We build the ultimate custom motocross practice track in Northern Florida
The Gainesville area has a rich history in motocross racing with the Gatorback National. This region also happens to be the latest track build for the MX Track Builders team. The customer, an intermediate level rider in his 40s, tasked us with creating his dream motocross track. However, there was one catch. The customer did not want the track to have a sandy base. It presented a serious challenge, given that sand covers the region. Thanks to MX Track Builders’ experience in building site profiles throughout the region, we figured that clay might be found below the sand. Soil mapping revealed what we had hoped – clay was the underlying material.
After a site visit, which entailed digging test pits and profiling the soil, we identified the most conducive place for the track to be built on the customer’s 340-acre property. With the wheels in motion, we prepared a dirt work estimate for the customer. This included stripping off the top layer of sand, mining out clay to use as the track’s base, and returning a portion of that sand to process with the clay to create an optimal riding surface. This saved the customer thousands of dollars, as trucking in soil can be cost prohibitive and could have derailed the project entirely.
With a green light to build, our team flew to northern Florida. Several days into the build came our next challenge, courtesy of Mother Nature. Hurricane Nicole ripped through the area and stalled us out for several days. After weathering the storm, we were wide open again in an effort to hit our deadline. We mined approximately 20,000 yards of clay to construct a track that covered five acres. The sand/clay mixture created a perfect soil composition for water retention, while remaining easy to shape and hold up to moto abuse. We installed drainage materials and outfitted the track with track markers for that special touch.
The track had a bit of everything that a motocross rider of any skill level would desire. From a long roller section to a mixture of different length tabletops and doubles, as well as a variety of bowl turns, off-cambers and fast sweepers, there was something for everyone. With the earthmovers parked, there was still one task left. As part of our complete and comprehensive service, the infields and track featured side-slopes were seeded. Stabilizing the soil to prevent erosion would ensure that the track and surrounding area would hold up for continued enjoyment. From concept to completion, MX Track Builders delivered above and beyond the customer’s expectations.
