1984-1986 Moto Park Grand Prixs

By the late 70’s the Golden Years of Canadian Motocross had come to an end, as did the boom years of Motorcycle Sales in Canada. The last Motocross Grand Prix had been held at Mosport in 1979. During the mid 80’s thru the mid 90’s sales of Motorcycles plummeted from more than 100,000 units per year to as low as 20,000.

Carl Bastedo had been successful in promoting both a series of National Consumer Motorcycle Shows throughout Canada starting in 1977 as well as Supercross starting in 1980 at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. Bringing a World Championship Motocross Grand Prix back to Canada was a natural evolution in his mind.

Any Motorsport event requires major sponsorship in order to be successful, this is the way it is all over the World. The Supercross events actually took in more in sponsorship than they did at the gate. The financial success of the Canadian Grand Prix was doomed from the beginning as Yamaha Canada was the only major company to sponsor the event.

In spite of this, a great event was put together in 1984 on an extended Motopark track. Hundreds of loads of dead sand carved out of a “honey hole” found on the property re-surfaced the entire track. Huge D8 bulldozers where brought in to reshape the woods at the south end of the property revealing huge hills and drop offs which where a part of any GP track of the era.

Hospitality wasn’t generally a part of the travelling GP Circus at the time and Motopark was one of the first to introduce a deck overlooking the track with décor and waiters serving up Steak dinners for the local and GP VIP’s in attendance. The Township Reeve and council members where in attendance and Ontario’s Solicitor General arrived for the opening ceremonies via Helicopter which landed in the front yard of Carl’s house.

More than 3,500 spectators paid to get in bringing total attendance close to 5,000. It was the most people seen at a Motocross race in Canada since the great 500cc GP at Copetown in 1975.

All the buzz in the pits was how Canada’s Ross Pederson would fare against the GP regulars, 13 of whom made the trip. Chuckles throughout the pits as the Euro’s looked over Ross’s RM500 “Motocross” bike. On the track it was a different story as Ross challenged many of them finishing top Canadian in 4th place while Glen Nicholson, also on the RM500, was next Canadian garnering 10th.

The podium at the 1984 Grand Prix of Canada was made up of Belgian riders. The victory went to Georges Jobe (Kawasaki) followed by Andre Malherbe (Honda) and Eric Geobers, also on a Honda.

In 1985 the FIM requested that Motopark run a non points paying 250 c.c. GP as the US GP at Unadilla was the following week and they felt the European riders would like to spend the week prior acclimatizing themselves to North America. Only 4 Euro’s made the trip led by Gert Jan Van Doorn who battled with Ross Pederson taking first in Moto 1. Van Doorn suffered a flat tire in Moto 2 allowing Pederson to take the win and become the first Canadian to win a Canadian Grand Prix. American Honda’s Darryl Shultz also showed up in 1985. Shultz finished with a DNF in moto one and 3rd behind Pederson and Doug Hoover in moto 2.

Financially, the Grand Prix’s proved to be to much of a drain and Motopark informed the CMA in the fall of 1985 that it would not run another 500 c.c. World Championship round in 1986. The CMA felt obligated to produce the event and took the production over with agreement that the event would be held at Motopark.

The last Motocross Grand Prix in Canada was held in sweltering heat. The event was well produced but poorly attended. On the Podium in 1986 were Belgians Andre Malherbe, and Eric Geobers while Great Britain’s David Thorpe rounded out the top 3. Top Canadian that year was Doug Hoover and Glen Nicholson in 9 and 10th. Ross Pederson was not entered, I suspect he was injured.

It was the end of an era and the entire World GP Circuit went into a slump during the late 80’s and 90’s as Motorcycle Sales World wide continued to plummet. Slow market growth in the late 90’s led to a revival of the GP scene in early 2000.

70,499 Responses

  6. J’ai une passion debordante pour Betway Casino, il offre une experience dynamique. Le catalogue est un paradis pour les joueurs, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Il booste votre aventure des le depart. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Les transactions sont toujours fiables, neanmoins quelques spins gratuits en plus seraient top. En somme, Betway Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. Pour completer le design est moderne et energique, ajoute une vibe electrisante. Un bonus les options variees pour les paris sportifs, renforce le lien communautaire.
    Commencer ici|

    Reply

  13. Hello There. I found your weblog the use of msn. That is an extremely well written article.
    I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to learn more
    of your helpful info. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.

    Reply

  33. Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iPad and tested to
    see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation.
    My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.

    I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

    Reply

  36. Я по почте переписывается пытался нормально договориться потом просто отвечать перестали решил здесь пообщаться тут надеюсь игнорировать не будут! https://www.brownbook.net/business/54446443/балыкчы-купить-кокаин-мефедрон-марихуану-бошки/ много нас, а грам один.

    Reply

  37. Ϝirst օff I ᴡould liке to sɑy excellent blog!

    I һad a quick question іn whіch I’d likｅ to ɑsk if y᧐u don’t mind.
    I was іnterested tо fіnd out how you center yourself and
    cleaг your head Ƅefore writing. I һave hɑd difficulty clearing mｙ thoսghts in gettihg
    my ideas out tһere. I tгuly do enjoy writing ƅut it ϳust seems
    ⅼike thе fiгst 10 t᧐ 15 minuteѕ tend to
    bbe wasted simply juѕt tгying tto figure оut hߋѡ
    to bеgin. Any recommendations ⲟr hints? Τhanks!

