Motocross City USA expanding
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Proposed track at Shad Pad would be third in the region
June 30, 2008 11:22:00 PM
By Richard Myers/Appeal-Democrat
Scott Davis won't have a monopoly on motocross racing in the Yuba-Sutter area for very much longer.
Jerrad Fisher is revving engines to bring a second venue to the Shad pad on the riverbottoms along the Yuba River between Marysville and Linda.
Davis operated the E Street Motocross track for two years before he was awarded a 10-year lease by the Marysville City Council in January 2007 to run the motocross track at Beckwourth Riverfront Park as well.
Now, Fisher is set to bring a third motocross track to the area.
The Marysville Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for his motocross park on June 18.
The project fits perfectly with a proclamation passed by the Marysville City Council on April 1, Fisher said.
"Even before my project was approved, the city of Marysville proclaimed itself Motocross City, USA," said Fisher, who will lease the property from land owner Pete DiGiordano.
Fisher said the sport is really growing, and with three tracks within a couple of miles of each other, the Marysville area will be a prime destination for motocross riders. Fisher envisioned riders spending three or more days here, visiting each one of the tracks.
Davis appeared before the Yuba County Planning Commission to voice a few logistical concerns, including one involving Shad Pad Road, which provides access to the site. Davis said the road is quite small and even now there sometimes is congestion when he holds events.
"In the big picture, I obviously have to worry about my business and the impact on my business," Davis said of the competition "But all in all, I see this as a good thing. The more motocross the better."
Davis also envisions riders from the western United States coming to the area to take advantage of the Marysville area venues, as well as some in the Sacramento area.
Like Davis, Fisher is a former motocross racer. He competed on the national AMA Supercross circuit in 2000, 2003 and 2004. Fisher also is a former business partner with Davis.
Fisher said he is already getting positive feedback.
"There's a big chat room on the Web, norcalmotocross.com, and it had about 2,000 hits from people excited about the track," Fisher said.
Fisher said his venue will be different from the other two.
"If the Riverfront track is the bunny slope and the E Street track is the black diamond track, mine will be the one in the middle ground," Fisher said, explaining Riverfront is an easy venue while E Street is a very difficult track.
The track, if approved, will sit on a 28.64-acre parcel of land that is bordered by the Southern Pacific railroad trestle to the east, the Yuba River to the north, the Yuba levee to the south and Davis' motocross park to the west.
But there is work to be done.
"They have several Conditions of Approval they have to meet before they can open," said Yuba County Planning Director Wendy Hartman, adding when the park opens depends on how long it takes for Fisher to meet those conditions.
The biggest issue involves the state Department of Fish and Game, Hartman said. Although the park will be located about 1,000 feet from the Yuba River, Hartman said state is concerned with potential impacts to the river system.
Other conditions include a transportation management plan approved by the county's Public Works Department, Hartman said.
Fisher hopes to have the track up and running by October.
The project is proposed to be developed in two phases. The first phase will allow the track to be open during daylight hours. The second phase will include the installation of lights to allow for nighttime activities.
Improvements to the site include nine portable restroom facilities, three bleacher seating areas and fencing around the perimeter of the property.
Overnight camping for recreational vehicles and camping trailers will be available. A total of 475 parking spaces is proposed, with 112 motor home with trailer spaces, 97 fun-mover/toy hauler spaces and 266 standard motor vehicle spaces.
Contact sports reporter Richard Myers at 749-4714 or rmyers@appeal-democrat.com.
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