Owning & Operating MX Track

10/27/2022 4:27pm
I do not have any experience in running a track - so take this as you see fit.

If this is truly your dream - you have to do it. Or you will regret it for life.

But be smart, plan for the tough and worst of it and listed to the authentic advice on here.

Have fun and provide updates (with pics) on here so we can follow your journey.
2
ben5020
Posts
905
Joined
1/9/2016
Location
Malvern, PA US
10/27/2022 4:31pm
https://breezewoodprovinggrounds.com/


Dan that owns this place has made the dream come true. 3 tracks a gigantic pond with slides concessions as well as parts, if I were to build I’d be doing what he has done.
appleboy
Posts
196
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
CA US
10/27/2022 5:35pm
I cross over in both industries (cycling and moto) Also own a track and work with high level people funding Bentonville, AR.

First, Bentonville is just saying it's the capital of MTB, but the real number of riders isn't even close to what they have on Southern California. It's really rad to see the money they are putting into Bentonville, but the ride doesn't hold a candle to places like California, Utah, Colorado, Seattle, etc... Because it doesn't have mountains. Also they trails in Bentonville require constant upkeep due to the weather and the lack of actual dirt. Which leads the major problem for that area. What happens when the money dries up from Walmart? I've been told they put a major chunk aside in an account and everything will be good for awhile, but they are spending there like a drunken cow.

Building a motocross only facility in 2022 or further is a risky business. Especially within a state that doesn't have sport complex protection. Which good lawyers blow right through. And why I say it's a risk is because the numbers in motocross have been on a slow decline since the 90's. Most of the manufactures were selling 750,000 bikes a year in the early 90's and now are reporting 200,000 in 2021. Expend your facility, include UTV's (scary to insure for that) concert event's, cycling if you can, etc...

If you need advice on it, I'll answer DM's. Cause we for sure need more tracks in this country if we want to keep moto around.
2
crusher773
Posts
2009
Joined
12/23/2009
Location
Coweta, OK US
10/27/2022 6:01pm
Love4Moto wrote:
Elaborate why your concern is more for the boonies track?
IWreckALot wrote:
Have you put pen to paper on expenses vs. the minimum number of entry fees you need to cover those expenses. Basically found the break even...
Have you put pen to paper on expenses vs. the minimum number of entry fees you need to cover those expenses. Basically found the break even point? How many tracks are in your general area that you will be competing with? Is this the most profitable venture you can do with the land?

Is there a pond or natural water on the property?
Love4Moto wrote:
Yes I have done the math. Jandebuers MX, Ascott MX, South of the Ozarks MX, and Gas MX are all the tracks within a reasonable distance...
Yes I have done the math. Jandebuers MX, Ascott MX, South of the Ozarks MX, and Gas MX are all the tracks within a reasonable distance. Gas mx being the closest at 1hr away and South of the ozarks being 2 hours 5 min (the furthest I have driven locally).
You are leaving out 4 states, Possum Hollow, Tulsa, Sweet 16, Bubbs Creek and Twin Hills. There have been numerous tracks in that exact area over the last 20 years that have came and gone. My families being one of them. You do not have the rider base in the area to do nearly what you think you do. Racerx930 runs 2 really good race tracks and that dude works his balls off and he isn't even close to rich I'm sure of it. I can tell you from first hand experience literally from the same area. There are only 2 things this is 100% guaranteed to do, cost you a ton of money and take all the fun out of moto.
3
1

The Shop

rbm33
Posts
428
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Duncan, OK US
Fantasy
10/28/2022 4:53am
And the scary thing is that if you have all the proper zoning, licensing, insurance, professionally designed track with all the appropriate safety protocols all it takes it one angry neighbor to shut you down. Just one neighbor that want to complain about the noise, the dust or traffic can cause you all kinds of problems. unless you have the funding to defend yourself in a lawsuit you'll most likely get shut done if your not a good neighbor to the surrounding area.
2
10/28/2022 6:27am
rbm33 wrote:
And the scary thing is that if you have all the proper zoning, licensing, insurance, professionally designed track with all the appropriate safety protocols all it...
And the scary thing is that if you have all the proper zoning, licensing, insurance, professionally designed track with all the appropriate safety protocols all it takes it one angry neighbor to shut you down. Just one neighbor that want to complain about the noise, the dust or traffic can cause you all kinds of problems. unless you have the funding to defend yourself in a lawsuit you'll most likely get shut done if your not a good neighbor to the surrounding area.
NJ FOD had issues with this before it even opened I believe, despite the fact there is a major road racing facility right across the street from it and its in the middle of no where in Millville, NJ.

