MILTON, Ky. — It has been nearly six months since an EF-2 tornado ripped through Milton, Kentucky, and the damage from the storm left some people cleaning up for months.

What You Need To Know

  • Nearly six months ago, an EF-2 tornado hit Milton, Kentucky 

  • The host of an ATV and bike racing event was concerned the storm's damage would force a cancellation of the event 

  • However, with course changes and repairs, the race was able to proceed as scheduled

  • The races will return to Milton next year 

This weekend, the IXCR Whiskey River ATV and bike races returned to the small town.

“This is a blast, man," said Brian Parker, host of the IXCR Whiskey River. "I used to race when I was younger, and this is kind of a way to keep doing it. I enjoy helping with the track and (meeting) new people, and it's just a really good, family-friendly event." 

Parker hosts the races on his family’s farm. It was the sixth-annual race, but it looked different from last year.

An EF-2 tornado with winds up to 115 miles an hour struck his home and farmland, destroying everything in its path.

“Tore the farm up, tore (the) house up and we just built it back," Parker said. "We just built a lot of work, a lot of money spent to fix it, but we're back."

It took months of work and at least $100,000 to get the land ready for the races, but Parker said some damage was so extensive that changes had to be made to this year’s courses.

“This side of the farm, we used to have a jump where everyone jumped across this creek over here and everyone seemed to like, come and watch," he said. "It looks a little different. This year … as you can see, it just looks like a bomb went off over there." 

The owners of the event, who have races like this all over the country, said this is only the second time a tornado affected one of the tracks they visit. 

“The trees are mangled, but I think it's a good thing for the community,” said Michelle Bowman, an owner of IXCR.

Their months of repairs paid off. Thousands of people of all ages and skill levels raced.

“It's a relief; we were nervous about a month ago ... the damage was so bad just to get through there," Parker said. "It was a lot of work, but my guys, we made it happen. And I'm just glad we're here." 

Parker said the races will be back on his family’s farm next year. According to the National Weather Service, the tornado traveled 18 miles from Hanover, Indiana to Carrollton, Kentucky.

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