Breaking ground in “The Treasure State” to transform raw land into a private track in Bozeman, Montana

Coined “The Egypt of Montana,” Bozeman (Gallatin County) is a marvel. Not only does the city enjoy an expanse of natural beauty, but it is also experiencing a population boom. Bozeman is a happening place due to its strong economy, high-quality education, and outdoor activities.

When you think of motocross, does Montana come to mind? Maybe not. Well, think again. There are a handful of professional motocross racers who have come from “The Treasure State.” Now, with the help of MX Track Builders, there are two new private motocross tracks in Bozeman.

We’ll save the details of the second Bozeman track creation for another article (click here if you’d like to read it) and instead focus on the first build. The customer was very specific about his desired track. No problem. We worked closely with the customer to ensure the project aligned with his vision and requirements. After identifying track features and layout preferences, MX Track Builders excavated test pits. Why dig holes in the ground? Analyzing the soil type and usability helps ensure a quality track build.

After customer sign-off, the team mobilized to the site, marked out the track, and stripped off the topsoil (which was later returned to the track surface and borrowed areas). MX Track Builders excavated the site, then focused on forming, shaping, and compacting the track. Given the undulating terrain, 300 feet of drainage pipe was installed. Riprap – loose stone used to form a foundation as a method of protecting against soil erosion – was placed at the ends of the drainage pipe. Topsoil was then dumped and spread around the track. In order to create a soft track surface that helps retain moisture, several hundred yards of sawdust were imported and mixed into the topsoil. Water trucks were utilized to manage dust and soil compaction throughout the build. The team used topsoil to cover areas where soil was borrowed, and laid down grass seed to stabilize the site.

The track covers five acres and has a mix of obstacles to challenge all skill levels. One look at the before-and-after photos truly shows MX Track Builders’ ability to completely transform an area of land.