Eight Penticton BMX racers reached the podium during its host provincial championship race June 24.
Al Box won the cruiser class, while Liam Almas took class and Marquez Gonzalez placed second. Brody McLean took second in cruiser, while Jason Muir, Nash Bayston, Garrett Bayston and Kaitlyn Pittendreigh also reached the podium. Final results from races in Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops from that weekend are not available.
“Our own riders did really well,” said Penticton BMX Club president Andrew Bayston.
The club was represented well for its race, attracting 168 riders in 33 motos. Seven members of the club competed in the three other championships. Riders are required to have four provincial races to place in the Provincial Pre-Race Double Sept. 9 in Kamloops and Provincial Final Triple on Sept. 10 also in Kamloops. Some riders will get their four races by joining in the Grand Forks or Sea to Sky series.
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The Penticton BMX Club attracted riders from the Okanagan, Grand Forks, Prince George, Washington State and Arizona.
Soon the club’s riders will be able to improve their skills on the new track at Munson Mountain. Bayston said they are a few weeks away from opening. Club members have a few things to complete, including installing a gate before it opens.
“It’s phenomenal,” said Bayston. “Everybody is so excited. It is just a beautiful, beautiful track.”
Work will also be done to improve the aesthetics of the track and bring green areas as well. Bayston said it will be an awesome facility. The club has received help from the community, City of Penticton and Grizzly Excavating Ltd. has been a huge help. An expert from the American Bicycle Association came out for five days to build the track with assistance from local volunteers and the club has received many donations in terms of equipment and supplies to build it. They have a sign erected near the track that displays all of their supporters.
The club is planning an official grand opening, likely for September.
