

See you at the races!