31 July 2023
Motocross racing gets a bad rap as the demolition derby of motorcycle racing, but racing dirt bikes and ATVs over hills and humps and around berms at top speeds can be “as safe as you want to make it,” says Cody Slark, the owner of Jordan-based Motokazie Racing.
Motokazie races will be the featured event on Friday night at the Washington County Fair in Baytown Township. The fair, now in its 152nd year, starts Wednesday and runs through Sunday.
Slark, who started racing dirt bikes when he was 8 years old, said the sport is physically and mentally demanding, “but at this level, it’s more fun than anything else.” And, yes, he stresses, it is safe — even for first-time racers, several of whom will be competing on Friday night. “We have safety guidelines the racers have to follow and protocols in place,” Slark said.
Among the obstacles the racers on Friday will face is a 10-foot-high hill that is 60 to 70 feet long, Slark said. Racers will compete in a number of categories, including 450 cc; 250 cc; ATV; mini quads, and 50 cc-equivalent electric bikes.
The youngest rider expected to participate on Friday night is 4, and the oldest rider could be 75 or older, he said.
“It’s definitely entertaining,” Slark said. “It’s kind of daredevil-ish. You might see a little bit of ‘bar banging,’ as we call it, because ‘rubbing is racing.’ That’s a NASCAR term.”
He noted you don’t want to intentionally run into somebody because you would get penalized, “and you might end up ruining your own race.”
Seventeen racers compete at the same time, and the fastest person wins. “Once the gate drops, whoever is on the lead at that checkered flag is going to be the winner,” he said.
Motokazie racers line up July 1, 2023, at the Jordan Supercross track at the Scott County Fairgrounds. (Courtesy of Motokazie)
Fair organizers are hoping the Motokazie races will attract a new type of fairgoer this year. “It’s a titch crazy, yeah,” said Fair Manager Dorie Ostertage. “I certainly wouldn’t want to do it.”
Practice starts at 5:30 p.m. Friday; races will start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for ages 13 and older; $6 for children ages 5-12, and free for children 4 and under. A pit pass is $25.
In addition to Motokazie races, the fair will feature a demolition derby, a truck pull and a Craft Brew Haus, along with hundreds of other familiar art and animal exhibits and food vendors, Ostertag said.
The fair kicks off Wednesday with a Senior Day program and 6 p.m. parade. Wednesday also features a pre-teen talent show and pickup truck see saw in the Grandstand.
Other daily highlights include: A carnival special for Family Fun Day on Thursday; fairgoers can enjoy unlimited rides for $30. The BMX bike shows and a pony and draft horse pull on Friday; demolition derby and 4-H shows and musical acts on Saturday, and tractor pull and horse show on Sunday, Ostertag said.
Washington County Fair
When: Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Located at 12300 N. 40th St., Baytown Township.
Cost: Tickets are $10 for ages 8 and older; free for ages 7 and under. Seniors 65 and older pay $2 before 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
Info: Visit washingtoncountyfair.org.
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