Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Motocross racing on tap this weekend
ODESSA — Riders and spectators alike are gearing up for the return of the Frostbite Grand Prix and White Knuckle Poker Run, taking place this Saturday and Sunday, March 29-30, in Odessa. The annual off-road racing event, part of the NMA racing series, is expected to draw competitors of all skill levels to the rugged desert terrain of Eastern Washington.
The Frostbite Grand Prix kicks off Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with the long course race, featuring various classes including Senior, Women, and Open. The short course follows at 12:30 p.m., and junior racers take the track at 3 p.m. The day will conclude with a trophy presentation at 5:30 p.m.
On Sunday, the White Knuckle Poker Run begins at 9 a.m., with the last rider leaving the start line at 12:30 p.m. The event, designed for all ages and skill levels, allows participants to complete one to four laps based on endurance and preference. Trophies will be awarded at 2 p.m.
Event organizer Randy Niles said the double-header weekend has been a staple in the local racing scene since 2007 when it moved to its current location. The Frostbite race originally started on the coast at Reiter and was named for the frigid early-season conditions.
Niles noted that maintaining the dual-race format has been a challenge for the land, leading organizers to introduce the poker run as a way to reduce impact while keeping riders engaged.
“It has grown a little bit over the years, but the racing has maintained the same attendance,” Niles said. “It fluctuates with the weather. We’re hoping for a great year because there’s a lot of moisture in the ground. If you’re from Davenport, you know how well the ground holds water.”
The Frostbite Grand Prix course stretches between 12 and 13 miles, with the short course running an hour and a half and the long course lasting two and a half hours. A kids’ race will take place following the main events.
Odessa continues to support the event, with local sponsors and food vendors on-site throughout the weekend.
“Come ride for fun and be part of the NMA Poker Run Series,” the event website states. “It’s a great way to experience the desert of Eastern Washington.”
Sign-ups begin at 7 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Olivia Harnack is the award-winning managing editor/photographer/videographer/columnist at the Lincoln County Record-Times, with offices in both Davenport and Odessa, Wash. She is a University of Idaho graduate and a U.S. Army National Guardsman.
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