By Nathaniel A. Lopez
The dust will fly and the engines will roar as the 16th annual Copper Classic off-road motorbike race returns to the desert of San Manuel on Saturday, March 5. The Copper Classic will be the third round of the AMRA Off-Road Championship Series, along with the third round of the AMRA Fly-Racing Off-Road Mini Series.
When asked about the expected turnout for the event, Trail Riders of Southern Arizona Club President George Wysopal commented, “It’s always hard to judge. We were surprised last year – we never had so many people show up. We’re hoping for 200 big bike riders, and 40 little bike riders, which we seem to be on track for; it’s looking good.”
This year Pinal County Office of Tourism has awarded them a grant to help with some of the expenses of the event. Sponsors of this Trail Riders of Southern Arizona event include: On Any Moto, Cycle Skis and ATVs, Arizona Kawasaki KTM and Triumph, Serrano Power Sports and Services, Tucker Powersports, Alexandra Miller CPA, Randy Jones of Farmers Insurance, Scott Genzman of G&R Financial, Tread Logic, Eric Theis Trafficade, and Robert Sanchez.
Racing will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the mini-bike races, starting behind the Gardner Middle School. The big-bike races are scheduled to start at 12:01 p.m. For more information on the event go to amracing.com.
Photo by Vince Apuron