2007 Amateur Open at Arizona Cycle Park

Nov. 5th - 10th, 2007

 I just wanted to do a little re-cap of the race I just attended for the Brett Downey Safety Foundation. This event was the fourth running of Braun Entertainment’s, Amateur Open, promoted by Erv Braun and family at Arizona Cycle Park, owned and operated by Bobby White and family.
 To be honest, I really didn’t know what to expect as I was flying out there, heck it just seemed hard to visualize such a race outside Phoenix in the desert, but I did have an open mind. So here I was, driving down a dirt road and all of a sudden come around a 90 degree corner, and there it was down in a huge borrow pit was the ENTIRE track. How cool, seeing the whole race wasn’t going to be an issue, and as far as spectating goes, you couldn’t ask for more. The start area looked safe (and was); with a straight forward layout, 3 separate uphills and downhills, a good variety of corners, a rhythm section and safe jumps. It turned out to be fairly fast, a scrubber’s paradise, and almost perfect for the 65cc and 85cc classes, and there were awesome races in the big bike class as well.
 Bobby White and Shaun Martin prepped the track each night, and watered all day, and any track issues as far as safety were corrected immediately, so as far as safety, it was top notch.
 The few injuries that happened were a mix of rider error, bike issues and just the usual incidents that happen when the riders are putting all they have into it.
 I worked with the flagging crew, conducted a flaggers meeting each morning and evening at the end of each day, and worked on the infield the entire event. The medical staff was awesome and they responded to every incident and were on top of things all week. They truly cared for each rider and my hats off to them for their hard work.
 The Brett Downey Safety Foundation gave “Flagger of the Day” plaques each day, plus gift certificates to several hard working flaggers. The crew was good, no flagging issues, and Darren who led the flagging crew said “It was the best crew yet”.
 I would highly recommend this race to all, there were good riders competing, real good sponsors and vending area, good food and the atmosphere was lower key than most of the “serious” nationals. Plus there was outstanding parking, and fun and top notch announcing. To be real honest, I never heard one complaint. So check this one out, I think you will be glad you did.

Take care,
Larry Morton
BDSF Safety Advisor
5 Magics Motocross School