Indoor motorcycle ice racing returns to downtown Muskegon for first time in decades; event to celebrate Muskegon Motorcycle Club’s 100th anniversary

For the first time in decades, indoor motorcycle ice racing is coming to downtown Muskegon.

The inaugural Dan Raymond Invitational will draw professional and amateur racers to the Mercy Health Arena in downtown Muskegon on Friday, March 20 for a celebration of the Muskegon Motorcycle Club’s 100th anniversary. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Child Abuse Council of Muskegon County.

“We are excited to bring indoor ice racing back to downtown Muskegon,” Kyleen Gee, the executive director of The Child Abuse Council of Muskegon County, said in a press statement. “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Muskegon’s rich motorcycle history while working to prevent child abuse.” 

The Child Abuse Council annually serves about 21,000 children in Muskegon County, and the nonprofit works to end child abuse once and for all through education, child advocacy and community collaboration.

The event is being organized by Rebel Road, which annually hosts Michigan’s largest motorcycle rally in downtown Muskegon every July, and the Muskegon Motorcycle Club.

The Dan Raymond Invitational is named in tribute to Dan Raymond, who opened the Raymond Motor & Cycle Company on Ottawa Street in Muskegon in 1919 and organized the Muskegon Motorcycle Club in 1920—about four years before the American Motorcycle Association began.

The Muskegon Motorcycle Club previously hosted ice racing events in downtown Muskegon but stopped doing so about 30 years ago. After being approached by Rebel Road, the organization jumped at the chance to bring the races back to Muskegon.

The Dan Raymond Invitational will feature multiple races throughout the evening of March 20, including a professional race that will be a competition for thousands of dollars in prize money. Children will also be able to take to the ice in the amateur heats. 

Additionally, the event will include giveaways and other activities. The Muskegon Motorcycle Club too will have bikes on display at which attendees can get a close look.

“This event will have something for everyone,” Gee said. “Whether you’re a diehard biker or you can’t tell a Harley from a Honda, there will be plenty of thrills and spills to keep everyone entertained.” 

All are welcome to attend the event, and children ages 12 and under may go for free. Adult tickets are $15 each and may be purchased at the Mercy Health Arena box office or online by clicking here. Children do not need tickets, and all seats are general admission.

Doors will open at 6pm for the March 20 event, and racing will kick off at 7pm.

For more information about the event or to connect with the organizers, please click here.