There was talks of a road racing facility to be built somewhere in Oregon within an hour or two of Portland a few years ago and the greenies got it shut down somehow. not sure if it ever happened or not but this is a common occurrence when people try to build tracks, even in the middle of nowhere where it is usually economically destitute

if i was worth 10 billion dollars id get into the track business but it just seems like a lost cause because no one on our side wants to work together, where as the k-street liberal elites seem to be able to get their perverted demonic minions out and get them to shut down everything
3
dbx33
Posts
247
Joined
8/13/2020
Location
FL US
10/29/2022 9:48am
its not. ive given up.
10/29/2022 11:03am
I kind of hesitated to to give my input. We have a track around our house (and no it's not a cute little we ride around in the front yard kind. Nor is it National Track caliber.). Some of the fastest Lorreta's kids came by for practice and could only turn just over a minute lap time. So, not huge, but good sized for a home track with a 90 foot table in the front, couple of rhythm sections and a couple of whoop sections. We open on the weekends by donation only and don't run it as a business. It was our son's practice track and we keep it going as that is what he would have wanted and to keep his memory and dedication to moto alive. Having said that, we have invested in a John Deere 3025, rigged a water trailer, plus use our house water supply,, a tiller, box blade and chain harrow to do weekly maintenance. We are fortunate enough that my wife doesn't have to work. But she spends a good 10-20 hours a week on track maintenance for only being open on weekends that weather permits. We have 7 total acres and the track doesn't cover all of it. So think of that and scalability. The John Deere is relatively cheap in the grand scheme of equipment, about $25k with the tiller. Doesn't use much diesel. Our water is not terribly expensive and we do have a pond if we wanted to draw out of that. But if you start talking about making a business out of a track, you're going to a whole new level. We have an umbrella policy for insurance and use AMA waivers (free from AMA, by the way). And we don't do races. But if you're going to buy land (and I highly recommend avoid leasing-see the Canyon thread), get a dozer, skid steer, water truck, tractor, tiller, cultivator and then have employees (unless you are dedicating your entire work to the track and want to have an income), you are going to need a decent amount of start up capital, capital to keep it going until you build a customer base and then make dang sure you are collecting at the gate, getting every waiver signed and checking IDs to match and then be prepared to hear the complaints, change the track, comply with environmental/County/muniple regulations. That doesn't even take into account other BS, like trash haul off, general clean up from people that don't know how to use a trash can, enforcing no drinking/ drugs to comply with insurance and unexpected equipment failures, etc. Not to mention it needs to be close enough for people to be willing to travel, but far enough away from urban sprawl. Not trying to be a Debbie downer and really want more tracks to open for the love we have for the sport, but just trying to be realistic. Seems more tracks are closing than opening. Good luck.
3
JustMX
Posts
5239
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
TN US
10/31/2022 6:54pm
Racerx930 wrote:
They told me 22k and it was the only policy they offered + didn't include races. 10k is about what I pay now.
If there is that much difference between national motors ports and what you currently have I would strongly suggest that you have someone that is knowledgeable about coverage go over your existing policy.

I suspect that what you currently have is premises liability policy that does not include "participant liability".

There are very few under writers that will include that in their coverage, and that is what gives you protection for the riders on the track.

I had several agents I dealt with on other insurance that looked all over for coverage, and one told me he had some. It was about $400/event cheaper and I jumped all over it.

Found out after one event that it didn't protect me like I wanted. It is a long story, and it doesn't involve a claim, but I ended up back at NMI.

