Wasilla Racing Lions provide an atmosphere fit for family

March 13, 2007

By MATT TUNSETH/ Frontiersman

WASILLA - As a wintertime activity, snowcross racing has taken huge leaps forward both nationally and in the Valley in recent years, in part because of the close-knit, family atmosphere that the sport provides.

&#8220When you get into a sport like this, you see a lot of the same families every weekend,” racer Tony Molesky said.

Molesky should know.

As well as being a racer himself, Molesky's twin 11-year-old sons Hunter and Aaron have been involved in snowcross for more than five years. Molesky said he wanted to find a sport that his kids could participate in that didn't simply revolve around winning and losing.

&#8220For us it's more just about riding and having fun,” he said.

The Molesky's primarily participate in the sport through the Wasilla Racing Lions, a nonprofit group that puts on races throughout the winter. The Lions' Cathy Tilton said the group strives to foster a good family environment while providing a safe way for riders both young and old to learn the sport.

&#8220That's one of the nice things about it,” Tilton said. &#8220They don't get to move up until they have the skill to move up.”

Children start out in the 120-CC class, learning to ride smaller machines that they can handle. As riders' skill levels increase, so do the size of the machines. And it's not uncommon for riders to continue racing into their 30s and 40s.

Hunter and Aaron Molesky are still learning the ropes. Hunter moved up this year to the 440 class, while Aaron will be taking the step up next winter.

For parents, watching the youngsters gain experience and skill can be both rewarding and a little frightening at the same time.

&#8220They're kinda growing up,” Tony Molesky said. &#8220It's a little bit scary. Hunter moved up this year, and now I gotta go thorough it again with Aaron.”

Despite the added worry of watching his boys move to larger machines, Molesky said he thinks starting out with a group like the Racing Lions is definitely the right way to get kids into snowcross.

&#8220It's just like anything, the more practice they get the better they get,” he said. &#8220Starting out with the little 120 sleds is the way to go because they see what's going on before they get to the bigger machines.”

The boys' mother, Ginger, noted that much of the allure of snowcross is that it's great way for the boys to get outside and spend quality time with their dad.

&#8220That's special time with him,” she said.

Ginger Molesky said she also likes the sport because there's not as much emphasis on winning and losing as there is with other activities.

&#8220It's al been one of my concerns, that it would be too competitive,” she said. &#8220It just hasn't been for them, which I think is a positive thing.”

Although their parents might want them to take things slow, both Molesky boys said they're full-throttle about their chosen sport.

&#8220Everything's my favorite part,” Hunter said, adding that he enjoys getting air on big jumps the best.

Aaron agreed.

&#8220It's kinda cool when you're up in the air,” he said.

Fifth-graders at Butte Elementary, both boys said they plan on participating in the sport for as long as they can ride.

&#8220I'm going to try,” Hunter said.

In addition to the family-friendly environment that the Racing Lions provide, the group also has another motive for holding the races - charity.

Tilton said all the proceeds from the groups races - including the $5 spectator fees and split-the-pot revenues (which are often donated back) - goes to causes that the Lions Club supports.

&#8220Lions focuses on eye issues, but really anything to do with people that are less fortunate than ourselves,” she said.

Tilton said the club recently used some of their funds to help a blind woman pay to train a seeing-eye dog.

Most racers will be taking time off from racing this weekend or traveling to Valdez for statewide races being held there. Next week, racers will again fire up their sleds for a weekend of racing at the track. Races are held at the club's track on Vine Road and begin at 11 a.m.

Contact Matt Tunseth at 352-22š65 or matt.tunseth@

frontiersman.com