Arenacross revs its engines again

AMA Arenacross Series, Dec. 9-11, Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m., Amateur Day Sun., 10 a.m. at Mohegan Sun Arena (255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Twp.) Tickets: $24.45-$34.55, via Ticketmaster, box office. Info: arenacross.com

by Nikki M. Mascali
Weekender Editor

Following a two-year break, the AMA Arenacross Series will return to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre Twp. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9-10.

Along with 150 truckloads of dirt shaped into a bevy of obstacles that 32 high-flying riders will perform death-defying tricks off of, comes what may be an even bigger obstacle: Winning the series.

“The sport’s grown a lot in those two years, it’s grown more competitive,” said Brandon Short, who handles public relations for AMA Arenacross. “The talent has increased, the amount of riders has increased, there’s a lot more guys now that have a chance to win, so it’s a lot more competitive from top to bottom.”

More competition means that fans get to see an event that now has even more excitement and intensity.

“It’s very close-contact competition,” Short began. “There’s a lot of bumping and banging, crashes. While no one wants to see somebody crash, it just adds to the excitement in the end and makes it that much more captivating.

“It’s always had that staple foundation of being fascinating and awe-inspiring to see what these guys do and the amount of speed they can carry over these obstacles. On top of that, it’s even better because the competition’s at an all-time high.”

Short estimates that 100 riders will try to qualify both days to make it to the 32 open spots at the main event that night.

The course includes staple obstacles, like the catapult jump at the finish line — “it’s the one point on the track where the guys will get the most air to cover the most distance, so it’s your showcase feature of the track,” Short explained — plus what are called “rhythm sections,” jumps placed in a pattern that will allow variations for riders to get through them.

“It’s about finding the fastest way through that section in a rhythm that works best,” Short said.

While the catapult remains the same each weekend, the other obstacles change in size, difficulty and the way they’re laid out on the track from venue to venue.

Arenacross’ weekend at the arena isn’t just about the pros: Amateur day begins Sunday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m., giving dirt-bike enthusiasts a shot on the track.

“This is the chance for them to get out and compete on a bigger scale, if you will, on a world-caliber track, a professional track,” Short said. “They’ll tame it down from the pros, obviously, but it’ll more or less be the same track you see the pros riding on Friday and Saturday night.”

Amateur day is open to any rider for a fee; more information can be found on Arenacross’ website below.

“Arenacross is about giving back to the community and really having a family atmosphere,” Short stated. “The amateur program is a staple part of Arenacross in general. Without it, it wouldn’t be where it is.”