Thanks to community support, the Carlyle Moto Cross Club will have a new addition to their racing home at Bowan Rekken Moto-X Track Memorial Park, as a new multi-use building is now ready for the racing season.
“It will be used for meetings, for concessions, registration on race days and more,” says Kelly Rekken of the Carlyle Moto Cross Club. “The Moto Cross Club would like to thank each and every one of our sponsors who have provided funding for our building during the past three years. The most recent donation was $1,000 from the Carlyle Lions Club and the ongoing support of local businesses also deserves special thanks from everyone at the Carlyle Moto Cross Club.”
“We've had tents before,” says Susan Rekken of Carlyle Moto Cross. “And when the wind blows or there's cold weather or rain, it can be a real problem. This new building is a great addition, which is greatly appreciated by us all.”
Since 2004, dedicated racers and fans have enjoyed the action at Carlyle's Bowan Rekkan Park, built as a living tribute by family and friends to honour the life of Kelly and Susan's son, Bowan.
“It first started when one of Bowan's friends came up with the idea of building a track near Carlyle, as a way to honour him,” Susan previously told The Observer. “The kids that were racing were having to go all over to do it and they really wanted to honour Bowan and have that memorial closer to Carlyle.”
The park is also unofficially dedicated to Kyle Lees, the son of Brian and Marylee Lees, who also passed away as a young man.
The Rekkens and the Lees are friends and share a special bond. The Lees' daughter, Kate Lees is now a champion racer and is this year's president of the Southeast Cornerstone Racing Circuit.
Carlyle's Bowan Rekken Memorial Park hosts SCRC-sanctioned events, with two days of racing scheduled for Saturday, July 7 and Saturday, Sept. 15 (Homespun Weekend).
The SCRC also holds races in Oxbow, Estevan, Weyburn and Assiniboia - and racers of all ages and classes typically provide spectators with a day of high speeds, big jumps and more.
“We welcome volunteers and anyone interested in finding out more can contact either Susan or I at 453-4447,” says Kelly. “Or they can call Brian Lees at 453-2928.”
“We've always worked at upgrading the track and the racing experience for the competitors and the spectators,” says Susan.
“This new building is just another great addition and we're looking forward to doing future modifications on it as our sport grows locally,” says Kelly.
“And none of it would be possible without all of the local support we've received.”
