Unadilla co-founder Peg Robinson dies
On Sunday Nov. 2, 2014, the motocross community lost an important pillar with the passing of Peg Robinson, co-founder of the legendary Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin, New York. On behalf of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, MX Sports Pro Racing and the National Promoter’s Group (NPG) extend their deepest condolences to the Robinson family during this difficult time.
Although Peg was not in the public eye, she and her husband Ward were the driving force behind Unadilla’s storied history and continued success. Those who worked closely with Peg at the races often referred to her as the “woman behind the scenes” who kept events running smoothly and efficiently, paying close attention to detail and keeping everyone on task, from riders and teams, to event staff, media and everyone in between.
Since Ward and Peg Robinson began hosting major motocross events in 1970 on their family farm in upstate New York, Unadilla has been synonymous with motocross.
“The whole Robinson family was always involved, but Peg was the one that really got things done. Ward was the one everyone knew as the promoter, but if you wanted something done right away, you went to her,” said five-time 500cc World Champion and renowned Red Bull KTM/USA Motocross of Nations Team Manager, Roger DeCoster, who has been visiting Unadilla since the early 1970s. “Peg was the foundation of the family, and it’s very sad that she will not be there when we return next year. She was a great lady, always very polite, and she just did a lot of great things for motocross over the years. We will miss her very much.”
Unadilla hosted its first major race on October 18, 1970, the second round of the first-ever Trans-AMA Series. They hosted their first Inter-AMA Championship race in 1971 and with each event, Unadilla continued to host some of the world’s best racers, helping to set the stage for the facility’s long history with international motocross events. On July 30, 1978, Unadilla hosted their first of many 250cc United States Grand Prix of Motocross events, and they would continue hosting the 250cc USGP through 1992.
When the AMA started its own U.S. National Motocross Championship in 1972, Unadilla was on the schedule, jointly hosting an outdoor national and an Inter-AMA race. Gary Jones was the top American and second overall. Unadilla joined the AMA Motocross schedule permanently in 1993.
“The second generation of the Robinson family, as we know them, got their know-how from their father, Ward, but they got their strength and stamina from mom, Peg,” said Rita Coombs of MX Sports Pro Racing. “Sometimes it’s harder than you think to help, love and support someone with a dream as big as Ward’s, but here we are today, and Unadilla is one of the best-known and respected motocross tracks of all. We will truly miss seeing her at the races.”
The family will be accepting condolences from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the HJT Funeral home in Edmeston, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peg’s memory to the Edmeston Emergency Squad.
Surviving are her loving husband Ward; her children Jill Robinson, Greg and Linda Robinson; her grandchildren Alex and Nick Robinson; her siblings Barbara Fallis, Jerry and Patty Schrag; her in-laws Van and Carol Robinson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
