Zoar Motopark Reunion Ride
Zoar Motopark Reunion Ride
2nd Annual Vintage Motocross Event to Support “Restore Zoar”
Over 50 years ago in May of 1973, the first motocross race was held at Zoar Motopark, and a legacy was begun. For 10 years, area motocross racers and enthusiasts enjoyed the beautiful track, which sat vacant for about 40 years until recently. Zoar Motopark promoter Ed Abdo has been thrilled to be a part of the revival of the track and is pleased to welcome everyone to the second annual Reunion Ride, which is set for the weekend of September 28th.
In 1973, the area that became Zoar Motopark was an unassuming plot of vacant land. Abdo explained, “The land itself was just barren land at the time, but it’s all natural with hills and valleys, and it’s part of Zoar Valley, which is a beautiful place.” Zoar Motopark’s original promoter noticed the beautiful property and approached the landowner about creating a motocross track and holding events there. “The original promoter’s desire was to not have to travel so much to take his kids to motocross races back in the early seventies,” Abdo explained. Fortunately, the landowner agreed, and the land was cleared by spring of 1973.
Ed Abdo in 1979
“Races ran here for 10 years, and then the promoter passed away,” Abdo said. “One of his sons that raced was killed in a car accident, and the other son was running the races here. Basically, he said ‘That’s enough,’ and walked away from the track. It sat for 40 years.” Abdo noted that over the decades, quite a bit of tree growth and brush took over the track - a disappointing situation for all who’d enjoyed races there.
Abdo and his friend, Mike Bender, had always talked about bringing Zoar Motopark back to life, but they figured this was an impossibility due to conflicts between the landowner and the promoter at the time. “We always thought it was a neat dream,” Abdo recalled. “And then I met the current owner, who’s part of the family from the original owners. This land has been owned by the same family since the 1800s.”
Last year, Abdo approached the new landowner and asked if he could clear the land and restore the racetrack to its original configuration from 1973 and hold an event there. “And we did,” Abdo said. “She said okay, and it was a big success! Everyone was very respectful of the land, and the owner came to me on the last day of last year’s event and thought we should do it again. So we’re doing it again!”
On the weekend of September 28th, Zoar Motopark is hosting a vintage motocross event, and all are welcome. On Friday, the gates are open from noon to 10:00pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, gates are open from 7:00am to 10:00pm. Weekend entry is $30 and includes camping through Monday, if desired. Weekend food concessions will be provided by Goodes Restaurant. This weekend is the perfect time to catch up with old friends who enjoyed the track in the past, as well as meet folks who are new to Zoar Motopark! Friday evening features a movie on the big screen, and Saturday and Sunday will feature live music by James Patrick Lynch. For Saturday ride information and Sunday race information, visit www.zoarmotopark.com/zoar-in-2024. Tickets can be purchased locally at Exploration Motorsports in Springville, Gable Brothers Furniture and Appliances in Gowanda, and Gowanda Harley Davidson, and several other western New York businesses, which are listed online.
Last year’s event was a big success, and Abdo is enthusiastic about year two! “Last year, we had people from 22 different states and four different countries,” he said. “Our furthest country was Australia last year.” Abdo has already mailed out tickets to people from just as many states as last year and anticipates an even bigger crowd in 2024. For more information, contact Abdo at 716-783-5174 or email restorezoar@gmail.com.
