By Colton Camp
Hogback Hill - Palmyra
Hogback Hill Motocross was the place to be August 29 - 30 as the Race to Remember brought another full weekend of motocross racing, special awards and tons of free giveaways.
The annual event has become a standout weekend on the Hogback Hill Mx calendar, combining the intensity of motocross racing with a weekend dedicated to remembering those who have made an impact on the sport and the people who continue to carry that passion forward.
At the heart of Race to Remember is the memory of Gage Steven Turner #96. His sister, Tessa, continues to put countless hours into the event each year, adding her own special touches in his honor while creating opportunities for the younger racers who share Gage’s love for motocross.
Race to Remember also continues to show what makes motocross such a unique sport. From the youngest 50cc racers, like Ryker Brugge out of Marion who just turned 3 years old, taking his first steps into racing to experienced A class Pro level competitors battling for wins, the weekend brings together racers and families from everywhere.
Throughout the weekend, racers and families were treated to a variety of special prizes and giveaways, including 50cc kids prizes, the 50cc ShaftDrive Last Place Prize, 250-C prizes for first, second and third, a 50/50 raffle, a Stacyc bike raffle, merchandise giveaways, stickers and bracelets. The A classes also featured a special Money purse payout generously donated by Victor Development Group LLC and Tessa.
The racing itself provided plenty of highlights, with several local riders putting together impressive weekends.
Alden Smith, backed by Finger Lakes Dental Care and Duvall Sourdough Co., had a phenomenal weekend, taking first overall in both 51cc Sr. 7-8 and 51cc Open 4-8 while also earning the, Forever a Champion Award, In loving memory of Kaidon Christopher Bulman.
Brodie Miller, backed by ROC Coating and Hadley’s Fab Weld, picked up the home track victory in 65cc 7-9, taking the overall win in front of his home crowd. The victory was especially significant as it marked Brodie’s first win since moving up to the bigger bike and class at the beginning of the season.
Trevor Schmidt backed by MotoOption and RJD Property Maintenance, put together a perfect weekend in the Expert classes, going 1-1 in both 250A and 450A to sweep both classes.
Liam Bartlett, powered by Bartlett Well Drilling, put the No. 310 Yamaha inside the top 10 in 51cc Jr. 4-6 and the top five in 51cc Shaft 4-8.
Tyler Tiffany, backed by Dash Fun Machines, also had a strong showing aboard his new Yamaha 450, finishing on the podium in both Collegeboy and 450 B.
The hometown Bouwens father-and-son duo had another weekend worth noting. Gunner Bouwens finished second in Schoolboy 12-17 and third in 250 B, while Ben Bouwens took wins in both +30A and +40A. Both racers finished on the podium in every class they entered.
With another Race to Remember in the books, the weekend once again highlighted the combination of racing, family, competition and community that has made motocross such a strong part of the local sports scene.
A special thank you goes to everyone who raced, spectated, volunteered, sponsored, donated and helped make the weekend possible. For anyone who has never experienced motocross at Hogback Hill, Race to Remember was another great example of why it is worth making the trip!
