Need something to do this weekend? You can’t top high-flying jumps and loud engines

Published 5:25 pm Friday, January 18, 2019

High revving and high flying two-wheelers will take centerstage Saturday as the Mississippi Motocross continues a series of races across the state.

“It’s going to be great,” said Lincoln Civic Center director Quinn Jordan of this weekend’s Mississippi Motocross event.

“Brookhaven AX” is the third round of the MS MX Winter Series of races, and the first ever motocross event to be held at the civic center.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Professional motorcycle racers will put on riding exhibitions, making jumps and demonstrating riding techniques. The main exhibition will take place 6-8 p.m. Saturday. Races begin immediately after a 1 p.m. practice heat.

Concessions will be available and the event will be in the covered performance arena. Attendees are encouraged to park in the Multipurpose Center parking lot and enter through the east gate. Admission is $10 per person, with free admission for children age 6 and under and adults age 65 and older.

Many of the racers are coming to Lincoln County for the first time. Events like this expose new people to the area, and locals to new experiences.

“These types of events — motocross, the fair, the wildlife expo — are attempts to bring entertainment to the folks of Lincoln County like they’ve never seen before,” said Jordan. “It’s the goal of the [Lincoln Civic Center] Commission, myself and the Board of Supervisors.”

Area cyclists who want to enter heats have the opportunity on Saturday. Registration is 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., with a riders meeting at 12:30 p.m. Racing fees are $30 for the first class and $25 for each additional class. The track is designed for all skill levels, from beginner riders to pros.

Payout is 200 percent for the 450A, 150 percent for 250A, 150 percent for open and 80 percent for veterans.

Laurel-based cycle shop owner and racer Walter Bartran is director of MS MX and can be contacted at 601-498-7826. He’s one of a professional group that has worked well with the Civic Center to bring this event to the county, Jordan said.

Jordan thinks locals will enjoy meeting the riders who begin arriving today for the series, as they eat around town.

“My plan is for this to be one of our signature events each year,” said Jordan.