This will be the first time since 2002 that Whispering Pines, which replaces Nanaimo on the CMRC schedule, hosts a national championship.

A break with tradition sees the series run for four consecutive weekends on its way east across the Rockies and the Prairies, to resume at Gopher Dunes in Courtland, Ontario on July 18th & 19th.

Whispering Pines Raceway, which is situated on native reserve land located in a picturesque mountain valley by the North Thompson River, 25km north of Kamloops, has been in operation since the fall of 1999.

From a basic no-frills motocross track created by local motocrossers Jim and Willie Watchel, with the endorsement of the Whispering Pines Indian Band, the facility has evolved into one of the best of its kind in Canada.

The immaculately kept grounds at Whispering Pines feature a spectator-friendly national calibre track of variable terrain; indoor washrooms with showers; onsite parking; camping areas; a licensed beverage garden and plenty of concession/vendor stands.

“When we decided to reschedule the nationals to make them more economically feasible for everyone involved, meaning we had to eliminate the cost-intensive trip to Vancouver Island, Whispering Pines made perfect sense to host the BC round and function as the starting point for the western leg of the series,” said CMRC President Mark Stallybrass.

An international field of top riders including the American Jeff “Norcall” Northrop, New Zealand’s Mason Philips, South Africa’s Liam O’Farrell, and the Hungarian, Kornel Nemeth, will be on hand to clash with Canada’s best.

Among the home-province contenders are defending MX1 Champion Colton Facciotti, from Aldergrove; ’06 MX1 Champion Dusty Klatt, from Campbell River; and local favourite Brock Hoyer, who competes in the MX2 class.

“It’s great to start the season on your home track, it’s a great place to race,” said Hoyer. “Besides the obvious advantages you can count on all your friends and family to be there and cheer you on.”

In the MX2 class, look for Hoyer and No.2 ranked Kyle Beaton, from Surrey, to battle with defending champion Eric Nye. Nye, who hails from Corning, California, heads a contingent of American stars including Fort Dodge, Iowa’s Teddy Maier and Carson City, Nevada’s Aron Harvey.

“It’s wonderful to see the Monster Energy Pro National returning to Kamloops and we’re very excited to host the first round of the series. This is great entertainment for the whole family and we look forward to showcasing the Kamloops area with this stellar event,” said Greater Kamloops Motocross Association spokesperson Rod Runzer.