Nash Bayston doesn鈥檛 miss the now former Penticton BMX track located on Warren Avenue.

The new track at Munson Mountain has made a good impression on him as the club, with guests from other clubs including 琉璃神社 and Grand Forks, had their first race Aug. 31.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really good. It鈥檚 slow, but it鈥檚 really fun,鈥� said Bayston. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really smooth. It鈥檚 big. I鈥檓 glad that we don鈥檛 have a lot of turns.鈥�

Bayston believes the longer track will make for more close and entertaining motos because of its setup. He finished second in one of his races.

His father Andrew, president of the Penticton BMX Club, wore a big grin as he talked about the track, which he feels is phenomenal. It鈥檚 finally become a reality after nearly five years of work. While there is still work to be done around the track before the club is ready for its grand opening later this month, Andrew loved the turnout, which attracted nearly 70 riders in 11 motos. He called it a great night.

鈥淓veryone is having fun. A lot of the higher end professional riders are here tonight saying what a great track it is and what a huge upgrade,鈥� said Andrew. 鈥淭hey will then spread the word to their clubs, which will just bring more and more down here. For night one, I couldn鈥檛 be happier.鈥�

Al Box, one of the club鈥檚 older and stronger riders, likes the layout. Box said it can be hard to tell what the track is going to be like to ride until a hard pack has formed.

鈥淵ou can almost tell by the lack of accidents so far that it is going to be good for all ages and quite exciting for everyone,鈥� said Box. 鈥�(It鈥檚) more of a national level track. It will push your complete maximum by the time you hit the finish line. That is what makes it exciting.鈥�

Highlighting the first race at the track was celebrating Allen Jones鈥� 70th birthday. He has been BMX racing in Penticton since 1983.

Video: Emanuel Sequeira