Moses Lake BMX hosts single-point race event on Sunday

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake BMX was able to host a single-point race event this weekend, attracting riders from across the state and Pacific Northwest.

Moses Lake BMX track operator Brandon Holland said they’re gaining confidence in hosting events after holding their first race the prior weekend.

“With COVID in effect, it’s definitely creating more obstacles,” Holland said. “But, we’re finding ways.”

Holland said the Moses Lake track is the third track in Washington state to open up. Originally, the non-profit organization had planned for a big qualifying event this weekend, but was forced to cancel due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“With the number of attendees that would have been at the event, it wouldn’t have been allowed,” Holland said. “So we just dropped it down to a single-point race, and we still had a ton of support that came in from Spokane’s race.”

BMX riders were in Spokane over the weekend for the Gold Cup qualifier on Saturday, with some traveling to Moses Lake for Sunday’s event.

Moses Lake BMX secretary Selena Holland said families and riders were really good about following all of the guidelines and protocols in place.

“I think that all the families understand, and know, what’s required of them, so they’re doing whatever’s required to stay in compliance so that we can all race,” she said. “It’s kind of a good family environment. Even if they don’t agree with it, people know what they have to do so we can stay racing.”

Selena Holland said their first event, with about 20 riders coming out, gave them a chance to figure out how all of the guidelines and distancing would work. She said they took notes on what worked, and what didn’t, so they could improve on it for Sunday’s event.

Selena Holland said it’s rewarding to be able to offer an “escape” for these kids who maybe haven’t been able to get out and be as active as they normally would.

“You get on the track, and that’s all that matters in that moment,” she said. “It’s worth it to us to put in that extra time and effort and work with the city and health department, watching everyone following the rules and working together.”

Brandon Holland said they’ve had great support from the city to help keep things going this summer. He said they’ve seen a huge jump in interest for the sport this year due to the downtime families have had.

“For me as the track operator, knowing that there’s going to be kids enjoying it when I’m done with it, that’s where it all pays off,” he said.

Below is a list of top finishers in each event for the weekend races:

17-20 Women Cruiser: Nichole Otto, Gig Harbor, Washington

11 Cruiser: Damien Comeau, Snoqualmie, Washington

13 Cruiser: Jackson Beal, Port Townsend, Washington

15 Cruiser: Coleton Johnston, Moses Lake, Washington

17-20 Cruiser: Larry Bowman, Airway Heights, Washington

5 & Under Novice: Hudson Hurlbert, West Richland, Washington

8 Novice: Carson Cook, Moses Lake, Washington

10 Novice: Chase Heaton, Richland, Washington

14 Novice: Isaiah Ginnard, Ford, Washington

36-40 Novice: Airick Wright, Moses Lake, Washington

7 Intermediate: Colton Hackett, Arlington, Washington

8 Intermediate: Cody Jones, Medical Lake, Washington

13 Intermediate: Kaylee Case, Kennewick, Washington

21-25 Intermediate: Wyatt Todd, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

9 Expert: Liam Otto, Gig Harbor, Washington

11 Expert: Damien Comeau, Snoqualmie, Washington

12 Expert: Hunter Schlager, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

14 Expert: Zane Pickett, Tacoma, Washington

15 Expert: Coleton Johnston, Moses Lake, Washington