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Dirt-bike riders to vie for championship spot at Arenacross

Participants in Arenacross are like a big family, said spokeswoman Lindsey Scheltema, who is also known as Miss Arenacross.

The Mohegan Sun Arena will become a dirt-filled battleground for the next three days as hundreds of AMA Arenacross Series riders vie for a championship spot. They’ll weave among one another, hitting jumps and taking tight turns over the 1,500 yards of soil that has been sculpted into a layout filled with rhythm sections and jumps of all sizes, including the air-inducing catapult jump.

Arenacross will host its fourth round of the season, which includes 12 rounds and gets riders one step closer to the chance to win in one of two 16-rider main events, in both the Arenacross and Arenacross Lite classes.

Lindsey Scheltema is an enthusiastic but now sidelined rider who holds the title of Miss Arenacross.

“I think I have the coolest job ever,” she said of her role as a spokesperson for her sport.

Scheltema is eagerly waiting for her torn rotator cuff to heal so she can return to competition.

Not only is Arenacross a thrilling sport to be a part of, it’s one with a community feel.

“I have so much respect for these riders,” Scheltema said. “They’re very supportive of each other. If some guy’s bike broke down two hours before the race, everyone helps fix it even though they’ll be competing later. It’s like a big family.”

Riding this year will be multi-time champions Josh Demuth and Chad Johnson, current series points leader Jeff Gibson and Tyler Bowers, a Kentucky native Scheltema pegs as one of the most impressive to watch.

“He’s our 2011 champion, and he’s quite the story. In 2010 he had the title wrapped up to win.”

But with just two races to go, Bowers had an accident and broke both femurs. After much work to strengthen his legs, he returned and became the 2011 champion.

In addition to the show the professional riders will put on, area enthusiasts will have a chance to hit the track on Amateur Day, Sunday.

“That produces a really strong foundation for the series,” Brandon Short of Next Level Sports Management said. “The participation from local residents helps the series grow and keeps it strong.”

Arenacross will offer a chance for riders of all ages and skill sets to come out and compete on a professional-level track. Those interested in participating on Amateur Day can visit www.arenacross.com.

If you go

What: AMA Arenacross Series

When: Doors 6:30 tonight and tomorrow night; racing show begins at 7:30 p.m. Doors open Sunday for amateur racing at 9 a.m.; show begins at 10 a.m.

Where: Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre

Tickets: Adults: $25.50, $17.50, Kids (ages 2-12): $10. Amateur day: Adults, $17.50; Kids (ages 2-12): $10. All tickets $2 more day of show.