Battle Creek Motocross last month was granted a six-month extension of its permit to operate. This month, the track opens its season with a race to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which organizers hope will raise at least $5,000.
What a difference six months makes.
A rider hurtles skyward at Battle Creek Motocross.Darrel Lynn, who along with Britt and Tripp Brown operated Chattanooga Motocross Park for 10 years, in August asked the Catoosa County Commission to issue them a permit to operate a second and larger track.
Their request for a special use permit was approved, but commission members insisted that the track be monitored for any complaints regarding noise or nuisance and its permit be reviewed after six months.
“We knew that coming in at mid-year of the season meant we would concentrate more on getting the track ready than racing,” Lynn said. “This is really the first chance to show what we can offer and we expect really big things out there this year.”
The track draws riders from about a 200-mile radius and offers both an “old school” course that has few jumps, as well as a more modern course with berms aplenty, according to track officials.
There will be at least three events in nationally sanctioned MX racing series plus a regular slate of local races.
In July, there will also be a three-day Fellowship of Christian Athletes Motocross camp for junior riders, Lynn said.
The FCA camp is not the only time motorcyclists mix competition and religion at Battle Creek’s track that is located near Costco on Scruggs Road.
“We’ve always had church services before Sunday races,” Lynn said. “I’d rather not be open on Sunday. Then I could spend the time with my home church and family, but there are not a lot of ways around having Sunday events.”
Not only has the pre-race service been appreciated by families on race day, a mid-week Bible study group for adults and youngsters has grown into a year-round event.
When the original request for a permit was made, County Commission Chairman Keith Greene questioned how a motorcycle race track fit into the county’s recently adopted comprehensive growth plan.
Now he is a convert.
“I’ve been out to the site on several occasions,” he said before the track permit renewal was approved during the Jan. 17 commission meeting.
Greene said he visited the track several times last year and now his sons are asking if they – dad included – can get bikes and begin competing.
Greene has been so impressed by the operation that he asked if the special use permit could be granted for a full year, rather than six months. County attorneys advised the chairman and other commissioners that the issue could be dealt with during the countywide review and revision of codes that will be done this year.
Whether for six months or a year, Lynn seemed pleased that the county’s elected officials are willing to allow the track to operate.
“This is for families,” he said. “This is parents and grandparents bringing their kids and grandkids out for something they can share.”