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Date: 7/6/2021
SOUTHWICK – The Wick 338 is preparing to host its biggest event since the COVID-19 pandemic began with The 2021 AMA Pro MX National motocross race July 10.
The Wick 338 owner Rick Johnson said that the race had been pushed back from the weekend of June 26 to give organizers more time to prepare under an already tight schedule. He said the National typically takes seven months to prepare.
“When Gov. Baker lifted most of the restrictions to the point where we could entertain a National, it couldn’t be done in the amount of time we had to prepare,” said Johnson.
Initially, Johnson said that August was considered, but that the NBC camera crews and the motocross riders themselves would have had to endure six straight weeks of events.
The National in Southwick is the fifth round of the 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.
He said fans can expect a few things to be different from previous years, considering the pandemic, though he says the final product will look just like it did before the pandemic.
“From a spectator standpoint and a TV opportunity, we have the finest racers in the world,” said Johnson, “None of them are out because of COVID.”
Unvaccinated persons are being asked to socially distance themselves and to wear a mask.
Johnson said that some of the teams are exercising caution and only allow for limited pro pit passes for attendees to interact with the riders.
He said most of the VIP tickets were already sold out as of June 30. He said he did not expect that upgraded tickets would be available by the weekend of July 3. General admission tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance to the race on the day of.
Looking forward, Johnson said that the annual Rugged Maniac obstacle course is expected to make its return in 2021, contingent on the COVID-19 conditions at the time of the race on Sept. 25 and 26.