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Location
Oklahoma City, OK
US
If you raced there what is the track like? It looks super rutty, but it also looks fairly slow compared to most local and national tracks. Is that because of TV or is it actually slower? The jumps look fairly simple. To me it looks like training in the deepest ruts you can and rutted straights would be the best. But all the training facilities seem to have larger jumps, faster speeds. How is it on a 125 vs 450? Give us slow riders the details of what its like.
Although, I was pretty impressed with the track when they raced the nationals there during COVID. The riders weren’t complaining either.
But I’d agree with you after watching today, the speeds are definitely slower than normal, the new dirt, after the flood seems to be even softer and ruts are deeper than I remember.
Tv.
The Shop
I saw pics of the facility after the flood and the amount of sand that had accumulated on the track area. Maybe they pushed it off the track. But hard pack dirt doesn’t normally develop ruts like we saw today. I’ll ask Keefer what he thinks of the dirt, he’s been there a few times.
Let's race!
The track is prepped and filled pretty deep but then it gets overridden through most of the day. Doesn’t develop good lines like a pro race, but more amateur lines that just get chewed up more and more all day. Think a lot of really long slow inside ruts. If you have a late day moto, now you’re looking at a really overridden track with shadows obscuring square edge bumps.
The track also has a bit of fine sand mixed into some sections, but it almost makes it slippery or gives an awkward feel since the rest of the track is on such a hard base.
Since the track is so narrow the start plays a huge role. Can be tough to make passes on this track and if you don’t start right with your main competition it’s hard to ever catch up because there will be a huge gap right off the bat
I've never ridden ruts quite like LL - there are areas where you choose a rut and stick with it for 3 turns and 2 straights. Then the heat/humidity is mental (I live in CO and rarely see humidity above 40%) so that almost killed me before the gate even dropped. Much fun though and an experience I'll never forget.
Cheers
Simon
Going WFO through those ruts is what wins LL championships. If you have to think about it you just lost.
Pit Row
the correct one to ask is
"What is right with you, my moto brother?"
seek the answer to that and you will meld into oneness with the pro125 legend
There is nothing really spectacular about the track. the 10 commandments have always been tough and hard to get a rhythm through. The finish line section and the whoops after it where you turn as you go through was always tough, and then the put a tunnel in, which made it even tougher.
They used to put a lot of sawdust down, but in recent years have gone more with sand, which a think is much better and forms different kinds of bumps and ruts and doesn't get as slick when watered.
They will work on different sections as the days go on. I would say every area of the track will get either plowed or dozed about every 3 or 5 motos, with special attention given to kickers that may develop and they will try to fix the worst rutted sections before a 50cc and 65cc classes.
The big difference between LLs and most other racing is that every class has 40 riders, and they have all gone through a tough process to be there, so with few exceptions there are not a lot of slotches. because of this more of the track gets used and there are optional lines that form that you wouldn't normally see. RIders that have raced there know this and if they have a problem like a poor start or early fall they utilize them more efficiently than LL rookies.
You never get a break. if you let off or make a mistake there are 5 guys close to your speed around you that will take advantage of it. If you don't prepare for the longer motos and the stifling heat and humidity you will go from a solid top ten to outside the top 20 in the last 5 minutes.
It will rain at least one day. Racing will continue. it may rain every day. Racing will continue.
People that roll in for their first time will think that the track is simple. No big booters or gap jumps. almost everything there can be jumped by a decent 85cc rider. but the track, the heat, and the competition will wear you down and absolutely kick your ass.
I remember they would change the direction each year. The finish line section was absolutely gnarly no matter the direction.
It’s been tamed way way down.
Like others have said, it’s a tough track, gritty competition, tons of sponsors on hand, insane heat, humidity, rain, etc.
Fun times….
the best part about that track is its very fair
The ruts and wood chips were also a challenge.
I'm with txdirt tho. Track used to be way better.
I also love riding in the heat.
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