Living in Erie, Pennsylvania all my life I never realized how lucky I am to be residing here. As a motocross racer/fan we have it pretty good up here in our corner of Pennsylvania. Granted we are not as fortunate as the New Philadelphia area of Ohio, but we still have our fair share of tracks. While Erie is better known for its sandy beaches, at last count there are six motocross tracks within an hours drive. I am going to try and paint you a picture of each one and hopefully you can see for yourself what I am talking about.
Mapleshade
Mapleshade is located in Sugargrove, Pennsylvania. Situated on the side of a rolling hill, the track is graced with some awesome natural terrain. More of a traditional motocross track, Mapleshade is a great track for the beginner as well as the local pro rider. Racers are met on race day by owners Doug and Sherri Lawson, both working very hard to ensure that the track is in tip top condition. Their hard work is often rewarded with rider turnout at over three hundred riders on most occasions. Mapleshade is an AMA District Five and District Four track. Find out more at www.mapleshademx.com.
Dirtworld
Dorset, Ohio is the home to the Dirtworld Motocross Park. Although it sits on a typical piece of flat Ohio land, don't be discouraged. What it lacks in elevation changes Dirtworld makes up for with man made obstacles. The track has plenty of "safe" jumps allowing riders to hone their jumping skills. The crew there is known for some of the best track prep around. On race day the course is ripped up just right with the perfect amount of water added to assure a rutted up track when time comes for the motos to start. The track is sanctioned by AMA District Twelve. Check out their website at www.dirtworldmx.com.
Holeshot
Pymatuning Holeshot Raceway is located in Linesville, Pennsylvania. The track is the only one in the area that has lights for night races. Very spectator friendly, the track features bleachers and an elevated viewing area with an unobstructed view of the entire track. With the majority of races held at night, the track is a little smaller than most, but is still plenty of fun. Running one of the busiest schedules around, Holeshot races pretty much every weekend from spring to fall. Holeshot is a CRA track and their website is www.pymatuningholeshotraceway.com.
Countyline
Although there is no Hazard County in Pennsylvania, you will think that you are one of the Duke Boys when you are greeted at the gate by Ed "Uncle Jessie" Shaw. Just off Route Twenty Seven in Titusville, Pennsylvania the track has been around since 1997. If jumps are what you are looking for you will find them here. The great thing about Countyline is that you can pretty much practice there any day that they are not racing. Being an "Outlaw" track, Countyline runs their own race series. Check out the schedule at www.countylinemotocross.com.
TV Land
Freestyle Legend Trevor Vines' is the owner of TV Land. Famous for its Pit-bike track for the past few years, TV Land has expanded into a motocross amusement park. In 2004 Vines has added two more track to the Pierpont, Ohio facility. An outdoor style track was added along with a Supercross track. I know that a lot of tracks have been taking on the look of a Supercross track recently, but Vines' track is the real deal with only "A" riders allowed to ride it. There is also a Freestyle area with ramps for up and coming Freestlyers to get some practice. TV Land truly has something for everyone, Mom and the kids can ride the Pit-bike track while Dad cuts some laps on the Outdoor course. Keep posted on all the happenings by logging on to www.trevorvines.com.
NEMX
Up until last year, winter meant putting the bike away or mounting Trelleborgs for some snow riding, but those days are now over. Tom Ahola and Andy Sczypta opened up the Northeast Motocross Complex in Andover, Ohio in December of 2003. NEMX is a purpose built sixty five thousand square feet motocross facility. Not your typical Arenacross setup, NEMX is laid out with eight wide lanes of track with plenty of obstacles to keep riders busy. Although not currently sanctioned, NEMX still holds and occasional race or two during the year. A sixteen man gate with a concrete start launches racers into the bar-banging action. To see what I am talking about go to www.nemx.webpointusa.com.
So you see we have quite a bit to offer up here by the lake. From old school motocross to jump riddled Supercross tracks, we have it covered. Do yourself a favor and check out one of if not all of these tracks. You won't be disappointed.
Dennis "Alphado" Albrewczynski
www.alphado.net