Posts
223
Joined
3/25/2014
Location
Jamestown, NY
US
Edited Date/Time
9/18/2014 9:45pm
I searched and read a lot on this topic before i posted this.
I am on the forums a lot but very rarely post.
I have been doing research on starting an MX track. Im 22 years old but have been running my own screen printing business for three years and am very business minded. I have been considering the idea of opening a Moto track near me. There is one track but it is rarely maintained and the only reason myself or any others really ride it, is because there is such a lack of tracks int he general area that are open regularly each week.
Now. I have several questions on the topic of track ownership and operation. Upfront i would obtain the land and the necessary machinery and equipment needed to build and groom the track. I know there is maintenance involved with keep the machinery up and running and it would be pretty pricey dependent on the age of the equipment.
As for the following does anybody who owns, manages, or operates a track have any input:
What is the cost to insure a track?
What is the cost if any to become associated with the AMA for sanctioned races etc.
If you had to guess a general cost to open up the track for practice for one day what would you say it costs? Ball park price including getting the track ready (fuel, watering, etc) and staffing it with the necessary staff for the day.
I know a track generally won't be in the positive for the first several years. But i feel like this is something i would love to do in the next 1-2 years.
I am on the forums a lot but very rarely post.
I have been doing research on starting an MX track. Im 22 years old but have been running my own screen printing business for three years and am very business minded. I have been considering the idea of opening a Moto track near me. There is one track but it is rarely maintained and the only reason myself or any others really ride it, is because there is such a lack of tracks int he general area that are open regularly each week.
Now. I have several questions on the topic of track ownership and operation. Upfront i would obtain the land and the necessary machinery and equipment needed to build and groom the track. I know there is maintenance involved with keep the machinery up and running and it would be pretty pricey dependent on the age of the equipment.
As for the following does anybody who owns, manages, or operates a track have any input:
What is the cost to insure a track?
What is the cost if any to become associated with the AMA for sanctioned races etc.
If you had to guess a general cost to open up the track for practice for one day what would you say it costs? Ball park price including getting the track ready (fuel, watering, etc) and staffing it with the necessary staff for the day.
I know a track generally won't be in the positive for the first several years. But i feel like this is something i would love to do in the next 1-2 years.
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Running-a-moto-track,1229…
The Shop
You won't have to intentionally keep the bank balance low, it will do that on its own.
Stay positive! Have posted rules and stick to them. You Never race on race days. Have a woman run things. Pay your flaggers and anyone operating your snack stand enough to keep them faithful. Mowing grass and weed eating is a pain buddy. Find young riders that need gate and race fee's and put them to work. Clean toilets are a must if you want wives GF's or chicks in general to come and watch. Keep the place family friendly. Drinking at your hauler only! Foul language and fighting will get you in the NOT family friendly mode.
KEEP THE TRACK FRIENDLY TO OLDER AND YOUNGER RIDERS! People got to go to work Monday. You have to have a dependable water truck! Using local water is very costly.
Everyone who sets foot on the property must sign a Hold Blameless release! Even your best buddy. His insurance will look to collect from the track.
It takes up every afternoon and race week is a busy week. Communication is a priority when weather gets iffy. As far as money goes, brother you have to do this for the love of the sport and you a place to ride. I wish I had youth on my side like you. I wish you all the success and look forward to an invite. Best to you.
I've had the discussion with people that I think the days of opening these mega moto facilities for your main source of income are over with. Most of the big nice tracks have been around forever. Know your market and who you need to cater to. I take care of mostly newer riders and locals and in turn they've treated us pretty well. We are far from a mega facility but there is a place for us in the market here.
You need to be a jack of all trades. Everything from our scoring / signup building, water truck, and even our starting gates were built by us.
Now we're not over here driving bentleys and Range Rovers from operating a Moto X track but it pays for itself. I remember telling myself how I was going to ride all the time and get in shape blah blah blah. I've ridden on my track twice.
I agree with war was said about the track needing good communication when theres bad weather, there is nothing more annoying then trying to figure out if the track is open or not when they haven't updated anything in 24 hours or more.
Im not looking to have my income from the track if this goes through. I have the other business that has been going fairly well for me that i don't want to give up. I have many many connections in the local community from being a downtown business owner, From landscaping and general contractors to lawyers and local political figures.
I just want a place that would be awesome, no huge compound, a track thats fun for everyone, good facilities and workers that aren't assholes. I would ride way more then i currently do if there was a fun track close by me that was open regularly and maintained the way it should be.
There is no other reason for this then the love of the support. I was laid up in the hospital for 31 days last year from a wreck i had sept 14th. The entire time I was in there i was watching moto videos and reading about the logistics of opening and operating a track. I have found places that will lease and maintain equipment but the pricing of it doesn't seem affordable or economical.
Also, In NY obviously the winter is a killer, other than an indoor track which I'm not interested in at the moment, Is there any source of income to be had for the track during the winter months?
I appreciate everyones input and keep it coming!
Pit Row
...at least longer than sixteen years.
Im looking for people who are actually involved with a track and know about the functionality of them. I bet half of the people saying not to do it have never even volunteered at a track before.
Post a reply to: I need input from anyone involved with a moto track and finances