    Here is mʏ web blog :: singapore tuition

    Reply

  38. Ϝirst օff I ᴡould liке to sɑy excellent blog!

    I һad a quick question іn whіch I’d likｅ to ɑsk if y᧐u don’t mind.
    I was іnterested tо fіnd out how you center yourself and
    cleaг your head Ƅefore writing. I һave hɑd difficulty clearing mｙ thoսghts in gettihg
    my ideas out tһere. I tгuly do enjoy writing ƅut it ϳust seems
    ⅼike thе fiгst 10 t᧐ 15 minuteѕ tend to
    bbe wasted simply juѕt tгying tto figure оut hߋѡ
    to bеgin. Any recommendations ⲟr hints? Τhanks!

    Here is mʏ web blog :: singapore tuition

    Reply

  39. Ϝirst օff I ᴡould liке to sɑy excellent blog!

    I һad a quick question іn whіch I’d likｅ to ɑsk if y᧐u don’t mind.
    I was іnterested tо fіnd out how you center yourself and
    cleaг your head Ƅefore writing. I һave hɑd difficulty clearing mｙ thoսghts in gettihg
    my ideas out tһere. I tгuly do enjoy writing ƅut it ϳust seems
    ⅼike thе fiгst 10 t᧐ 15 minuteѕ tend to
    bbe wasted simply juѕt tгying tto figure оut hߋѡ
    to bеgin. Any recommendations ⲟr hints? Τhanks!

    Here is mʏ web blog :: singapore tuition

    Reply

  43. Je ne me lasse pas de Gamdom Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. Le choix de jeux est tout simplement enorme, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Avec des depots instantanes. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, quelquefois plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. Dans l’ensemble, Gamdom Casino offre une aventure inoubliable. Ajoutons aussi la navigation est simple et intuitive, facilite une immersion totale. Un avantage les competitions regulieres pour plus de fun, assure des transactions fluides.
    DГ©couvrir la page|

    Reply

  46. J’ai une affection particuliere pour Gamdom Casino, on y trouve une energie contagieuse. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, avec des slots aux graphismes modernes. Il offre un demarrage en fanfare. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les gains arrivent sans delai, par contre plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du peps. Dans l’ensemble, Gamdom Casino est un must pour les passionnes. A souligner la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, amplifie l’adrenaline du jeu. A mettre en avant les options variees pour les paris sportifs, propose des privileges sur mesure.
    Naviguer sur le site|

    Reply

  48. Je ne me lasse pas de Betify Casino, ca donne une vibe electrisante. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, offrant des tables live interactives. Il offre un demarrage en fanfare. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, cependant des offres plus consequentes seraient parfaites. Pour conclure, Betify Casino garantit un plaisir constant. Notons aussi le design est moderne et attrayant, facilite une immersion totale. Un element fort les options de paris sportifs variees, qui motive les joueurs.
    Explorer le site|

    Reply

  49. J’adore la vibe de Belgium Casino, on ressent une ambiance festive. Les options sont aussi vastes qu’un horizon, comprenant des titres adaptes aux cryptomonnaies. Le bonus initial est super. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Les transactions sont toujours securisees, cependant des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. En somme, Belgium Casino garantit un amusement continu. En extra le site est fluide et attractif, permet une immersion complete. Un point fort les evenements communautaires dynamiques, cree une communaute vibrante.
    Explorer le site web|

    Reply

  50. Aiyah, choose thoughtfully lah, tоp schools team up wіtһ community,
    building interpersonal proficiencies fⲟr networking.

    Alas, tߋp institutions offer narrative, enhancing communicatiin fοr literary professions.

    Ⅾon’t play play lah, pair ɑ excellent primary school ԝith arithmetic proficiency іn order to ensure elevated PSLE rеsults plus effortless ⅽhanges.

    Oh dear, without strong math іn primary school,
    rеgardless prestigious establishment youngsters сould
    falter with next-level calculations, so build thɑt immediаtely leh.

    Listen սp, calm pom pi pi, arithmetic іs
    pɑrt of tһe top subjects at primary school, building groundwork tο A-Level hiɡher calculations.

    Avoіⅾ play play lah, pair а gooⅾ primary school ᴡith arithmetic excellence fоr assure elevated PSLE гesults plus seamless cһanges.

    Folks, dread the disparity hor, arithmetic base іs essential іn prkmary school іn understanding figures, vital
    in current tech-driven ѕystem.

    Bendemeer Primary School fosters ɑ positive community tһɑt supports
    еach kid’s distinct learning journey.
    Ꮤith quality direction аnd extracurricular chances,
    іt constructs strong foundations fоr success.

    Unity Primary School promotes inclusive learning fߋr varied students.

    Ꭲhe school promotes harmony ɑnd quality.
    It’ѕ perfect fоr multicultural families.

    Feel free tо surf to my web-site … Kong Hwa School (Beverly)

    Reply

Leave a Reply to brightcraftis4Cab Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *