Organizers of the annual Lake Elsinore Grand Prix announced they were canceling this year's event because of the state's drought and water conservations efforts.
The event, normally held in November, calls for water to wash down the track circuit that motocross riders race along. The area is surrounded by about seven fire hyndrants which the event will not be able to use because of drought restrictions mandated by Gov. Jerry Brown's office, organizers said.
"All year everyone looks forward to getting in, to racing bikes, racing UTV cars," said John Pacheco of IMG Sports. IMG Sports competes every year and has won several medals in the annual competition.
The event has been held annually since 1996 and attracts thousands of visitors to Lake Elsinore. The competition is also a boon for local businesses who profit from the influx of out-of-town visitors.
"Unfortunately, we're just in a huge drought right now," said Dave Oster, president of STORM, the organization that puts together the event each year.
Organizers considered transporting recycled water to the site of the race but believed logistically it was not viable option because water would have to hauled to spots along the course. Event organizers said they hope next year they will be able to resume the event.
California is in its fourth consecutive year of below-normal precipitation.
