BRENT GROH The Erie Ramblers Motorcycle Club (ERMC) has played a significant role in the history of motorcycle racing in Ontario. The club was established in 1954 and is celebrating their 70th anniversary of becoming an integral part of our local 519 motorcycling community.
The club & racetrack were originally established on what is now the Kingsville Golf & Country Club, but relocated to it’s current location at 2205 Deer Road Road in the early 1970s. From its inception, the club demonstrated a strong interest in flat track racing, which would become a defining feature of their activities.
After leaving Kingsville, but before establishing the current track in Wheatley, the club held numerous flat track races at the Leamington Fairgrounds. In true carnival daredevil style, club founder Jim Robinson would crash through flaming boards, do ramp jumps and other promotional schemes. Anything to entertain the fans! The famed Motor Maids in their traditional uniform dress also made guest appearances at the Robinson Leamington Half-mile, contributing to the colour and flair of these popular races.
The new race track is situated in Wheatley, Ontario and features a 1/4 mile pea gravel track, providing an ideal surface for flat track motorcycle racing, two motocross dirt tracks ( adult & beginner), as well as 2 distinct trail rides for Hare races thru the local woods.
The Erie Ramblers Motorcycle Racetrack has hosted numerous racing events throughout its history. Two of the most notable current events was the Flat Track Canada Championship series in August and the Superbikes Race in September. In the latter, the riders are challenged to race on all three courses ( dirt, flat track, and nature trail ) on each lap, testing their overall riding skills in an exciting and grueling race format.
The Erie Ramblers Motorcycle Club and its race track have made significant contributions to the Canadian motorcycling scene. The club’s dedication to promoting and encouraging the sport of motorcycling has helped foster a vibrant community of enthusiasts.
The club’s impact extends beyond its local community. In 2007, Robinson, was inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame. This recognition highlighted the club’s 53-year history at that time and its role in organizing the first half-mile dirt track at the Leamington fairgrounds in 1959. Along the way, they undertook many events to support local charities, sports teams, even a new organ for the church.
The Erie Ramblers Motorcycle Race Track stands as a testament to the enduring passion for motorcycle racing in the region. From its roots in the early 1950s to its current status as a key venue for national competitions, the track continues to play a vital role in the Canadian motorcycling landscape.
