If the 麻豆社国产BXM Racing Club (SBRC) has its way, the 2011 BMX Nationals will be held at the Brennan Park BMX racing track.
SBRC fundraising co-ordinator Julie Van Eesteren said the club is trying to collect money through a burger and beer fundraiser to install some new start lights to try and secure a hosting position for the 2011 national BMX competition.
"We're hoping to bring the national race to 麻豆社国产so [the fundraiser is] for more track work, track improvements. If we get the nationals here next year then we need to have a better [light] starting system," she said.
Van Eesteren said the fundraiser would also help finance several additional projects like a grand stand for friends, family and fans.
SBRC president Vicki Schenk said the current race light starting system is not up to racing par.
"We basically have a outdoor light fixture with two light bulbs in it and [the post] sits in a little tool box on the ground, so it's not even a tower like most of the other races would have. We're not quite up to snuff there."
Schenk said the club has volunteers willing to put in the labour to complete the projects but doesn't have the funds to purchase the necessary materials.
The light system is expected to cost the club about $1,500 and Schenk said she doesn't have the foggiest idea what a grandstand seating area would cost.
In an effort to secure some funding the club is hosting its second annual burger and beer fundraiser on Sunday (May 2) at the Red Bench Diner located at 41703 Government Rd, in Brackendale.
Between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. racers and non-racers alike can purchase a $10 burger and beer, or for $5 kids can get a hot dog and juice.
Young BMX-ers can try their hand at a stunt obstacle course set up in the back parking lot area while adults can participate in a raffle, a 50/50 draw and a silent auction.
A two-night stay at a hotel, acupuncture sessions, massages, gift certificates and bike accessories are up for grabs in the silent auction but the raffle prize hasn't been selected just yet.
Van Eesteren said it would be great if the club raised as much money as they did at last year's burger and beer fundraiser - $3,500.
"The club is really growing and we're getting more and more people so it's just to keep it going."
BMX Racing Club doubled in size from last year to this year, with more than 100 riders in the club in the 2010 season.
The club will host a Race For Life open house on Monday May 17 with all of the proceeds donated towards the BC Children's Hospital and during the weekend of Aug. 28 to 29, the BMX track will be used for the provincial BMX championship finals.
"The community really uses that track and we're trying to keep it maintained because it's not a municipally funded track so we all have to pitch in and kind of keep it going," Van Eesteren said.
Call 604 898-1049 or email [email protected] for more information on the club or the fundraiser, to purchase tickets or to donate items for the silent auction.
