'I'm addicted already': Local club introduces beginners to motorcycle racing
The Prairie Sport Riders Association (PSRA) aims to provide a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere when it comes to the sport of motorcycle racing.
Hosting multiple Test and Tune days a month at the WF Botkin Raceway, the events are open to everyone, from young kids and first-timers to experts.
Scott Molnar, the president of the PSRA, said there is a stigma when it comes to motorsports and racing. Many expecting a lot of danger and egos, but the club is anything but.
“It's just the more welcoming we can be the more we can get rid of that you have to be this big manly man kind of thing coming out here with a big huge ego,” said Molnar.
“You just come on out and you be yourself and you blend into everyone and all the families and just focus on the fun."
He describes the days as the track as low-pressure, with the goal being to keep riders confident and happy.
Candace Huver hit the track for the first time on Sunday, and said the experts started out the day nice and easy with the basics and safety.
“I’m addicted already,” Huver said with a laugh,
She said there is a lot of growth in one day, working on a new skill each time her group went back out for another session, getting out of her comfort zone and pushing herself.
"I know there's people who have been at the track for years and years and years, and I don't expect to be a pro by the end of the day because it's like a lifetime of learning that you can do and every turn is a challenge."
The club commonly sees a handful of first-timers hit the track on Test and Tune days, with many coming back for more.
“You usually don’t have to talk too much to get them to come back,” said Molnar.
“You see when they come in it’s their face it just tells you.”
He said throughout the day everyone is willing to help you and share tips to promote growth.
"Don't think about anything else around you, just think about the moment," said Gabe Molnar, 11, when asked about his advice to new riders.
"I would say just come out. It's a really fun time. You can come out for the day and just have fun," said Jayven Schmalenberg, 11, who became friends with Gabe through the club.
The club has all equipment and gear available to rent, and riders are placed in an on-track group based on skill level and speed. An open house for youth is also hosted each year in May.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
They were from different countries and barely spoke each other's languages. More than 20 years later, they're still happily in love
He decided to spend Christmas somewhere that wouldn't involve snowstorm disasters. She was spending the holidays with family, travelling for the first time outside of her native country of Venezuela. 23 years later, they're still in love.
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say
A man who doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former U.S. President Donald Trump is on trial has died, police said.
Verdun Airbnb listing taken down amid complaints, fines and frustration from neighbours
An Airbnb in Montreal's Verdun borough was the source of much frustration from neighbours who say there were constant parties at the location. It has been taken down from the app, but housing advocates remain upset about short-term rentals.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Fire in Labrador town under control, officials tells residents to stay away
RCMP say the fire that prompted a state of emergency in a Labrador town is now under control.
12 students and teacher killed in Columbine school shooting remembered at 25th anniversary vigil
Thirteen victims of the Columbine High School shooting were remembered during a vigil Friday on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the shooting that was the worst the nation had seen at the time.
Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza city of Rafah kills at least 9 Palestinians, including 6 children
An Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza's southernmost city killed at least nine people, six of them children, hospital authorities said Saturday, as Israel pursued its nearly seven-month offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Iraq investigates a blast at a base of Iran-allied militias that killed 1. U.S. denies involvement
Iraqi authorities said Saturday that they were investigating an explosion that struck a base belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iran-allied militias, killing one person and injuring eight.