Posts
632
Joined
10/30/2013
Location
Sandy, OR
US
SmoothOperator
11/30/2016 5:18pm
11/30/2016 5:18pm
We've had a few come in go here in the pnw. Ive noticed this all over the country too. They never last too long. Whats the cause? Tracks too small? Cost too high? What kills these places?
Additionally, equipment isn't cheap, neither is staffing. This type of facility has all of the same expenses as a regular track IN ADDITION to a building to pay off. On top of that, the bulk of their business comes in during a very brief period when riding outdoors is not an option.
The sad truth is that a lot of the people who open/own these types of facilities aren't the most business savvy and generally go broke trying to keep the lights on during the offseason.
The potential for this type of operation is very limited because not many people will pay more than 20-30 bucks to ride one of these tracks. Even at 30 bucks per rider with 100 riders per week you're looking at $3,000/week before taxes, payroll and other expenses.
The Shop
I just can't see one making it without a business
savvy person behind it, who already owned the building. Having money and a passion for moto probably won't cut it.
Awhile back I was checking out a place online and it seemed like it was doing good. I can't remember the name. I checked out the schedule and it looked like they only run an indoor mx track over the winter months. When their mx season is over, they then use the place for indoor go kart racing, rodeos, and some other sporting events. That could be the key to keeping things afloat. Use the building strictly for mx for some of the year, and rent it out for other events the rest.
They also have to create multiple uses for the building year round.
http://www.cedarlakespeedway.com/page/show/695849-arena-schedule
They have a pretty good turn out all winter
Limited number of riders close to location
Customers get wrecked
High overhead
If a lot of riders show up, you have to wait a long time to ride
If in a larger metro area you will have permit problems
Salem lasted many years but makes more with less hassle doing roundy round. Neighbor issues there also I believe.
Hindsite - didn't pencil out
Moto321 - Same as above
Clark County ( not calling it OT5) - I built the tracks in 2014-15 there so was kind of involved. Not as much other that providing equipment stuff when it was OT5 in 2016. There was a bunch of behind the scenes stuff I won;t get into here but a lot of it boiled down to the fair board not liking the seasonal involvement of MX they wanted whoever was running it attending meetings year around among other things. Bummer all around becasue if some of us had known sooner it would be open and running right now. Too much backbiting and secrecy in NW MX...............
Pit Row
No concrete slab so they can dig into the ground and make somewhat decent elevation for an indoor track. I've already ridden there once this year, its always a good time.
My guess is that rent to third parties and noise have been killers to these facilities in the past.
Bringing up an old post I know but…
First time coming down to Cedar lake from Manitoba Canada. This place is freakin awesome!
Track changes and maintained regularly. Will be back next year multiple times for sure!
Sounds Great . I hear it’s really fun & popular. Pastrana did a back flip off a bowled berm like 15 yrs ago. Windy cold and snowing here today.
Post a reply to: Indoor riding facilities. Why don't they last?