County commissioners hear plans of local motocross track owner for annual event
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RAY WOODS is planning to host the Cash for Class motocross event at his Georgia Practice Facility each year.
The owner of a local motocross practice facility appeared before the Grady County Commission Dec. 17 to express gratitude to the commissioners for their assistance in the first-ever Cash for Class motocross event, which was held last month at Georgia Practice Facility on Bold Springs Road.
Ray Woods gave the board a report on the event, which provided $9,300 in scholarships for participants. A total of 78 riders and 198 entrees took part in the inaugural event. The program was supported by $12,500 in donations and, according to Woods, the event will be expanded in the coming years to three additional tracks nationwide with the final championship event here in Grady County.
Woods said he is hoping to keep the championship event in Grady County each November.
Woods said that representatives of the American Motocross Association and OnTrack Schools were present at the Nov. 1-3 event here in Grady County and are supportive of the scholarship event concept.
“What it could mean is the next event at G.P.F. will have complete endorsement and support from the biggest motorcyclist and motocross racing organization in the country, if not the world. With their support, there is evidence that this event will grow not only in stature but become one of the larger amateur events in the country,” Woods said.
The G.P.F. owner told county leaders last Tuesday night his goal is to triple the number of participants next year.
The county granted Woods a variance on the special land use regulations which govern the hours of operation of motocross tracks as well as the noise level requirements for the Cash for Class event.
Woods said that between now and next November he will be making infrastructure improvements to better accommodate an increased number of riders, families, campers and spectators. Included in his plans are improving the view of the competition, more off-track activities, and improving the interior roadways at G.P.F.
The motocross track owner said the program is designed to encourage athletes to continue their education and help them become productive members of society once their motocross careers end.
“Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to reintroduce amateur motocross racing in Grady County,” Woods said.