Ama started offering them as an option on their event coverage as well, and if i remember right NMI was the first coverage provider that offered a sliding scale on coverage based on the number of participants.

If there is that much difference in price I would be suspicious of the cheaper coverage.
FreshTopEnd
Posts
13018
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Sacramento, CA US
10/31/2022 7:02pm
JustMX wrote:
If there is that much difference between national motors ports and what you currently have I would strongly suggest that you have someone that is knowledgeable...
If there is that much difference between national motors ports and what you currently have I would strongly suggest that you have someone that is knowledgeable about coverage go over your existing policy.

I suspect that what you currently have is premises liability policy that does not include "participant liability".

There are very few under writers that will include that in their coverage, and that is what gives you protection for the riders on the track.

I had several agents I dealt with on other insurance that looked all over for coverage, and one told me he had some. It was about $400/event cheaper and I jumped all over it.

Found out after one event that it didn't protect me like I wanted. It is a long story, and it doesn't involve a claim, but I ended up back at NMI.

Ama started offering them as an option on their event coverage as well, and if i remember right NMI was the first coverage provider that offered a sliding scale on coverage based on the number of participants.

If there is that much difference in price I would be suspicious of the cheaper coverage.
A good insurance agent, familiar with the sport is a godsend.

1
Sawblade
Posts
383
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Bentonville, AR US
11/27/2022 7:46pm
The powers at be with their foot on the MTB accelerator in NWA and Arkansas have zero interest in motocross. I know of at least two presentations put in front of the Foundation within the last decade with zero interest in funding efforts for a MX track. When I enquired last year with the face of mountain biking in NWA to gauge if there might be interest, it was a short conversation ending in "no". They are focused only on MTB development.

The closest track to Bentonville is Gas MX at a 45 minute drive from my driveway. I've rode it since it opened in 2005. Its struggles to pull in riders for practice days and race events. 4 States is about an hour drive and is a nice track. That dude has thrown a lot of money into development of his track that I'm sure doesn't pencil out. He does have at least two other business as well. He pulls riders from MO, OK and KS. Not so much from NWA or Arkansas (distance) as there just isn't a large number of MX riders here. However his rider pull is large and they are more focused on the Loretta's crowd. Ascot is an hour and 15 minutes west of Fort Smith, its a shadow if its self from years ago, but is a fun track to ride with great dirt.

Having ran a track for a few years in the late 80's in SEK that included one large event per year. It was tough working a full time job and keeping up with the track. My working capital and budget were razor thin. Fortunately, I was able to always pay the bills and walked away to focus on my career. I can't imagine trying this today.
1
Dr.201
Posts
34
Joined
1/18/2018
Location
Indianapolis, IN US
11/28/2022 7:26am
I have a practice facility that I have an annual policy on for right under 5k a year. Try out evolution insurance brokers from Utah
Racerx930
Posts
773
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Stillwater, OK US
11/28/2022 12:54pm
Dr.201 wrote:
I have a practice facility that I have an annual policy on for right under 5k a year. Try out evolution insurance brokers from Utah
It's the time of year where I'm insurance shopping, they just quoted me 12k.
Dr.201
Posts
34
Joined
1/18/2018
Location
Indianapolis, IN US
11/28/2022 2:41pm
I have a small track in the boonies in Indiana with low turnouts so maybe that’s why mine is cheaper? Sure is tough owning a moto track. Definitely do it for the love of the sport, not the money
2
6/11/2025 11:57am
Love4Moto wrote:
This lady should be able change your mind. Send her an email let her know Cory Smith from Southwest Missouri told you to contact her. Tanya...
This lady should be able change your mind. Send her an email let her know Cory Smith from Southwest Missouri told you to contact her.


