The San Manuel Copper Classic Hare Scramble motorcycle race is being held in the desert track behind and above Gardner Middle School this Saturday beginning at 7:30 a.m. The Copper Classic is part of the American Motorcycle Riders Association (AMRA) MotoCity Off-Road Championship Series. This is considered the premier off-road racing series in Arizona.

The different race classes range from first timers to experts and covers ages toddlers to seniors. It is truly a family racing event. The event is sponsored by TRS, (Trail Riders of Southern AZ-TRS), an off-road motorcycle club in Oro Valley.

This race attracts riders from all over the southwest and other parts of the country. Last year there were riders from Minnesota and one from New Jersey in the race. Dustin Raffensparger was the top local rider from San Manuel finishing 13th overall and first in his class. Parrish Traweek competed last year and will be riding again.

The event is open to the public. Breakfast and lunch can be purchased at the school. There will also be a fund raising barbecue after the event. Proceeds from the barbecue will benefit San Manuel Community Schools.

These racers and their families help out our local economy. The kid racers are fun to watch and the adult riders put on quite a show racing through the desert, leaping over hills, and taking curves at high speeds. Come out and support the San Manuel Copper Classic.