The buzz from hundreds of motorcycles filled the air at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa as Supercross riders of all ages thrilled a near-capacity crowd with jumps, near-photo finishes and more than a few crashes on Aug. 22.
The fairgrounds served as the venue for the fifth round of the Sport Riders Association of Colorado Supercross Series, which is the 15th stop on the Championship Series. Practice sessions began Friday afternoon and resumed Saturday morning, with the competition beginning in earnest Saturday evening.
For event promotor Mike Zawacki, who grew up racing motorcycles, the Motocross and Supercross Championship Series is part of his family's lifestyle. His children have competed in SRAC and Rocky Mountain Motocross Association competitions since they were 4 years old, the youngest category for riders.
“B's or better I tell them,” Zawacki says. “We have a track, and they can ride all day, but if they don't do their homework.” He shakes his head.
As the competitors get bigger so does the size of their bikes.
Zawacki categorizes Supercross as an indoor event, or one configured in a confined space such as the rodeo arena at the fairgrounds. The limited space of a Supercross track limits riders to slower speeds, challenging their skill and endurance with jumps and hairpin turns.
Motocross tracks on the other hand are categorized as outdoor competitions and the larger space allows riders to carry more speed into jumps that tend to be more forgiving than Supercross. The championship trophy goes to the rider who scores the highest in both events throughout the season, which runs from March to October.
“We want jumps here to be safe and everyone to leave with a smile on their face. We strive to have fun,” he said before making a plug aimed at new riders. “For anyone of any age, if you've got the will to come out, we will do all we can to help you. If you do, it gets in your blood. It's addictive.”
In years past, the fifth stage of the Supercross Championship Series has been held in Rifle, and Zawacki expressed his pleasure at being in Kiowa this season and working with the Elbert County Fairgrounds staff.
“They have been great,” he said, making a point to express his appreciation to Kyrei Zion, fairgrounds coordinator, and Ed Ehmann, county manager. “They have gone above and beyond for us.”
