Southwick Returns from the Dead!

Westfield News

Southwick’s new motocross promoter plans to race

The American Legion Post 338 will still hold all licenses and permits

By Hope E. Tremblay, Westfield News Published: January 9, 2015

SOUTHWICK – Southwick Motocross is changing hands again.

Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart met this week with new motocross promoter Keith Johnson, and said Johnson has plans in place to race this year.

“He will be meeting with the Board of Selectmen in early February. He is going to coordinate with other public officials, such as the police and fire chiefs, ahead of his meeting with selectmen,” said Stinehart.

The American Legion Post 338 will still hold all licenses and permits related to motocross at their track, and the Legion will contract with Johnson and any other interested parties to run and promote motocross. Last year, after longtime Motocross 338 promoter Diane and Ralph Pirello retired, race enthusiasts Mike Grondahl, Travis Louks and Steve Yelin stepped up to take over. Now, Stinehart said Johnson will promote motocross in Southwick.

“I don’t know all the details but Mr. Johnson has raced on the track and has a lot of plans,” Stinehart said. “I believe Mr. Grondahl will still have some interest there.”

Calls to Johnson were not returned for this article. According to KeithJohnsonMX.com, Johnson has been a professional motocross racer since 1988 and is an owner of the Keith Johnson MX Racing School in Middleboro.

The site lists his career highlights, including being the 2009 Loretta Lynn’s national champion, winning both the junior 25 plus and 35 plus Vet classes, and the 2008 Loretta Lynn’s national champion winning both the junior 25 plus and 35 plus Vet classes. Keith also won all three titles at both Lake Whitney TX, and Oak Hill, TX.

Johnson lives in Carver with his family.