Melbourne's CityMX park takes shape

Melbourne is just weeks away from the opening of CityMX, a $1.6m three-track motocross park located just 20 minutes’ drive from the CBD.

Due to open in late August (subject to COVID-19 restrictions), Melbourne’s motocross enthusiasts of all ages and abilities will no longer need to travel as far as Broadmeadows or Bacchus Marsh with the reopening of the Lawrie Emmins Motocross Reserve, in Laverton North, after a 15-year hiatus.

Open Friday to Sunday, the all-new motocross park will feature a junior, intermediate and senior track built by Australian motocross and supercross construction specialists ProTraxx. Other on-site facilities include a classroom, office, accessible toilets and car park.

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CityMX will also facilitate off-road rider courses, including training for larger adventure bikes, event hosting, special ride days, and coaching. Junior and fun bikes, plus riding gear, will be available for hire.

The complex will be operated by World Endurance champion and former World Superbike racer, sports commentator and journalist Steve Martin.

“It’s one of the most exciting projects I’ve undertaken in a long time. It’s a great thing for the community, for motorcycling and to bring people back into the sport,” Martin said.

“When I first came into contact with Wyndham City Council about the project, I instantly understood that my vision matched their goals in creating a family friendly place where motorcycle users from the district and beyond could come together to enjoy riding.

“The track dates back to the early 1970s and has a lot of history, so reopening it has sparked a lot of interest. Motocross tracks are getting harder and harder to find in modern times, so it’s a great initiative by the council to create this state-of-the-art venue.

“Junior bike sales have spiked in recent years showing growth in the motocross sector and, for this reason, I can’t wait until the first wheels roll soon, giving not only our youngsters, but riders of all ages and abilities a place to ride.”

The junior track was recently completed while the park is in the process of sourcing a further 27,000 cubic metres of special dirt for the remaining tracks.

“It’s critical to get a good base – to get a good ride all day long,” Martin says. “It’s a special soil, clay-based with the right amount of sand to make it as good as it can be, not just on-site landfill.”

On-site machinery allows park operators to not only maintain but also fine-tune track conditions, Martin says, from hard-pack to loose and adjust the cutting depth and mulch the dirt as required.

The price of admission has yet to be finalised, but it will be similar to other ride parks with membership and junior tickets available, according to Martin.

One point of difference will be an express rider registration process for online bookings, which will enable participants to get out on track sooner. Motorcycle club affiliation will not be required.