Motocross tracks located in town?

Racerx930
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Stillwater, OK US
Racerx930 6/16/2021 2:59pm
6/16/2021 2:59pm
Thanks guys, I've already started reaching out to some of the tracks.
msp332
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msp332 6/16/2021 3:24pm
6/16/2021 3:24pm
Racerx930 wrote:
Without saying too much we currently have a rural track and are looking at putting a track in a pretty urban area, and seem to have...
Without saying too much we currently have a rural track and are looking at putting a track in a pretty urban area, and seem to have the cities support. In fact we've already been approved at the planning commission level for our zoning and special use permit. We are leading up to the city council meeting meeting and there's a few VERY VOCAL people opposing it. I am trying to give the city a realistic view of what they can expect, I have performed sound tests etc. I'm trying to get in touch with some tracks that are in similar situations who may be able to assist with information on how it has worked out for their town. Some are acting as if we're willing to fudge the sound tests and numbers just to get it pushed through. We've actually tried to go pretty far the other direction, the last thing we want to do is get open then the city decide this isn't for them.
Looks like you are going about this the right way. "A few very vocal people opposing it" can easily crush it though.

I'm an acoustical engineer. I don't know if you have other challenges (dust, etc.) but I think your logic is great. I recommend researching every MX track in the state and using the best examples for your argument. Address every comment opposing you and use the best arguments and examples against them and show what you are doing to make sure that comment will not be an issue after the track is in place (i.e., earth berms to block noise, watering the track to eliminate dust, etc.). Examples out of state may also be useful, but not as strong of an argument because laws may differ.

If I can help with noise arguments, interpreting noise laws, predicting noise levels, etc., feel free to PM me.
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kage173
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kage173 6/16/2021 6:23pm
6/16/2021 6:23pm Edited Date/Time 6/16/2021 6:27pm
Village Creek MX is just a few minutes from Ft Worth, TX. Tues & Thurs night practice. Saturday night races Sunday day races. They have a full MX track, night track and kids/pit bike track. They also have scramblecross/trails.

PC Final Frame


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Rabbit Run 41 6/16/2021 6:48pm
6/16/2021 6:48pm
Moto Nomad wrote:
Marysville, CA has three tracks pretty much right next to the city (E-Street, Riverside and MMX).
So true. Literally in town.
We have a new track on the block here in Redding, CA.
The track is next to the Redding Airport. (beside the drag strip)
Stillwater MX just opened last Saturday.
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Dimblewambie
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Dimblewambie 6/16/2021 6:48pm
6/16/2021 6:48pm
hubbardmx50 wrote:
Elsinore MX is basically right in the middle of town. They built apartments and houses right up to the track. Luckily the skydive place is on...
Elsinore MX is basically right in the middle of town. They built apartments and houses right up to the track. Luckily the skydive place is on the other side so they can’t build there
Starwest/State fair as well. Milestone was in the middle of industrial buildings.
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soggy
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soggy 6/16/2021 6:55pm
6/16/2021 6:55pm
Racerx930 wrote:
I appreciate the help, I'm looking for tracks like Southwick located right smack in the middle of it all.
Jordan River ohv and hot springs raceway in Utah.
PNWRider
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PNWRider 6/16/2021 7:16pm
6/16/2021 7:16pm
A little off topic...but relevant. There are communities centered around activity/ies: RC airplanes, full scale airplanes, 55+, etc...has anyone ever explored the idea of a motocross community? Seems like the houses could surround central track(s) and purchase agreements could include noise/etc waivers. Just a crazy thought.
neverwas 6/16/2021 7:34pm
6/16/2021 7:34pm
Jbulz wrote:
Not in the US, but a few years ago I got to ride in at Plaza Sakashita in Osaka, Japan. The track is right on the...
Not in the US, but a few years ago I got to ride in at Plaza Sakashita in Osaka, Japan.

The track is right on the edge of the city and some of the turns overlook the skyline. It was a really cool experience and I want to go back some day!

I just did some googling and found this random article about it where they talk about how odd it is for it to be located to close to the city haha. https://bike-news.jp/post/163587

(my picture)


(Not my picture)


Jbulz wrote:
Also - totally off topic, but I'm feeling nostalgic looking through my pics from this trip. Their dealerships are way cooler than ours! It was like...
Also - totally off topic, but I'm feeling nostalgic looking through my pics from this trip.

Their dealerships are way cooler than ours! It was like a grocery store of motorcycle parts instead of everything hidden behind the counter or having to be ordered from a catalog.





Robbirob25 wrote:
In 2015 I went to Tokyo for work. In the Ueno district the dealerships were so rad! Like any other large metropolis, the real estate is...
In 2015 I went to Tokyo for work. In the Ueno district the dealerships were so rad! Like any other large metropolis, the real estate is limited so you can only straight up. Most of the dealerships were 3 stories high, with very little "window space" for an entry... Would love to go back someday.

RobbiRob
I was there many years ago and your right to about the multi story shops and the whole street was dealership after dealership, really cool.
Spudnut
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Spudnut 6/16/2021 11:03pm
6/16/2021 11:03pm
Spudnut wrote:
Airway heights Mx park in Washington state is right between some houses, a casino and air strip, not in a big city by any means but...
Airway heights Mx park in Washington state is right between some houses, a casino and air strip, not in a big city by any means but it’s definetly in city limits.
SmokinJoe439 wrote:
You forgot to add prison to that list.
Ah yeah and a drag strip
wardy
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wardy 6/16/2021 11:26pm
6/16/2021 11:26pm
We are in our 30th year.