Tanya Hermann

CSR Manager

National Motorsports

1539 N 33rd Place, Suite A

Sheboygan, WI 53081

Email- Tanya@nationalmotorsports.com

Direct Line- 920-694-1887
Racerx930 wrote:
So curiosity got the best of me and I got ahold of your contact at National motorsports. I thought maybe they knew something I didn't and...
So curiosity got the best of me and I got ahold of your contact at National motorsports. I thought maybe they knew something I didn't and maybe I was significantly overpaying. At $22,000 a year to cover practices only I would be INSTANTLY shutting the doors.
Love4Moto wrote:
What're you currently paying if you dont mind me asking?

Curious OP...This thread has not been updated since 2022.  Did you continue the land project for a MX Track or drop it all together?

lumpy790
Posts
11273
Joined
9/18/2007
Location
York, SC US
6/11/2025 1:11pm Edited Date/Time 6/11/2025 1:11pm

When is the ride like we did at motocross.com years ago

Skerby
Posts
1282
Joined
4/9/2013
Location
Mayes County, OK US
6/12/2025 11:28am Edited Date/Time 6/12/2025 11:32am

I grew up in BFE west coast, like as far NW as you can go in the state of WA. Moved to NE OK for a few years, ended up spending a lot of time in NW arkansas.

Bite the curb is correct on all accounts. The mountain biking especially, bentonville, etc. none of it holds a candle to anything in the PNW. Its just one of the only things there is to do so Bentonville gets labeled "MTB capitol of the world" or some shit, its not. 

Also its in the running for poorest states in the country, besides all the wal mart tech bros people are pretty destitute up there. At least by comparison.

I rode a few tracks in AR, there aren't many. Maybe 20-30 people on a practice day, races not much better. Nice people though.

Edit to add: Poison Ivy fucking everywhere.

Gator 4
Posts
340
Joined
12/31/2021
Location
Southern California, CA US
6/12/2025 3:22pm
Love4Moto wrote:
My dream has been to own and operate a motocross track since the time I hit my first jump. Everything I can find from previous forums...
My dream has been to own and operate a motocross track since the time I hit my first jump. Everything I can find from previous forums is all negative. If there was no way to make money in the sport then there would be no tracks that are open to the public. There has to be a way to make this a successful business even when starting with no land or even nothing, but I'M not.

My Father-in-Law has 185 acres that I'm currently living on, with the option to buy as much of it as I'd like (for a killer price these days). We are in the country and have checked with the county on noise and zoning laws in my area, and they say I'm in a spot to where owning and operating a track is very possible.

My Father-in-Law also has all the equipment necessary to prep and re-design the track. He would let me use this equipment for the track, but would charge me a fee to use it, that and I would have to pay for fuel and if I needed to have one of his guys operate the machinery, I would be required to pay them for their time as well. The only thing we are missing is the water truck.

I have a solid business plan and a couple of people to back me when it comes to a down payment for the business loan. I know people say if you dont own the land outright the track will not be profitable, but there has to be a way.

The plan is to have a shop with bathrooms, concessions, mechanic, and OEM and aftermarket parts counter at this motocross track. A track for the big bikes and main events, and a "kids" track for beginners and 65cc and under bikes. I plan on having camper hookups for race weekends and overnighters that want to stay for more than 1 day of riding. as well as lights and bleachers for night time riding and spectating.

Is there anyone out there that might have some new insight on how to make this all possible and profitable in todays world?

Get ahold of Glen Helen or any other track that has been around for a couple of decades.  I am sure they would be gracious enough to give you the low down since you won't be in competition with them.  Good luck.

JustMX
Posts
5239
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
TN US
6/12/2025 4:09pm Edited Date/Time 6/12/2025 4:11pm
Love4Moto wrote:
My dream has been to own and operate a motocross track since the time I hit my first jump. Everything I can find from previous forums...
My dream has been to own and operate a motocross track since the time I hit my first jump. Everything I can find from previous forums is all negative. If there was no way to make money in the sport then there would be no tracks that are open to the public. There has to be a way to make this a successful business even when starting with no land or even nothing, but I'M not.

My Father-in-Law has 185 acres that I'm currently living on, with the option to buy as much of it as I'd like (for a killer price these days). We are in the country and have checked with the county on noise and zoning laws in my area, and they say I'm in a spot to where owning and operating a track is very possible.

