MOXC Racing Welcomes ATV Enthusiasts of All Ages and Skill Levels.
By Natalie Tarpinian, Contributing Writer
How Did It Start
MOXC Racing was founded in 2023, driven by the realization that Michigan lacked a dedicated ATV cross-country racing series. The founders wanted to create more than just a series of races – they wanted to build a welcoming, well-organized community where ATV enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels could meet, compete, and enjoy the sport. The goal was to offer a better space where riders could connect, whether they were seasoned competitors or newcomers, all while providing a fun and safe environment to race or simply ride.
With this vision in mind, a small group of individuals came together to make it happen. They worked hard to obtain sponsorships, coordinate vendors, and manage the logistics of setting up what would become an all-volunteer organization. Their mission was clear: to create an accessible and transparent platform that would allow people to easily find and join the ATV community, even if they were balancing work, family, and personal commitments. Whether you had a single day or an entire weekend to spare, MOXC Racing offered an opportunity for riders to engage without the pressure of a full race season commitment.
A standout feature of MOXC Racing is its family-friendly atmosphere, where riders from 4 years old to senior citizens can compete and enjoy the weekend together. It’s not uncommon to see multigenerational families—grandparents, parents, and grandchildren—racing side by side, creating lasting memories. Safety is a top priority, with paramedics on-site at every race to ensure medical assistance is always readily available, giving participants peace of mind as they enjoy the ride.
The MOXC Racing community offers a great support system for riders, especially those who may not have buddies to ride with, particularly when exploring Michigan’s rugged ORV trails. Riders can find peace of mind knowing they have others to ride with, whether it’s for help if an ATV breaks down or simply to enjoy the trails together. This sense of camaraderie extends beyond race weekends, with MOXC members organizing rides across Michigan and even out of state, making it easy for riders to connect and enjoy the sport year-round.
The organization offers a variety of classes to accommodate all skill levels and ages, including women’s classes, a Vet & Service class for veterans and first responders, and classes for children under the Mini Series. For vintage enthusiasts, there’s a dedicated Vintage Class for ATV models made before 2003, such as the Yamaha Banshee and Honda TRX250R.
At its heart, MOXC Racing is more than just a race series—it’s a thriving community. Whether you’re in it for the adrenaline of racing or just to enjoy the ride, MOXC Racing is a place where everyone can be part of the action. Even if you’re not racing, you’re welcome to come watch the excitement for just $10 in Admission & Gate Fees. The focus is on safety, fun, and a family-friendly atmosphere, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
How Many Locations and Races Each Year
MOXC Racing originally started with 8 races across 6 different locations but has since refined the schedule to 5 races at 5 distinct locations, all within Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The races range from the Greater Traverse City area to Hillsdale and Lincoln, each offering unique terrain and weather conditions that allow riders to test their skills in diverse environments. The races average about 4-5 miles, providing a smaller, more manageable version of GNCC Racing. For up-to-date race schedules, locations, dates, and times, all information can be found on the MOXC website at moxc-racing.com.
How the Organization is Run By Volunteers
MOXC Racing is powered by a dedicated team of volunteers who play crucial roles in ensuring the success of the organization. Todd Jaikins, the Promoter & Chairman, handles the heavy lifting by building the tracks, scheduling safety personnel, securing sponsors, finding new race venues, and managing the organization’s finances. Brad Garland manages all media efforts, from designing prizes and promotional materials to running the online store for clothing and gear, as well as creating promotional videos. Derek Vincent oversees the technical aspects, managing the scoring, supervising the online ticketing system, and assisting with track building and cleanup.
Along with these key volunteers, many others help build, set up, and clean the tracks, while also managing various tasks to ensure the races run smoothly.
Sponsorships also play a critical role in helping MOXC Racing thrive. A special shoutout goes to MOXC’s main sponsor, Zoom Zoom Parts, for their continued support in making MOXC Racing possible. Together, the hard work of volunteers and generous sponsorships ensure that the organization can offer a great experience for everyone involved.
What is the future of MOXC Racing
The future of MOXC Racing is focused on maintaining its original vision: creating a safe and welcoming environment where racers of all ages and experience levels can come together to ride and find a supportive community. The goal is to continue offering a space where everyone—from beginners to seasoned racers—can enjoy the thrill of the sport, connect with others, and feel part of something bigger. As the organization grows, MOXC Racing will stay true to its mission of fostering safety, fun, and camaraderie for ATV enthusiasts of all backgrounds.
Who Do People Reach Out To If They Want To Get Involved
If you want to get involved with MOXC Racing, all the information you need can be found on our Facebook page under MOXC ATV Racing Group or on our website at https://www.moxc-racing.com/. If you need additional information or have specific questions, feel free to contact Todd Jaikins at toddjaikins@yahoo.com or Derek Vincent at dirk1616@yahoo.com. •
