- press release -


After being part of the CMRC National Motocross circuit since 1996, "The Wastelands" in Nanaimo, BC will host its final Pro national event this weekend, CMRC's Mark Stallybrass announced today. As of next year the BC national will take place on the mainland in Kamloops.

"We're really sorry to see The Wastelands dropped from our schedule, as the track has been with us for many years and it's always been one of my favourite destinations," said Stallybrass. "But therein also lies the problem. The current economic climate, the price of gas and the high ferry fee makes going to Vancouver Island no longer financially feasible for the series, the teams, and the privateer. It was a very tough decision to make and one that we gave a lot of thought to, but there really is no other way around this."   

Stallybrass mentioned that the issue of excluding Nanaimo from the nationals lineup has come up a number of times over the years, but he has resisted making that move until now.

"I have been pressured to move the national for years, but I have always fought to keep it there. Now with the economy the way it is, I've lost the fight. When you work with an organization for over a decade they become like family to you and the people of the Nanaimo Motocross Association certainly fit that bill," said Stallybrass. "Over the years, members of the NMA and past presidents like Richard Wilson, Nelson Bradley, Bart McGuire, James Latham and the current president, Armin Gantner, have always given their all to ensure The Wastelands national is a top notch event. I will always have fond memories of the 'island national' and this weekend I prefer to think of the event as a celebration of thirteen great years of Pro motocross racing in Nanaimo."

This may be the last time the people on Vancouver Island will have a chance to see a high calibre Pro national motocross event featuring the likes of Campbell River's Dusty Klatt and a number of other top western riders including Colton Facciotti and Kyle Beaton. Action at Round 5 of the Monster Energy Motocross Nationals starts with Amateur Day on Saturday and the Pro MX1 and MX2 on Sunday.