By By Matthew Nascone
The Atmore Motocross Park has been giving back to its riders for many years, but on Dec. 16, the track has a different plan.
"We are spreading the cheer to all of the community with a local food drive collection and free admission for local youth, sports and church groups," track promoter Steve Hicks said.
The day will also include one the increasingly popular race days in the South. The 2008 Big Chill Motocross South Division Series &North/South Shootout is underway and round two will be in Atmore Dec. 15-16.
Hicks said riders from all across the South will participate in the event.
"Riders, teams and families from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida will be arriving at the Atmore MX Park for round two of the South Division series this weekend," Hicks said. "There is even one rider registered from New York."
The North/South divisions were created to offset the travel involved and the rising fuel cost that it takes to cover a regional series, Hicks said.
The South Division will race at tracks in Atmore, Jackson and Montgomery in Alabama, as well as Meridian, Miss. and Baker, Fla.
The North Division will race at tracks in north Alabama and north Georgia.
"All riders that participate in three series races will have the honor of racing for the division crown at the 2008 North/South Shootout Feb. 16-17 at the famous Mill Creek MX Resort located outside of Birmingham," Hicks said. "Bragging rights will be on the line at that race."
Team and individual awards will be presented.
The Dec. 15-16 race weekend in Atmore will be the Third Annual Outlaw Santa MX Weekend as well. The weekend will include door prizes, rider specials, Santa's Dash for Cash and the local food drive collection.
For more information about free passes, call Bobby Hadley at 251-295-0057.
The gates will open Saturday at 8 a.m. and there will be practice from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. At 10 a.m. pre-registration will begin and the races start at 3 p.m.
On Sunday the gates open at 6 a.m. with registration to begin at 7 a.m. and Racers 4 Christ church Service at 8 a.m. There will be a rider's meeting at 8:30 a.m. and racing will begin after a short practice at 9 a.m.
Overnight campers are welcome, but Hicks said there are no hookups.