AUGUST 10, 2005
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The Walton step-down (the pro finish line) features a new box for race officials. |
The Walton TransCan is the biggest motocross event in Canada, and it takes a hard-working and devoted crew to keep the week-long event running smoothly. While Chris Lee and Brett Lee are the most common names associated with the running of the TransCan, there are people hidden behind the glitz and glamour that truly make the event go off with a bang. Here three interviews with three Walton workers who deserve a pat on the back and if you do run into them during your stay at Walton, be sure to say thanks for their efforts with the TransCan and all Walton events.
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Track Manager, Matt Lee works up quite a thirst moving dirt around the Walton track.
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The muscle of the Walton TransCan, Matt Lee, is responsible for bringing in dirt for the track, moving it and then sculpting it. He doesn't have the ooportunity to watch much of the racing that takes place, because he is too busy watering, grooming and nursing the track.
Matt, let us know a little bit about yourself…
What is there to know? My favourite colour is blue, I like to take long walks on the beach and candle lit dinners. I am looking for someone who is fun and naive. [laughs] No, no I am married to a wonderful, understanding woman named Cheryl. We have our first child coming in December. I am a former pro racer, and currently the owner of Absolute Technique Motocross Training and the Track Manager at Walton.
What are the biggest changes to Walton this year?
The start. It is way different and will surprise a lot of people. There are a lot of corner changes as well, so riders who rode the track before will not have an advantage. A lot of the track has to remain the same for spectator logistics and traffic flow, but we have made significant changes. I think riders will like it.
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Walton features a fast, left-handed first corner this year. In this photo, the starting line is at that dirt pile at the top, comes toward the old start then swings to the left opposite the new tunnel jump on the right. |
What are some of the obstacles you face leading up to Walton?
There has been a lot this year; weather has been a huge problem. I think you posted pictures of all the water lying on the track which has made for some real challenges and delays.
What are you looking forward to the most?
The end! I am looking forward to building a great track and helping create something the riders can be proud of. There are a lot of people from across the country and the U.S. coming. It is dubbed a celebration of motocross, but more important a celebration of Canadian motocross. I want to see Canadian kids have an event that showcases how great they are. I am also looking forward to crowning the King of Walton, which is a cool award in the MX1 class.
What is the number one thing you can recommend a rider to bring with them to Walton?
A cold beer for me Sunday night.
Thanks Matt.
No problem. Hey I want to give a big thanks to all my crew: Tom Bitz, Mike Cronyn, Matt, Greg, Chick, and hopefully my east coast, red neck buddy, Robbie Cooke will be helping out this year. Also the Shusters and Rothmaiers who always jump in when I need them. I also want to thank On-Trac for the amazing equipment hook-up. Of course the guys at Honda Canada too, who have become part of the Walton family.
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Sarah McDonald looks after the administration duties for the TransCan this year (the real dirty work). |
Sarah McDonald is the young lady who got saddled with handling entries and the flood of questions that come into Walton TransCan this time of year. The University of Waterloo student is a native of Walton and has done flagging duty at Walton and hustling around.
How you did end up doing this job?
I am a Walton girl, so I have been around motocross for a long time. I have been here doing different things over the years and working full-time here for the summer was a job I was very interested in. I thought this type of job would be very beneficial because I can see what has to be done on this side of the event. It has been a great experience in learning event management, working with different people and just learning a variety of different jobs.
How has it gone so far?
The job has been very busy and exciting. I enjoy completing many different tasks and this is what this job requires. Everyday is different. I have enjoyed working with the Trans Can team, the riders and the hundreds and hundreds of entries.
Are you looking forward to next week or feeling a little pressure?
It is definitely getting very busy around here, so the pressure is starting to buildup. But everything is still going very smoothly and I think that the event is going to be a great success!
Good Luck Sarah.
Thanks.
One of the first faces that greet's you at Walton or Auburn is that of Judy Lee. Judy is the wife of Chris. Machine Racing’s John Nelson refers to her as the only sane Lee in Walton.
Hi Judy, Walton is one week away. Are you ready?
Not yet, and thanks for reminding me. We are busy organizing passes this week, wrist bands, things like that. Right now I am putting together our comp passes and sponsor passes which add up to about 500 passes to get out today! It is an exciting time for everyone, but it’s hard to believe it is here already!
Yeah don't forget our passes! You must have a big staff to handle all the people for the gate?
Yes we do. I have my good friends Joanne Mc Donald and her husband Rick. Carm and Mary Bernard have always helped and I would be lost without them. Then on top of that we have the local baseball teams to help with parking, gate and directing people. It is a busy time for everyone.
We heard you do not get to watch the races…
That is not true, but I do not watch the boys! When the boys were racing, Sunday was always my day off. They went to the races and I had the house to myself. They do not race as much now but when they do I prefer not to watch. They are foolish, so I don't need to see it. Motocross has made them who they are, but it has not made them any smarter on those bikes!
What should riders know when they arrive at the gate?
The gate opens at 6:30 am on Tuesday morning; there is plenty of parking so you do not need to rush. Have your information all present and any money you may need ready. You can go to the Walton website for any information you may need [www.waltontranscan.com]. But my advice is to be as organized as possible, it just helps everyone.
What is some of the best stories you have heard from riders trying to scam passes?
Oh I have heard some good ones; lots of people do not know me so they claim they are best friends of the family or relatives of ours. I just say, “Really I did not see you at the family reunion this year".
This year at our provincial race the church minister saw some riders getting into the back of a trailer at the corner. She called us at the gate and told us there was a trailer coming with riders in the trailer. So when they pulled in we asked how many people today. The guy in the front said, "Oh just me today". We said, “Really, so would you mind us looking in the trailer?” It was really funny to see the look on his face. The guy was busted and he kept asking us, “How did you know?
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See you at the races! |