My Father-in-Law also has all the equipment necessary to prep and re-design the track. He would let me use this equipment for the track, but would charge me a fee to use it, that and I would have to pay for fuel and if I needed to have one of his guys operate the machinery, I would be required to pay them for their time as well. The only thing we are missing is the water truck.

I have a solid business plan and a couple of people to back me when it comes to a down payment for the business loan. I know people say if you dont own the land outright the track will not be profitable, but there has to be a way.

The plan is to have a shop with bathrooms, concessions, mechanic, and OEM and aftermarket parts counter at this motocross track. A track for the big bikes and main events, and a "kids" track for beginners and 65cc and under bikes. I plan on having camper hookups for race weekends and overnighters that want to stay for more than 1 day of riding. as well as lights and bleachers for night time riding and spectating.

Is there anyone out there that might have some new insight on how to make this all possible and profitable in todays world?
Gator 4 wrote:
Get ahold of Glen Helen or any other track that has been around for a couple of decades.  I am sure they would be gracious enough...

Get ahold of Glen Helen or any other track that has been around for a couple of decades.  I am sure they would be gracious enough to give you the low down since you won't be in competition with them.  Good luck.

probably not going to make a difference.

OP has not posted here in this thread or anywhere else in this forum since 2022.

If he had that hard a time dealing with some criticism, running a track might have been a nightmare for him.

6/13/2025 12:25am
Love4Moto wrote:
My dream has been to own and operate a motocross track since the time I hit my first jump. Everything I can find from previous forums...
My dream has been to own and operate a motocross track since the time I hit my first jump. Everything I can find from previous forums is all negative. If there was no way to make money in the sport then there would be no tracks that are open to the public. There has to be a way to make this a successful business even when starting with no land or even nothing, but I'M not.

My Father-in-Law has 185 acres that I'm currently living on, with the option to buy as much of it as I'd like (for a killer price these days). We are in the country and have checked with the county on noise and zoning laws in my area, and they say I'm in a spot to where owning and operating a track is very possible.

My Father-in-Law also has all the equipment necessary to prep and re-design the track. He would let me use this equipment for the track, but would charge me a fee to use it, that and I would have to pay for fuel and if I needed to have one of his guys operate the machinery, I would be required to pay them for their time as well. The only thing we are missing is the water truck.

I have a solid business plan and a couple of people to back me when it comes to a down payment for the business loan. I know people say if you dont own the land outright the track will not be profitable, but there has to be a way.

The plan is to have a shop with bathrooms, concessions, mechanic, and OEM and aftermarket parts counter at this motocross track. A track for the big bikes and main events, and a "kids" track for beginners and 65cc and under bikes. I plan on having camper hookups for race weekends and overnighters that want to stay for more than 1 day of riding. as well as lights and bleachers for night time riding and spectating.

Is there anyone out there that might have some new insight on how to make this all possible and profitable in todays world?
Gator 4 wrote:
Get ahold of Glen Helen or any other track that has been around for a couple of decades.  I am sure they would be gracious enough...

Get ahold of Glen Helen or any other track that has been around for a couple of decades.  I am sure they would be gracious enough to give you the low down since you won't be in competition with them.  Good luck.

JustMX wrote:
probably not going to make a difference.OP has not posted here in this thread or anywhere else in this forum since 2022.If he had that hard...

probably not going to make a difference.

OP has not posted here in this thread or anywhere else in this forum since 2022.

If he had that hard a time dealing with some criticism, running a track might have been a nightmare for him.

The reason I inquired to revive this thread was the following ARKANSAS "INHERENT RISK ACT" photo:  I was curious to see if he actually continued with the project...As I read his posts in this thread...it seemed more of a pipe load than a sustainable plan. NTL for anyone considering building or currently operating a track, the info in this photo is GREAT NEWS for them. Screen Shot 2025-06-11 at 4.39.20 PM.png?VersionId=PxUo4H3vVl2CpnYOFTSa1.3YrWN

Post a reply to: Owning & Operating MX Track

The Latest