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You're Viewing 2009 GLGP Information - Click a link above to see current year Event Information

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A Note from Otsego

In December of 2006 Osprey S.A. Ltd, a Private Equity firm based in Brighton MI acquired the Otsego Club. Since that time Osprey has invested more that $10,000,000 into the property and sought to expand the Club’s recreation platform beyond Golf and Ski. After a several year hiatus, snowmobile racing returned to the club in March of 2009. The snowmobile racers and spectators enjoyed the resort so much, that a non-winter form of powersports seemed like a logical progression.

Jason Biber, of Osprey a motocross geek contacted his good friend Patrick Grzebenski of Baja Acres. Pat was on site two days later. The first words out of his mouth were “HOLY $$$#”, the rest is history.

EVENT ITINERARY

Friday 10/9:

  • 6pm: Shuttle starts pick up at lodge to river cabin destination. Shuttle runs every 30 minutes.
  • 8pm: REDBULL River Cabin party. Entertainment by Kurt Strauss. Electric and acoustic guitar classic rock favorites like Led Zeppelin, Eagles and more.
  • The River Cabin is located at the bottom of the valley and has an outside fire pit, as well as a circular fireplace inside (very unique - accommodates about 30 people with benches all the way around). There is a bar and grill available on the patio, which is a great place to hang out and check out some of the track features that will be seen at night because the whole place will have lighting.

    Also, the resort has the Log Mark lounge available for cocktails, music, TV, and billiards.

Saturday 10/10:

  • 7am: Sign up open at 7am at the main lodge. Riders have 1 hour prior to your selected race throughout the day to sign up. (View the Complete Race Schedule below or click here)
  • 9am: Racing begins at 9am. Check the race order for select classes. Each race will have a riders meeting at the gate. There will be a guided site lap followed by the 35 minute race moto. We expect riders to be early for pre race staging. Only one mechanic is allowed at the starting gate. There is no pit riding allowed. Riders must return directly to their pit after each race.
    All awards will be distributed 30 minutes after race.
  • 9am: Shuttle starts pick up at lodge to the REDBULL River Cabin destination. Shuttle runs every 30 minutes.
  • 7am - 8pm: BIG WHEEL BOMB sign up. $5.00. This is a first time sketchy race that consists of a group of lucky racers that will race down the 200' half pipe on a plastic big wheel tricycle. The first one across the finish line gets $500.00 cash. 2nd & 3rd prizes TBA. Full gear is recommended, a helmet is absolutely required. Ages 16 & up.
  • 6:30pm - 8pm: Ryan Neptune Skateboarding open ride on the Mini Bowl outside the lodge next to the Red Bull Star tent. So bring your skateboard and helmet.
  • 8pm: BIG WHEEL BOMB rider drawing. Names pulled are the Bombers.
  • 8:30pm: BIG WHEEL BOMB race.
  • 9pm: "Get Bombed" after-party featuring live band "Exit 282"
  • 9:30pm - 11pm: "Mega Beast Water Balloon Bombing." Proceeds to benefit the Justin Weeks recovery fund. Marksman have the opportunity to hit slow moving live targets 100+ yards away (via rubber band style launchers). Prizes TBA.

Sunday 10/11:

  • 7am: Sign up open at 7am at the main lodge. Riders have 1 hour prior to your selected race throughout the day to sign up.
  • 9am: Racing begins at 9am. Check the race order for select classes. Each race will have a riders meeting at the gate. There will be a guided site lap followed by the 35 minute race moto. We expect riders to be early for pre race staging. Only one mechanic is allowed at the starting gate. There is no pit riding allowed. Riders must return directly to their pit after each race.
  • 9am: Shuttle starts pick up at lodge to the REDBULL River Cabin destination. Shuttle runs every 30 minutes
  • All awards will be distributed 30 minutes after race.
*all information subject to change

Facility Description

Located just a half mile from downtown Gaylord, the Otsego Resort looks very inconspicuous from the road. Don’t let initial impression fool you, as beyond the humble entrance, a motocross paradise awaits. In fact, one look from the huge picture windows on the backside of the lodge and the first thought through your mind will likely be the same as Pat’s – “HOLY $$$#!” Your second will be “I wanna ride it.”

otsego-facility

Spanning the Sturgeon River Valley you will see one of the largest elevation changes in Lower Michigan. Just below the lodge, right in the middle of what is informally referred to as “The Main Bowl” is where the start/finish line, as well as a half-mile of the track, will be located. Just off to the left you’ll spot the foundation for what will be one of the five largest half pipes in the United States, and temporary training camp for some of the 2010 Olympic snowboarding teams.

With a facility like no other, the Otsego and Baja Teams are providing a race like no other. A race that can be universally enjoyed by all disciplines of racers: Motocross, Harescramble, and enduro riders alike. Thus the saying, “The Grand Prix is more than just a race, it’s an experience.”

Track Description

Circulating throughout the 1100 acres that makes up the resort, the track will be approximately 3.5 miles in length. Patrick’s design concept is to emphasize the natural terrain already in place and doing “as little dirt work as possible”, thus creating a true “old school” racing experience.