Megacross in Mendota IL.

we run every other weekend and we are in town at a fairgrounds we run night events curfew is 11pm.

edge of town but we are actually "in town". the FG has had racing of some type at this facility since the 30's.

not likely we would get permission (zoning) trying today, but since it's established it's accepted. We have a few complaints from people who move into the neighborhood not paying attention to the facility then finding out what is going on after the fact.

Sound of course is the issue, but also if the wind is blowing "out" it's way less intrusive then if it's blowing "in" that makes a huge difference.

One thought would be to point out in the design of the track that you "aim" the starting line and it's sound away from the populated areas if you can. Ours is "aimed" out of town which helps to a point.

https://youtu.be/UZ-SKFqFfrI
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JBecker 72
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JBecker 72 6/17/2021 2:04am
6/17/2021 2:04am
I had no idea there were so many examples of this. It would be great to not have to drive an hour and a half to ride a real motocross track.
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Racerx930
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Racerx930 6/17/2021 8:39am
6/17/2021 8:39am
I've decided to go ahead and share the local news story. I grew up in this town and they actually had a city sponsored motorcycle program on some land near the land we ended up looking at. We have owned a track now for 6 years and are in our 11th year of putting races on total. I approached the city about possible locations for a track and they seemed interested in the idea, we looked at possible locations and settled on this piece of city owned property. It's worth noting that the initial planning committee vote passed unanimously on everything other than the special use permit which was a 7-1 vote. We are set to get approved by the city council on July 6th. We have agreed to be a weekend only facility with no lights. The city has a noise curfew from 10pm until 6am.

https://kfor.com/news/local/potential-plan-for-motocross-track-causes-d…
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Dirty Points 6/17/2021 8:40am
6/17/2021 8:40am Edited Date/Time 6/17/2021 8:42am
Coming to Hangtown very soon:
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msp332
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msp332 6/17/2021 8:40am
6/17/2021 8:40am
midwestmoto wrote:
https://youtu.be/2HJpO7rt6uc
^This. Zoning and land use are absolutely critical. Areas zoned agricultural or industrial can often produce multiple times the noise of residential zones. How the laws are written is also critical. Understanding both is the first step.

Building residential use immediately next to a construction production plant or track is still poor planning. Developer leaves town with the money and residents didn't understand what they were buying.
MotoCoUSA
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MotoCoUSA 6/17/2021 8:43am
6/17/2021 8:43am Edited Date/Time 6/17/2021 8:44am
Colorado springs has Aztec and Ram offroad park east of town, although depending where you are in town could take a while to get there. Luckily for me its 5 minutes in the truck and im there.

Edit - Also a BUNCH of private tracks in town. just have to know the right people.
msp332
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msp332 6/17/2021 9:28am
6/17/2021 9:28am
Racerx930 wrote:
I've decided to go ahead and share the local news story. I grew up in this town and they actually had a city sponsored motorcycle program...
I've decided to go ahead and share the local news story. I grew up in this town and they actually had a city sponsored motorcycle program on some land near the land we ended up looking at. We have owned a track now for 6 years and are in our 11th year of putting races on total. I approached the city about possible locations for a track and they seemed interested in the idea, we looked at possible locations and settled on this piece of city owned property. It's worth noting that the initial planning committee vote passed unanimously on everything other than the special use permit which was a 7-1 vote. We are set to get approved by the city council on July 6th. We have agreed to be a weekend only facility with no lights. The city has a noise curfew from 10pm until 6am.

https://kfor.com/news/local/potential-plan-for-motocross-track-causes-d…
Some noise control advice:
1. Put the track as far away from residential property lines as possible. When neighbors complain and measure noise levels, they will measure at their fence line.
2. Prepare a sound study in advance with calculated noise levels at the nearest residential property lines. Measuring sound levels from a similar, existing track would be a good basis. The relevant time duration metrics are also critical depending on local Codes. I know of at least three experts in Oklahoma who should be able to interpret local Code and complete this for you (or against you); I can also get you pointed in the right direction.
3. Monitor sound levels upon opening to reinforce the original sound study. Test individual motorcycles as necessary.
4. Looking at municipal Code: no loudspeakers, or at least severely limited and directed away from the neighbors. If neighbors can hear announcing they will have an argument.
5. I haven't checked all Codes, but make sure to check the State, County, and City for all requirements- noise and otherwise.
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swksut
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swksut 6/17/2021 9:33am
6/17/2021 9:33am
Archview MX right off of I 64 in East STL. Good loamy river bottom dirt.
1
samifan
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samifan 6/17/2021 9:52pm
6/17/2021 9:52pm
Moto City Raceway in Little Falls, MN. Right across from Wal-mart and Pizza Ranch! One of my all-time favorite locations. Interestingly, haven't ever really gelled with the track but being right in town is so convenient it makes up for it.
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ctbale
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ctbale 6/18/2021 12:43am
6/18/2021 12:43am Edited Date/Time 6/18/2021 12:46am



Anchorage Alaska, population 300,000.....over looks Cook Inlet that goes out to the Gulf of Alaska. Bad ass
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Racerx930
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Stillwater, OK US
Racerx930 3/28/2022 7:30pm
3/28/2022 7:30pm
I thought I might revisit this post and let everyone know we pulled it off. We now have a track 2 miles east of I-35 and a mile north of I-40. We are right in the middle of OKC city limits and if you stand in the right spot you can see where the thunder play basketball from the track. I didn't want to post this as a brag, but you see so many examples of tracks getting shutdown etc. that I thought some might enjoy some positivity on the subject. Your replies were more help than you know, I really appreciate those of you who reached out with advice. We took the approach of being the most reasonable person in the room every time we had the opportunity and let those that opposed us speak. We knew of all the possible roadblocks ahead of time and spent a year making sure all of our ducks were in a row.


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