The Wastelands in Nanaimo will host two fall events on the VIMX Fall Racing Series. (Nanaimo Motocross Association)

By Dan Marshall

Racing Returns

Motocross returns to the Wastelands in Nanaimo

Aug 26, 2021 | 4:53 PM

NANAIMO — Motocross is returning to central Vancouver Island on Labour Day weekend.

The 2021 VIMX Fall Championship season will feature five race weekends including Sept. 18-19 and Oct. 30-31 in Nanaimo.

Nanaimo Motocross Association president Ward Wiltsey said local racers have been practicing for a year and a half with no competitions.

“It’s time to drop the gates and get back to it. Now that we’re finally allowed to have an event at the Wastelands the kids are excited to get back to racing.”

Wiltsey expects between 120-160 sign ups for racing weekends with riders as young as four years old up to age 65.

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Professional Nanaimo area riders like Oriana Fraser and Joey Parkes are two of highest profile athletes in the Nanaimo association.

Fraser, from Ladysmith, recently finished sixth in the Triple Crown Series.

Parkes’ top finish over the course of the Series was 24th as he experienced some mechanical issues along the way.

Although there have been no racing events in Nanaimo since before COVID-19, Wiltsey noted there was increased interest in the sport.

“Our membership has almost doubled with people looking for a safe way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. With that we’ve been able to upgrade some of our heavy equipment which helps us maintain the track. Now it’s time to get all these new members out to enjoy a race weekend.”

Having spectators back is something Wiltsey is also looking forward to.

“It’s going to be great for fans and family members to come and watch, to have a hub of activity at the Wastelands again. It’s been a little bit quiet the last couple of years.”

The VIMX Series will be the first and only major event at the Wastelands in 2021 because conditions can get quite muddy through the fall and winter months.

It’s expected a full spring and fall season will be able to run in 2022.

Full information on the VIMX and local racing is available at the Nanaimo Motocross Association website.

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