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.

22,792 Responses

  23. На сайте https://hackerlive.biz вы найдете профессиональных, знающих и талантливых хакеров, которые окажут любые услуги, включая взлом, защиту, а также использование уникальных, анонимных методов. Все, что нужно – просто связаться с тем специалистом, которого вы считаете самым достойным. Необходимо уточнить все важные моменты и расценки. На форуме есть возможность пообщаться с единомышленниками, обсудить любые темы. Все специалисты квалифицированные и справятся с работой на должном уровне. Постоянно появляются новые специалисты, заслуживающие внимания.

    Reply

  33. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
    Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
    Plz answer back as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to
    know where u got this from. thanks a lot

    Reply

  37. Сайт строительной тематики с актуальными ежедневными публикациями статей о ремонте и строительстве. Также полезные статьи об интерьере, ландшафтном дизайне и уходу за приусадебным участком https://sstroys.ru/

    Reply

  40. Hey folks,

    I’ve been exploring the world of virtual casinos lately, and I’ve gotta say — it’s a total blast. At first, I was totally unsure. I mean, how do you even believe in an online platform with your money, right? But after spending hours researching (and trying out a few dodgy sites so you won’t have to), I figured out a few things that distinguish a reliable casino from a total scam. First off, if you’re new to all this, here’s the golden rule: **licenses matter**. If a casino doesn’t have a proper legal status (like from the MGA or the UK Gambling Commission), just walk away. No bonus is worth the trouble of never seeing your money again. Also — and I know no one wants to — read the T&Cs. That’s the only way to know what kind of wagering requirements they’ve slapped onto those so-called “amazing” bonuses.

    Now, let me share a site I’ve been using these last few weeks. It’s been a breath of fresh air. The interface? Super smooth. Payouts? Quick — like 24 hours quick. And the game selection? *Wild*. Slots, live dealers, blackjack, even some unique stuff I hadn’t tried before. Check it out here: casino betonred What really stood out was the support team. I had a tiny issue with a bonus not working, and they got back to me in like no time. Compare that to other sites where you’re just ghosted by support — yeah, hard pass.

    Also, if you’re into bonuses (and who isn’t?), this place offers some juicy ones. But here’s the trick: don’t just chase bonuses. It’s smarter to stick to fair terms than a huge bonus you’ll never be able to withdraw. I’m not saying you should go and drop your rent money — please don’t. But if you’ve got a little extra spending money and you’re looking for a bit of online excitement, online casinos can totally deliver. Just keep your head on, control your bankroll, and don’t treat it like a side hustle. It’s for fun, not for a paycheck. Anyway, just wanted to drop my experience here in case anyone’s looking for solid info or trying to find a good place to play. If you’ve got your own stories or even some wild losses, I’m all ears — love talking shop about this stuff.

    Good luck out there, and may the odds be ever in your favor ??

    Reply

  46. Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clearness on your publish is just great and that i could think you are
    a professional in this subject. Fine with your permission let me to seize
    your feed to keep updated with impending post.

    Thank you one million and please carry on the
    rewarding work.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to SilasTiz Cancel reply

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