ELLERBE — One of Richmond County’s best kept sporting venue secrets is Windy Hill Sports, a motocross race track located just north of Ellerbe.
Motocross racers and area enthusiasts are gearing up for the Parts Unlimited Ultra Series, a three-day event planned for Friday through Sunday. It’s an official American Motorcyclist Association sanctioned series, and membership to the AMA is required to participate.
“We welcome riders from all over the southeast, of all ages, from beginner to professional (levels),” Kelli Garbett explained. “This weekend, we are excited for a three-day event of one day of practice and two days of racing on Saturday and Sunday. We are anticipating a large crowd, and are excited to welcome over 250 riders and their families to our facility.”
Garbett added that the Parts Unlimited Ultra Series typically carries a crowd of 250 to 300 riders, and that the weekend series is making a return to Windy Hill Sports. She also noted that the general public or interested parties, whether they’re familiar with or new to the sport, are encouraged to attend.
Riders will range from children as young as four years old on 50cc dirt bikes, to teenagers and adults into their 60s, who compete on larger dirt bikes in the 250cc and 450cc classes. Friday will serve as a practice day for riders, with runs beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing to 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday will also see riders have practice sessions beginning at 8 a.m., with official races starting around 9:30 a.m. Garbett said most riders will “race for series points and a trophy,” but there will also be several pro classes that race for the pro purse throughout the weekend.
Windy Hill Sports is located at 2782 Highway 220 Business, just three miles north of the traffic light in Ellerbe. It’s situated on 250 acres of farmland, and is camper and motorhome friendly. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with electrical hookups and water available at the track.
Gates will open at 7 a.m. on Friday, and Garbett said Windy Hill Sports is “expecting visitors from all over the east coast to be headed our way.”
Two-day admission for Saturday and Sunday is $25 for adults and $20 for children. Sunday only admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children. For more information regarding the Parts Unlimited Ultra Series, visit Windy Hill Sports’ website.
