Huron East - Walton Raceway
In January this year, ownership of the Walton Raceway officially changed hands, marking the first time in its 54-year history that it has not been owned by a member of the Lee family.
However, new owners Kyle Keast and partner Sophia McCrindle are no strangers to Raceway fans. Keast has raced at Walton for decades, and has been a fixture helping at the track for the past few years. McCrindle says that the opportunity to take over the beloved raceway fell into their laps at just the right time. The Lees were looking for a new adventure and Keast jumped at the chance.
While Keast’s main business is construction, he has operated a privateer race business and built tracks for years, so owning a racetrack seemed like a natural evolution of his passion. For the Keast/McCrindle clan, the enthusiasm for the sport of motocross is a family affair. McCrindle said that while she isn’t a rider, she has grown to love watching the sport, especially now that their kids are riding.
Some things will change, including reversing the track back to its original direction, and changing the start. The old tower has been ripped down, and a brand new tower built. The tykes/peewees track has been completely revamped. The pair have plans on expanding the beach area at the pond with more sand.
The Edge of Walton is a real bonus to the community, says McCrindle, but it will be on a brief hiatus while the ownership transition evolves. The course catered to corporate retreats, student learning and children’s sports camps with hightower and low-course elements, mountain biking and several other special activities. The programs offered a new and innovative way to develop teamwork, build relationships and improve problem-solving skills.
A new storefront has been added, with a cafe operating on all race weekends serving beverages and food.
Many things will stay the same. Keast and McCrindle recognize the importance of community to the Walton Raceway and plan to build on the solid relationships that the Lees spent decades establishing.
TransCan is the crown jewel of the Walton Raceway and its back, taking place from August 10 to 16. Few events are more synonymous with tourism in Huron County than the Walton TransCan Grand National Championship Motocross event at the Walton Raceway.
It’s this symbiosis that led local politicians to affectionately name Walton, “Motocross Town” for the week of the event every year. The event brings riders from all over North America to the small hamlet of Walton for days of motocross.
Transcan week is not just riding bikes. The participants camp on site, and the Walton Raceway keeps them busy with vendors, food trucks and tons of activities. Spectators from all walks of life flood to the track to watch the excitement, especially heading into the weekend.
Add a stop in Walton to your itinerary and see what all the excitement is about! The schedule is posted on their website. www.waltonraceway.ca 42932 Walton Road (Gate B), Walton