Engines were roaring again at HLR Motorsports park on Saturday night near Huntsville. Social
distancing was encouraged by the venue as riders took to the track for the first race of the season.

Chase Lockwood took little time to distance himself from his competitors.

The 13-year old from Harrisburg won the 85cc beginner race by a wide margin on Saturday after
a small early setback.

“I felt really good,” Lockwood said. “At the first corner I slid out because I was trying to get in
front of that one kid. Other than that, I did pretty good.”

Lockwood is participating in motorsports for just the second year, a hobby he picked up from his
stepdad, Mike Curtis.

“We started him out on an RT 100,” Curtis said. “I sat on the back of it and showed him how to
shift it.”

Lockwood eventually got his own bike and entered competition. Like many of the competitors
on Saturday, he was thrilled to be out of the house and on a dirt bike after a long spring.

“I love it,” he said. “I’m glad that we get to be back.”

There was a larger than average crowd on hand for round one of the HLR night series, according
to track owner Steve Halterman.

“We’re actually up a little tonight, comparatively,” he said. “It’s not our biggest event ever, but
it’s a very good night. I think people are just ready to get out.”

Signs around the track encouraged spectators to maintain a six-foot distance from each other.

Nine-year old Ray Lee from Slater finished third in the 65cc race on his backup bike. Lee, a
two-time champion at the track, started racing when he was six. His younger brother Lucas
started at the age of three. Lucas Lee raced in Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska last year on his way to a
championship finish. The 6-year old finished fourth in the 50cc  race for 6-9 year olds on Saturday.

The track will host practice nights on Wednesdays, May 27 and June 3. The next competition is
Saturday June 6, round two of the HLR night series.

Click here to see more photos from Saturday's practice session and races.