|
There are a lot of changes going on in District 17 lately. Not only has Tuf Racing opened an indoor practice facility in Waterman, Ill., but Joliet Motosports, one of the two big players in the Saturday night stadium motocross series that is more popular each year, currently is building its own indoor track, which could be open later this year.
Even better in some riders' opinions, Joliet MX is adding a European-style motocross track that features long straights, safe tabletop jumps and sweeping corners. It will be in stark contrast to Joliet MX's current supercross-style track and should expand the riding parks appeal significantly.
We recently nailed down Justin Martino, the man behind Joliet MX, to find out more about the changes he has planned for one of northern Illinois' favorite racing/riding spots.
midwestmotocross.com: Your park is going through a lot of changes! Before we get into the details, perhaps you could quickly summarize the additions.
Justin Martino: We have increased the property 20 acres, more parking, new motocross track and a 60,000 square foot indoor clearspan [which means no poles]. [The indoor facility is a] metal frame, fabric cover building with 60-foot ceilings.
MWMX: Heating such a large open space, especially with the exhaust fumes to
deal with, must be a huge challenge. How do you handle that?
Martino: Tall ceiling heights and an EPA-involved ventilation system.
MWMX: Is there any chance of summer air conditioning, or is that just too expensive?
Martino: No, completely out of the question.
MWMX: I know it's early, but what are your initial thoughts on layout of the indoor facility -- are we talking a scaled down supercross track here with doubles, tabletops, triples?
Martino: Well sort of, we will actually keep the track really rider friendly. We are going to focus on a lot of table tops and timing sections.
MWMX: Will there be indoor seating for spectating?
Martino: Yes, indoor seating, but our main focus is keeping the track as big as possible.
MWMX: The indoor track probably is what most people will be excited about, but the European-style course sounds very intriguing. What made you decide to add that?
Martino: Because we understand that there are all types of riders out there, two years ago we developed a pee wee track, which was a huge success, so we decided to move into the motocross phase of it, and its been a great success as well. Our goal is to have the ultimate riding facility in the Midwest for all types of riders.
MWMX: Is the European-style course done now, and if not, when will it be ready to ride?
Martino: The European course is about 90% done, they have been riding on it, and have had great responses on it. It will take the whole season to get the course completed, because we are taking into consideration rider input.
MWMX: How much of the European-style track is natural and how much is man-made?
Martino: It is all man-made. We have been working all winter long.
MWMX: Are there plans to get the European-style track into the District 17 schedule for motocross? When might that happen?
Martino: Plans are for 2004 for District 17 motocross racing.
MWMX: Where is the European-style track in relation to the main existing track? Can you ride to both from the same pit area?
Martino: It's just to the west of the pit area, and yes you can ride both from the same pit area.
MWMX: Speaking of access to both tracks, how are open practice days going to be run? Will there be class sessions on both outdoor tracks, or open riding on one and sessions on the other?
Martino: On open practice days, both tracks will run. The European motocross track does not have lights like our stadium track, so that will close at dusk. There will be open riding on the European, but [bikes] must be 80cc or bigger to ride on this track. The stadium track will still have sessions.
MWMX: Once it's done, how will the indoor track fit into the practice day mix?
Martino: We will use the indoor all winter and during the rainy season. All the rest of the time it will be available for private rental only.
MWMX: Is the new mini track larger than the old one? Also, are the 50 Senior/Junior classes running on the mini track or the big track this year?
Martino: The new mini track has been expanded. The 50 Junior and 50 Senior ride on the main stadium track. PW 50s only ride on the pee wee track.
MWMX: We also heard that you had a new surface on the main track. What's that composed of and what are its benefits over the old surface?
Martino: The new surface consists of 500 loads of pulverized black dirt mixed with saw dust and sand. The benefits are safer riding and improved grooming abilities and more fun for the rider.
MWMX: With insurance costs skyrocketing for motocross tracks, it really is surprising to see expansion instead of contraction. Is the ridership just high enough to overcome all the additional costs?
Martino: With the improvements, we feel that the riders will pay whatever it takes to keep the sport alive. If you give them a good facility, they will keep coming back. The ridership is not enough, though; we also need spectators on race nights.
MWMX: So, who are the big sponsors this year? What has been their feedback about all the changes you're making?
Martino: DGY is our headline sponsor this year. They are very excited about being a part of the new additions for this year.
MWMX: Your indoor facility is coming on the heals of the one just opened by Tuf Racing in Waterman. With that competition in addition to what must be very high costs in operating an indoor track, what are some things you plan to do differently to stand apart?
Martino: We have no poles, which we hear is a big complaint, and we are going to have tall ceiling heights to keep the fumes away from riders and spectators, which we have heard complaints about. We are taking into consideration the rider feedback, and we are improving on them.
|
