Although it is only Andrew Bean’s first full season of racing, the 16-year old Grade 11 student from Notre Dame College has made a tremendous impression on the Northern Ontario Motocross Racing circuit. Bean qualified for the nationals by placing among the top finishers all summer in the CMRC Association’s Northern circuit. Then in August, at the Trans Can Grand National Championships (Canadian Motocross Championships) in Walton, just outside Kitchener, he placed 2^nd in both the 250 cc Beginner and 250 GP Beginner classes. The two large trophies in front of his bike are now proudly displayed in the Bean household. One week later, he took 1^st place in both the Massey Triple Cup race in the Grand Prix Beginner and the 250 cc Beginner Classes.

We caught up with Andrew while he was working on his 250 Yamaha YZ bike, tuning it up for the Valley East Motocross Race scheduled for September 10 at the Hanmer track site. As a result of his recent successes, Andrew will now be elevated to the 250 Junior and 250 GP Junior class for the final three races of the Northern Ontario Circuit season. He is sponsored by Frank Bean & Son of Capreol.

Andrew trains at a new motocross track which has been constructed just outside of Capreol. The one-mile facility is located on land owned by Hubert Yensen and was developed by Andrew’s father, Del and his uncle, Jim Bean. It has everything one needs to prepare for circuit racing. Del was himself a Northern Ontario Champion in 1974 and 1975, so racing is definitely in the Bean blood. While the track is private, anyone who is interested in using the facility can do so by contacting Del and signing a waiver form. Call 858-3835 for more information.

Other riders who use the Capreol track include Dan & Al Loyer, Craig Harvey, Carlos Villeneuve, Dale Kelly, Glenn Rouleau, Nick Hawrelluk and Serge Solomon.

Andrew loved the sport from the first day he saw a race in Valley East. "I always liked racing, but when I went to that race, I knew I wanted to get my own bike. Now, I spend most of my spare time working on my YZ and keeping in shape."

"Motocross Racing is a physically demanding sport," explained Andrew. "The riders in the north all know each other, so we don’t see too much intentional contact, but when you race competitively in the nationals and in the southern circuit, the danger level increases a lot."

Both Andrew and Del are impressed with the Valley East track. "The Solomon family has created one of the best tracks in the north. It is the best for spectators and always draws a large crowd. Around 100 racers will be there in September and with an entry fee of only $5, it is a great day of entertainment for the entire family."