Teddy Maier motors around the track at the Wastelands Motocross Park during last year's Rockstar Energy Motocross Nationals series stop in Nanaimo.

Teddy Maier motors around the track at the Wastelands Motocross Park during last year's Rockstar Energy Motocross Nationals series stop in Nanaimo.

Motocross roars back

The Rockstar Energy Motocross Nationals take to the track in Nanaimo this Sunday (June 7).

The Rockstar Energy Motocross Nationals take to the track in Nanaimo this Sunday (June 7).

Wastelands Motocross Park on Biggs Road will host some of the world’s best riders, including three former MX1 champions – Colton Facciotti, Brett Metcalfe and Matt Goerke.

“I think it’s going to be an epic season,” said Brian Koster, colour commentator with Fox Sports Racing. “We’re going to have different winners. There are a lot of fast riders this year.”

Facciotti, hailing from Aldergrove, is usually one of the fan favourites when he races in B.C., and for good reason, Koster said.

“He has an unbelievable amount of speed. He always seems to have his bike in the exact right gear and it almost looks effortless. And when a rider looks effortless and is still able to go super fast, that says a lot about his style.”

Winning at the Wastelands, Koster said, takes fitness and determination. He said volunteers and track crew in Nanaimo have done a great job over the years creating something special.

“It’s a real fun track, there’s some great jumps, good elevation,” he said. “You can get up on the hill and see a fair bit of the track.”

Aside from the MX1 and MX2 main events on Sunday afternoon, there will be an amateur day on Saturday with divisions from mini bikes up to masters riders. There will also be women’s racing with some fantastic riders, Koster said.

Sunday’s main events start at noon and go until about 4:30 p.m. For ticket information, please visit www.mxnationals.ca.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com

Nanaimo News Bulletin