Motor sports

Riverside Motocross Park - Southeastern Alabama's Premier Motocross Track

On the outskirts of Newton, a town in Dale County, Alabama lies a privately owned motocross track that has been catering the needs of off-road enthusiasts since 1994. Run by motocross family with significant racing experience, the Thompson's (Jamie and his son Kevin) have kept doing a little more each season to the track and it seems the hard work paid off - the track offer a very spectator friendly layout, and has both sand and clay sections that makes it really fun to ride. Check it out.

22. 10. 2014 Photos: 11

On formerly flooded land, Jamie Thompson of Newton constructed one of the finest outdoor racing facilities for two-wheelers in the early 1990s. Today, it ranks among the best according to most riders. The idea came about when Jamie and his brother wanted people somewhere to ride, and the flooded land near Newton wasn't being used and turned out to be the perfect place. "There are a lot of kids out looking for something to do and that like to race. The riders in Alabama just haven't had the same opportunities as those in Florida and Georgia. We're just trying to help the sport grow in the local area without having to drive three to four hours," says Jamie.

The Track

The motocross track is open for practice daily from 9am to dark. The main track is professionally groomed and maintained (the track is fully irrigated and is watered periodically as needed on Saturdays and Sundays) and is about 1.2 mile long and 22 feet wide. Geared for riders of all levels, the track is both challenging and fun, testing of both mental and physical endurance. Terrain is a mix of red clay and loamy soil and features numerous wide sweeping berms, table tops, rhythm sections and a diversity of jumps. In addition to the main track a separate PeeWee track is open for younger kids.

The jumps come in a wide variety; from small speed doubles to large doubles, tabletops, rhythm sections, to a very long step-up tabletop finish:

first double - 25ft

second double - 30ft

third double - 50ft

tabletop - 75ft

finishline tabletop - 110ft

Events

Jamie and Kevin have been organizing and putting on quality events such as the annual Wiregrass Motocross Championship or the Southern Hard Core Championship Series. The latter ties together many of the great Central and South, Alabama motocross tracks in one great series and according to the organizers, the Riverside Motocross Track is one of their personal favorites. All MX races at RMX are held on Sunday with practices on Saturday unless otherwise specified.

Track may be closed Wednesday, Thursday, and possibly Friday before a race for repairs. Please call before you haul to make sure track will be open for practice. (334) 703-0323 or (334) 791-5440. Day fees run about 20 bucks per a rider and 10 bucks per the PeeWee rider but annual passes are also offered. Camping is permitted and both primitive and full hookup sites are available on a first come, first serve basis.

RMX offers plenty of parking place