| Author | Message | ||
     Rek  |
I've been visiting w/ our county commisoner and day-dreaming about motorcycles. I've convinced at least a couple people that building a motorcycle race track might actually be a good idea, provided of course we find the grant money to do it. On the surface there seems to be a fair amount of transportation and economic development money out there. One small problem though; I've never seen a motorcycle race track, never raced a motorcycle and have no idea where exactly to begin. Let's see, what do we have? We have a 12 acre parcel between the fairgrounds and the airport, we have ~1,200 registered motorcycles in the county (out of 10,000 citizens!) and one individual willing to put the time in on grant writing (me). Has anyone ever done anything even remotely similar? I'd love some advice before I jump in w/ both feet and make an absolute fool of myself. which I'll likely do anyway) Rob | ||
| M1combat  |
I'm just curious... What type of track are you looking into? With that amount of space I would think that something similar to a Go-Kart track would be best. As far as motorcycles go, I've heard that 50cc racing is beginning to catch on and they generally use Go-Kart tracks. Twelve acres would make one heck of a Go-Kart track too... If you're thinking an Oval... I'm not sure you would have enough room for a pit area and the like (Unless you could use some of the property from the fair-grounds for pit area... | ||
| Rubberdown  |
You asked for advice even if it was remotely similar. This is what I can offer. There are probably others here that can better help you. I was a promoter of a bicycle velodrome racing series in Asheville. The city was given a 3/10 mile oval stock car track. It was just sitting there when I got with the city and explained what I wanted to do. They really got behind the idea. They repaved it and did substantial upgrades. It started with bike racing and has now grown into a large recreation park with racing, roller hockey, volleyball, basketball, 5k running course etc. It was a ton of work. Our bike club had to provide a substantial umbrella liability policy which we got through the racing sanctioning body. I kept entry fees low and each entry had a $2 insurance fee. It was a ton of work. I'd do most of the set up and take down and administrative work as well as race two races each meet. God I was useless at work the next day. It's still going and the City loves it. I solicited local businesses for swag and funds for the purses. I believe that a new race venture should try to sell the fun aspect of participating rather than the prizes. If the locals are really interested in participating then they will participate even if the prizes are token. Look at your demographic, if the riders are sport bike riders then a tight technical short road course would not be too expensive and would keeps the speeds down to reasonable velocities. The the riders in your area are primarily Harley oriented, then build a drag strip. If there is a local club, approach them and sell the idea. Let them be the sponsoring club. Contact the AMA and other sanctioning bodies for guidance. Don't try to do to much yourself as you'll just burnout. A monthly or biweekly series keeps interest going. Visit other small tracks and talk to the promoters. Don't try to reinvent the wheel. Be ready to take a lot of •••• because some people don't know how to be gracious and don't care how hard you've worked. Still interested? I hope so. Mike. | ||
| Signguyxb12  |
If you are going to get a drag strip going..this is the guy to call... His name is Al Smith....smart guy and has the "connections" http://www.portatree.com/ | ||
| Henrik  |
There has been some news chatter about the builder of VIR setting up a similar track facility in New Jersey. Do a search. The gist of it is, that it'll cost considerable amounts of $$, however, if the track is done right; layout with multiple track options, pit areas, good spectator spots, facilities; it is possible to make considerable $$ for both track owner and surrounding communities. Jobs at the track, visitors boosting local economy etc. Henrik | ||
| Glitch  |
The city was given a 3/10 mile oval stock car track. That old dirt track beside I-40 near Black Mountain? | ||
| Rubberdown |
Glitch, nope, it was the old Asheville motor speedway. Down by the French Broad River on Amboy road. Old historic track, always paved I believe. | ||
| Wheelsleaning  |
I would love to get a small tight track built in this area too. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Mississippi Gulf Coast is full of bikes. I'm willing to put some serious time into it but don't have the $$$$$$ or connections. Thanks Rubber, I'll try and contact the AMA. | ||
| Glitch |
Down by the French Broad River on Amboy road. I thought of that one after I posted, the one I'm thinking of is in Black Mountain, not Asheville. I do love it up that way, one day I'll move back... | ||
| Gearhead |
Rek, If I were looking to do this I'd contact tracks that have been recently built. Two in our area are www.midamericamotorplex.com and www.autobahncountryclub.net. Try to find out who designed the facilities to get their input on the feasability of your site. There will be a fee for this but it would be money well spent which ever way the plan progresses from there. Plan "B" Contact a local community college or university that offers a Civil Engineering major. You might find an undergrad or graduate student that would like to tackle a project like this for an independant study project. Just as Rubberdown suggested, get others on your team who can help you and are excited about your project. Best of luck!! | ||
| Bigdaddy  |
God's Country. G2 | ||
| Glitch |
God's Country. Amen brother! | ||
| Orion1  |
Rubberdown: So you were involved in getting that bicycle track/park on Amboy Rd? That's great! We go there sometimes, but mostly do street riding around Upper Homimy Valley & the Blue Ridge Parkway though. Thanks! | ||
| Bigdaddy |
Yep, we be brothers. Americans by birth, southern by the Grace of God, living in the foothills is pure divine intervention. | ||
| Toolsnbuells |
Check out a new track in PA called Beaver Run. Their web page has a lot of info about their design and development. Good luck and send me in invitation to your first track day. Later | ||
| Rubberdown |
Orion1, Hi. Yeah, I lived in ASheville for six years. Rode with ABRC. Raced quite a bit, have backed away form it now. Nice area for cycling, both motored and unmotored. |
