Motocross track opens in Gardnerville

Media day at the newly opened Nevada Motocross Park drew eight riders and about three dozen spectators on Wednesday.

Organizer Steve Brown has been working to bring the track to Carson Valley for years.

"This has been a dream of mine since early on," he said. "I've been riding motorcycles and racing since I was 5 years old. I felt it was time to give back to the sport that's helped me. Northern Nevada needs this for people to come ride in a controlled environment, it's family fun."

Carson Valley Chamber & Visitor's Authority director Bill Chernock said that a conservative estimate of the economic benefit of the new motocross track to Douglas County is between $700,000 and $1 million depending on its popularity.

He said the chamber has contracted to do a survey of those attending the races.

"That will help determine the economic impact so we will be able to generate more accurate numbers," he said.

He said the motocross track will be much easier to market than last year's Magiko.

"Magiko was a large collection of events under a large umbrella," he said. "This is a specific event that will be easier to market."

Minden resident and vintage motocross bike collector Keith Hill said the track will be a great benefit to the county.

"This is great for Gardnerville," he said.

Rider Kenny Bell said he was thrilled to have another motocross track.

After riding the track, he said it was good and would become better.

"The dirt was good," he said. "It's great for the first day."