(picture of Frank Mrazek by Colin Frazer / AI editting by David Grummett)

Nelson International Raceway held the first motorcyle road race on Thanksgiving weekend in 1976 on what is now known as the Shannonville Motorsport Park Nelson Circuit. Almost 50 years later RACE Moto is hosting a 50th Anniversary race weekend. This historic event will take place from September 25 to 27.

The 50th Anniversary will have special significance both on and off the track. The on track racing is brought to you by Economy Lube & Tire. Steve Moxey, owner of Economy Lube & Tire was a top pro racer at Shannonville back in the late 80s. Steve is providing a prize purse of $10,000 for the Pro Superbike Class. Additional prize money and contingency is provided by RACE Moto Series sponsors Lou-Ann Printing, EVAL Consulting, Joe Rocket, Hindle Exhaust and GP Bikes.

In addition to the prize purse Colin Fraser and his team will provide coverage of the Pro Superbike race and select supporting class highlights for publication on TSN.

The last RACE Moto event of the season will also feature Toni Sharpless’s FIM Moto Mini season finale. Ohvale GP0 (160 cc) and Ohvale GP2 (190 cc) racers will compete to see who will represent Canada at the FIM Moto Mini World Championship in Valencia, Spain. This event is held in conjunction with the finale MotoGP race at the Circuit Ricardo Tomo just outside Valencia. The Canadian Moto Mini final race will be filmed for distribution on REV TV.

Sunday’s on track festivities will also include an Invitational Vintage parade race featuring riders and bikes from the various eras of racing at Shannonville. Rumour has it that current CSBK #1 will pilot a vintage Honda Superbike in the event. stay tuned for more racers and more classic bikes.

Off track it’s just as exciting. RACE Moto is hosting a Saturday night Racer Reunion BBQ. Notables in attendance will be many former Canadian Champions including Jim Allen of Allen’s corner fame, Lang Hindle, Rueben McMurter and many more. Ticket will be available online at racemoto.ca. seating is limited.

We will also have a great display of vintage race bikes covering the 5 decades of competition at the track known as “The Birthplace of Champions”.