Johnson’s Mill motorcross race is Saturday

The 55th annual Johnson’s Mill XC race is set for Saturday, Oct. 15, at Johnson’s Mill, about 10 miles outside of Orofino, up Grangemont Road. Sign-up starts at 8 a.m. Riders will make their way through over 40 miles of single track, with live and dead checks.

The entry fees are $40 for pros, $30 for amateurs, and $20 for minis, plus a $5 per rider land permit fee.

Classes in this race include: Pro (with a monetary payback), lightweight, heavyweight, vet (40+), iron man, woman, and mini (bike sizes 50, 65, 85).

A mini riders meeting will be held at 8:45 a.m., with that race to begin at 9 a.m. A “big bikes” meeting is at 10:45 a.m., with that race beginning at 11 a.m.

The Orofino Motorcycle Club, who are hosting the race, invite everyone to come out and enjoy the event. They would also like to remind hunters that there will be racers in the woods that day, so please use extra caution if you’re hunting in the area.

The group also apologizes to hunters for the disruption, and adds that the race will be back to its regular June race date next year.

For more information on the race, including directions to the race site, visit Orofino Motorcycle Club on Facebook. You can also call Jim Engle at 208-816-6253.

Orofino LoggerXross May 13-14

Two nights of racing and entertainment are set for the 2016 Orofino LoggerXross, held Friday and Saturday, May 13-14, at the Orofino City Park lumberjack arena.

Sign-ups for Friday are 3 to 5:30 p.m., and the riders meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Friday’s opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. Friday’s practice is at 6:15 p.m.

Saturday’s sign-ups are 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a rider’s meeting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday practice is at 12 noon. Amateur qualifiers are at 2 p.m. Saturday, and opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m.

Classes include: 65cc, 85cc, women’s, beginners, lightweight, heavyweight, trials, vet, and expert, plus pro women and pro men. The purse for pro men is $10,000, and $2,000 for pro women.

First, second, and third place trophies will be awarded both days. Race fees per day are $35 amateur and $50 pro. For spectators, gate fees are $15 for a wristband, with free admission for children ages five and under.

A new PA system will be in use at this year’s races. Scott Heaton from the Monster Jam Racing series will once again be this year’s announcer. Singing the National Anthem Friday night will be Savanna Simmons. Joan Bonnalie will sing it Saturday.

An amazing line-up of talented riders are expected to race, and there will also be food vendors, Orofino Chamber of Commerce’s beer garden, and motorsports vendors from all over the area.

Race sponsors include: Idaho Forest Group, Fly Racing, Western Power Sports, Inc., Kenda, and Works Connection.

For more information, call Jim Engle at 208-816-6253, or check out Orofino LoggerXross on Facebook.

Pictured: Sean Simmons of Orofino racing in the 2015 LoggerXross. Photo by Tabby Haskett