AV Beat - Motoplex

Sometimes, it is very difficult getting the word out about new ventures. That hasn't been a problem with the AV's most spectacular, and loudest, business, the AV Motoplex.

Strategically located on the eastern edge of the AV Fairgrounds, just west of the Antelope Valley Freeway, the Motoplex announces it's presence to thousands of travelers every day. By now, as they approach their 2nd anniversary in business, the Motoplex is established as a solid member of the motocross world, as well as the AV business community.

They actually even cause the thundering herd of afternoon commuters to back off the gas pedal for a moment - not such a bad thing in the minds of many. A full-throttled motocross bike 30 feet in the air out your passenger window will have that effect on some drivers.

The Motoplex is owned and operated by Robert Lundin and his fiance, Brandi. "We offer a controlled environment," explained Lundin. "Our track is groomed and watered, and always supervised. We take pride in that we offer a safe environment. We want motocross to be done the right way, not the wrong way."

Lundin leases the land the track sits on from the State. The track itself consists of a main track, which costs riders $25 a day, and a pee wee track that costs $15 a day.

The majority of Lundin's customers are local, but the track draws riders from as far away as Fresno, Bakersfield, and Simi Valley. "This is a family sport," he said. "We get plenty of residents who come out as visitors, and then immediately go out and buy a bike."

More than most sports, motocross is an activity that gets handed down from parents to children. Visiting the motoplex, the family atmosphere is very evident. "Our youngest rider so far was a two years old," said Lundin. "We have a lot of expert parents who pass on their love of riding to their kids."

The Motoplex is currently wrapping up their Spring Kickoff Series, a 6-round event held on consecutive Saturday afternoons. Another 6-race event, the Smokin' Summer Series, kicks off in May. In all, the Motoplex hosts 28 races a year. The big events are the two Grand Prix races in December, and the awards banquet, when a 2008 dirt bike will go home with one lucky raffle winner.