ROCK SPRINGS – The scream of the engine echos through the indoor arena as racers explode from the starting gate with everyone fighting for the holeshot. While there is only one more race left in the indoor season at the Sweetwater Events Complex, Rock Springs Motocross is busy preparing for the Loretta Lynn Qualifier in May.

On Tuesday, Rock Springs Motocross President Wes Smith gave the Sweetwater Events Complex and the Sweetwater County Fair Board an update on recent activities as well as upcoming events. The group has had a busy start to the year with indoor races in January, February and one upcoming race in March.

Smith said while the number of racers was down a little in January; the spectator count was huge for the races. Smith said the weather in January probably had something to do with the attendance as it was very nice that weekend. No matter what the reason might have been, Smith said having such a great turnout for the event added to the entire weekend.

In February, Smith said the number of racers was about the same right around 220. Smith said the weather was horrible last weekend during the races and attendance was not as good as it was in January but they still had a good turnout.

At the Complex’s January meeting, SEC Director Larry Lloyd asked Board member Rob Zotti to share his experience as he was a spectator at the January races. Zotti had nothing but good comments about the event. He said he was impressed with the entire event, and the hard work put in by so many people to make the event successful.

The next event for Rock Springs Motocross will be March 6-8 as the final race of the indoor series will hit the indoor arena. While the group is putting the final details together for the March race, Smith said the group is working very hard for May.

This year, the outdoor motocross series will open with a bang as it will kick off in May with the AMA Loretta Lynn Area Qualifier. Riders from all around the region will hit Rock Springs on May 9-10 for the event. Smith said they were making sure they have everything in place for the national event.

Every year a series of qualifying races and regional qualifiers take place all across the Nation. Riders have to qualify for the regional qualifiers, and then the top racers at the regional events head to Loretta Lynn’s ranch to find out who is the best of the best.

Smith said he expects 300 to 500 racers to compete in the local event in May. Qualifiers have already been taking place including one recently in St. George, Utah. Smith explained they have already been contacted by racers who participated but did not qualify in Utah looking for information on the race in Rock Springs.

There is also a qualifier in Salt Lake City. Smith said he was hoping they will make that into a regional qualifier in the future which will add more importance to the qualifier here.

Also, Smith said he has put together packets for the event and have been mailing them to motocross groups in neighboring states such as Colorado, Idaho, Utah and South Dakota just to name a few. He also reported they have all the referees trained, insurance in place and are finalizing concessionaires who will be at the qualifier.

While the Loretta Lynn will kick off the outdoor series, the other races in the series this summer have also been released. On June 13-14, the Wild West Series will hit the complex followed by the HPMA Series on July 25-26. On Aug. 22-23, the Wild West will return, and the series will conclude with the AMA Wyoming State Motocross Championships on Sept. 12-13.