Commemorating MX racing’s return to The Wick 338 this weekend, Legends and Heroes of Motocross is paying tribute to local legends to coincide with 50 years of Pro Motocross Championship racing at Western Massachusetts’ famed sand track. This gathering also serves as an informal reunion for the New England racing community. The special occasion will take place during the 45th running of the Southwick National, Saturday, July 11th.
Headlining this group of racers is Mike Guerra, who will serve as Grand Marshal of the Southwick National. A native of Bolton, Connecticut, Guerra helped put New England on the map in mid to late 1970’s as an NESC Champion and a one of the top professional racers in both AMA and Trans-Am Nationals. In Pro Motocross competition Guerra shined at Southwick and captured the best finish of his professional career with a runner-up effort at the 1979 event in the 250cc class.
“Southwick has perhaps the deepest history of locals having breakout rides and it seems like nearly every year there is at least one incredible story to talk about,” said Pete Nomen from Legends and Heroes of Motocross. “I personally was here when JoJo Keller won a moto in 1982 and when Pat Barton got the holeshot and led the 125cc class for more than 30 minutes in 1988. And who can forget Mike Sottile, a virtually unknown guy outside New England, who put in a hero lap in 2014 when he posted the fastest qualifying time with his three-digit number, beating guys like Chad Reed and Ryan Dungey. There are so many stories like those from the past 50 years. We want to honor all the fast locals over the last five decades who gave it their all when the National rolled into town, representing the pride of the NESC.”
“Back in the day, our New England guys were often overshadowed by the factory riders from California. So, when the National rolled into town, you had a bunch of highly motivated locals who had one shot to prove exactly how fast they were,” said Rick Johnson, General Manager of The Wick 338. “We wanted to give our local heroes the proper recognition they deserve and give them a chance to reconnect with the fans who cheered them on from the fences over the years. We hope to make this a new annual tradition at the National.”
Legends and Heroes of Motocross The Wick 338 Reunion
Date: Saturday, July 11
Time: 11:15 a.m. ET
Location: Legends and Heroes of Motocross display (behind American Legion Post 338). Invited Athletes:
Mike Guerra / Bolton, CT – Southwick National Grand Marshal
Graham Barber / Lexington, MA
Pat Barton / South Dartmouth, MA
Dave Clemence / Johnston, RI
Jimmy Decotis / Peabody, MA
Leo Fauteux / Bedford, NH
Doug Henry / Torrington, CT
Charlie Iott / Houlton, ME
JoJo Keller / Plymouth, MA
Robbie Marshall / Stow, MA
Jimmy Meenan / Sudbury, MA
David Rudnicki / Hubbardston, MA
Mike Sottile / Marlborough, MA
Mike Treadwell / Rumford, ME
Additionally, special recognition goes out to the New England legends contributing to the event’s success as members of The Wick 338 track crew – Chris Canning (Hartford, CT), John Dowd (Ludlow, MA), Keith Johnson (Pembroke, MA), and Southwick’s own Gary Yellin – each of whom plan to make an appearance. On the racetrack, 54-year-old Tony Lorusso (Brockton, MA) will look to make history as the oldest rider to qualify for a Pro Motocross National.
