'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
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
'It's discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.