Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Pros and amateurs invited to compete in freestyle motocross

By Katie Libecco

YOUNGSTOWN - Come compete in a freestyle motocross competition.

That's the point of a FMX East Pro/Am Challenge Saturday at the new Youngstown MX.

FMX East owner and rider Clint Esposito says the event "gives amateurs a way to get into the sport."

"In this sport, you have people doing shows and contests, or riding in their backyard. This is bridging that gap," Esposito says.

Riders of any skill level are encouraged to bring their bikes and $50 to compete. It'll start Friday with an open practice, where amateurs can get instructions and try hitting the ramp. Saturday will begin with a mandatory practice in the morning, then riders will be grouped into amateur and novice to compete.

"This is the only series where a kid riding in his backyard will have a chance to compete," Esposito says.

There will also be a minibike track set up for children to compete.

It's the first major event since Youngstown MX opened to riders for practice three months ago, according to track co-manager and FMX East team rider Tim Boca.

The Sharpsville native says they've been working on bringing dirt to the venue for about five years. He says they built the facility on land his partner has as part of a Sinter Court business.

"We built the track for experienced riders," he says.

On site, there is an intermediate supercross track, freestyle motocross course with ramps and minibike motocross track.

Boca says they've had great riders on site, so far.

"The people coming out here are really, really good riders," he says, noting AMA Toyota Motocross rider, 19-year-old TJ Phillips from New Castle, has been practicing at Youngstown MX.

Esposito says a friend will write an article on the event for ESPN.com. He says there's also a videographer scheduled to film the competition for the Internet. Footage may also be fused with a similar event in Georgia, he says, for an upcoming DVD.

Youngstown MX was recently featured in a segment on Fuel TV show "M80," according to Esposito.

Spectators are welcome at the competition. For more information, e-mail youngstownmx@yahoo.com or call (724) 962-0979.

DIRECTIONS:>Take Salt Springs Road exit of Interstate 680. Travel 1.5 miles, then make a right on Division Street. Turn right at first stop sign on Ohio Works Drive and turn left on Sinter Court. The new Youngstown MX, 240 Sinter Ct., is not listed on online navigation Web sites.