5 Tips For Owning And Operating Your Own Dirt Bike Track

If you are a dirt bike or motocross enthusiast, owning your own dirt bike race track can be a dream come true. As a track owner, you will get to spend your days giving people access to your favorite activity and possibly making pretty good money at the same time. There are, however, practical and logistical details to keep in mind when owning and operating your own dirt bike track. Here are five tips:

Practice Good Road Dust Control

Everyone expects some dust while riding a dirt bike, but it definitely needs to be kept to a minimum. Excessive road dust greatly reduces visibility which can quickly lead to collisions and accidents. While most track owners routinely hose down their tracks to reduce dust, a more effective option is to have a road dust control product sprayed on your track. These road dust suppressants minimize your water consumption while keeping dust to a bare minimum to improve your track's safety. You can talk with a local dust control company, such as GMCO Corporation, about different options to control the dust on your track.

Hire Qualified Flaggers

Flaggers are an integral part of any dirt bike race track and are critical to keeping your riders safe. Flaggers monitor the track and alert management and riders whenever there is a potential hazard on the track or when an accident occurs. While some track owners try to cut corners by not hiring enough flaggers or just asking for teenage volunteers, it is worthwhile to find and train responsible flaggers.

Ideally, your flaggers should have dirt bike riding experience and solid references. You may also need to implement a "no cell phones on duty" rule for your flaggers to minimize distractions.

Have Great Liability Insurance

Solid liability insurance is absolutely worth the cost. Dirt bike racing involves risk of bodily harm and injury, and without adequate liability insurance, you are opening yourself up to lawsuits anytime someone injures themselves. Liability insurance will ensure that if someone is physically harmed on your track their medical bills will be paid for, leaving them no reason to sue you.

Liability insurance for dirt bike tracks typically falls under the category of "special liability insurance." Discuss your options with your insurance agent and see if there are bundled policy discounts available if you also have home owner's, vehicle, or other insurance with the same company.

Ask Participants to Sign Waivers

In addition to liability insurance, you can help mitigate your risk by asking all participants to sign a waiver before they ride. The waiver should complement and strengthen your insurance policy. In general, motocross and dirt bike riders expect to sign a waiver just as they would if they were skydiving or participating in another risky athletic endeavor.

It's best to have an attorney draft a liability waiver specifically for your race track. Most waivers will ask the rider to acknowledge that dirt bike riding is inherently risky, that they are participating in it voluntarily, and that you are released from legal responsibility if an accident happens.

Offer On-Site Water and First Aid

While not mandatory, offering on-site cold water and basic first aid supplies will go a long way toward keeping your clients safe and happy. A water fountain set up to fill water bottles and camelpaks is a great idea. Electrolyte tablets that dissolve in water are a great option if you notice anyone exhibiting signs of dehydration. Your first aid kit should include bandages, antibacterial ointment, antiseptic wipes, ice packs, and wraps designed for sprained ankles.

By following these five tips, you will help prevent potentially costly issues at your dirt bike track and ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.


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