A weekend of racing: Race for Life

Media Release sent to the local newspapers
BMX Race for Life raises $2800
By Lisa Chase

The annual Coal Hills Race for Life was held recently with $2800 being raised to date. A local fundraising car wash added $400 to the total which will be given to the cancer department at Vancouver Children’s Hospital.

In racing action, 53 riders both young and old were out in fine form for the weekend’s double point race. In the 10 Intermediate class, Chris White from Nanaimo placed first in all of his mottos, capturing first place overall. Cumberland riders Jett Heppell and Scott Macdonald placed a respective second and third.

Last week’s rider of the week, Chris DeVito heated up the track as he easily topped the 12 Novice division. In the 9 Novice age category, Scott Friesen placed first overall. Tristan Flood battled it out with Ethan Woodland in the final motto. Flood captured second and Woodland finished in third.

This race provided an opportunity for new riders to try out the sport of BMX. There were several Mom’s and Dad’s who decided to take a break from spectating and head out on to the track to try things out. One parent commented, “ it’s a whole lot different when you’re the one out there pedaling.”

BMX racing is growing in BC with a new track just opened in Campbell River, race days are Mondays with a start time of 6pm. Nanaimo will host a three day National race Aug. 3-5. And for world caliber racing check out Victoria July 26-29 where international riders will be vying for a spot to represent their country in the 2010 Olympics in Beijing, China.