Motocross event adds mud boggin'

Motocross racing this Saturday will have a little extra flair that organizers hope will draw a bigger crowd and maybe lead to more races of its kind.

Libby Arenacross organizers partnered with the Kootenai Ridge Riders all-terrain vehicle club to provide two brands of racing at one event – picture the contrast of dirt bikes soaring high in the air with ATV riders bogged down in sludge up to their knees.

“Kootenai Ridge Riders wanted to do a mud bog but were kind of skeptical of the cost of doing an event like this,” said organizer and local motocross favorite Andy Remp. “It was kind of a gamble for them, so we decided to go in on it so we could split the expenses.”

The arrangement will help the ATV club, which may not have been able to generate enough participation to cover the cost of insurance, but it may also help increase interest in the motocross event.

“It may bring a newer crowd too – our spectators have been a little lower,” Remp said. “Maybe it’ll interest people some more, instead of just seeing motorcycles.”

The mud bog event will feature three classes – utility-terrain vehicles and two different four-wheeler classes based on engine size. Those interested in participating in either the ATV mud bog or motocross can pick up a form at Dream Marine or register the morning of the event.

It’s difficult to gauge how many people will enter the mud bog competition.

“I know we’ve had a lot of people asking us about it,” he said. “People have been very interested in it, but most entries come the day of the event.

The mud bog course, located in the center of the motocross track where the demolition derby used to be, is easy enough that a participant doesn’t have to be a pro to enter the race, according to Remp, but difficult enough for a fun challenge.

Local motocross competitors are also looking forward to Saturday.

“We do have quite a few local kids that have been practicing a lot and are ready to race in their hometown,” he said. “It should be a pretty good event for everybody.”

Qualifying races begin at 1 p.m. with the main event at 3 p.m. The gates open to register at 8:30 a.m.