Various sections of the track will incorporate features and obstacles from all the different forms of off-road racing. Options like woods vs. whoops or table tops vs. trees will give riders the freedom to choose which section best suits their style, or simply to try new lines with every lap they make.

One thing we guarantee, “you ain’t ever ridden a track in Michigan with hills like these”. Check out the teaser on Baja’s website and pause it at the 27th second. When Nick Wey is hanging a left to go up the hill, the top of the hill that you can see in this frame is about a third of the “Wey” up… Can you say “fifth gear – WIDE FREAKING OPEN” for 3/10s of a mile!!!!!!!!

Race Format

Racing will take place on both Saturday and Sunday in independently scored events. So take your pick as to which day works best, but we suggest both as the track will be changed substantially offering up new experiences from one day to the next.

Utilizing an old-school GP format, the race will be a single moto of 35 minutes. Race order is now finalized, and laid out to allow maximum recovery time for those looking to run two classes.

There will be a paced sighting lap before each race and a separate track for 50’s and small bike beginners.

Race Classes

This is a points paying GLMX race, so all the regular classes found at Baja plus the following exhibition classes will be running:

  • Enduro – We didn’t want our friends from the woods to scare the MX guys with their headlights so we gave them a chance to shine (Get it???) independently. Rules: Must have a permanently attached head and tail light powered by the bikes engine. Sorry Lichtle and Lorenz, flashlights taped to the bars don’t count so don’t even think about it. Please note that all “Woodsies” are welcome to come out and have a shot at the moto guys in the standard classes as well, just don’t shine them in the eyes!!!
  • Clydesdale Class (stolen from Mountain Biking World) – The rules are simple: you gotta be over 30 years old and you gotta roll in excess of 2 bills (200lbs) wearing only your birthday suit. Protests are welcome in this class and the scale will be prominently situated on the main lodge’s front deck. Rosanna (Pat’s lovely Bride) looks forward to judging and properly disciplining any “stickman” offenders who try to sign up. (Dave Bowman of Tech-Care fame says he is bulking up specifically for this class).

Spectator and Entertainment

While by no means is the entire track visible from any one point on the property (3 and a half miles is a lot!!!) we have made major considerations in our track design to provide optimal spectator viewing and accommodation. This should be an all time high for spectators as we are hoping to fire up a few of the ski lifts for the event (please be advised that we have run into a couple of legal snags on that front – stupid lawyers – but we are working on it). At a minimum there will be shuttles circulating people throughout the main spectating points.

One of the primary spectator areas is what we refer to as the “River Cabin”. Located just over a mile from the main lodge the River Cabin serves as “party central” during ski season. For the race, it will allow a look at several points of racing (including the chicane before the bridge) as well as live announcing, food and drink, two fire pits, and real restrooms.

Keep in mind that this is a Baja event, so you know that the entertainment will be top notch and there will be some crazy fun mixed in. Sorry, golf cart races are a Brawl exclusive, SO DON’T GET ANY IDEAS. Both nights will feature live bands and the main event on Saturday will be the “BIG WHEEL BOMB” which takes place under the lights on the half pipe. $500 is on the line and we will supply the big wheels.

  • 1.6 Miles East of I-75
  • The Otsego Club is just a stone’s throw past Downtown Gaylord
  • Otsego is offering a special package priced at $199 that includes the following:
  • Hotel room on Friday & Saturday Night
  • Choice of 1 racer entry for the GP or a round of golf (cart is extra)
  • Full access to the resort amenities (swimming Pool, work-out room, skate board features, etc.)
  • Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday Morning
    • otsego-reserve
  • Call 989.732.5181 or Toll Free: 1-800-752-5510
    You can also email us at reservations@otsegoclub.com
  • Camping all weekend is free. While tent camping will not be permitted, parking for RVs, Camper’s, and Trailers will be designated close to the resort (no utility hookups available).
  • Friday, October 9th: 3pm - 1am
  • Saturday, October 10th: 7am - 1am
  • Sunday, October 11th: 7am
  • $10.00 per person per day ages 13 & up, all riders any age.
  • $5.00 Non riders ages 4-12 per person each day.
  • 3 & under free
  • Located in the main lodge, hours as follows
  • Saturday at 7am till 1 hour prior to your moto
  • Sunday at 7am till 1 hour prior to your moto
  • $30.00 per class
  • -The Otsego Club is a facility Licensed by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. DO NOT BRING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF ANY KIND FROM OFF SITE. Alcoholic beverages will be made available for purchase at several locations throughout the property in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan and the MLCC.
  • -All Food and beverage that you bring in must be kept at your camper or your pit area.
  • -No pit riding allowed outside of the pit area, first gear idle only in the pit area. Violators vehicles will be immediately impounded or the offending party removed from the property
  • -No glass containers.
  • -No engines started before 8:30am
  • -Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have a notarized permission slip.
  • -No jumping/passing in yellow flag areas.
  • -No jumping/passing, wheels stay on ground in red cross flag areas.
  • -Any violations in flag areas subject to disqualification or loss of position.
  • -Must show proof of A.M.A. & GLMX membership.
  • -All pets must be leashed.
  • -Fires are not allowed on property other than in designated areas
  • -QUIET TIME 10:00 pm
  • this information is subject to change!
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