Having just returned from Southern California’s newest motocross park, Pala Raceway in Pala, California, all I can say is wow! Before I visited, the word on the street was mixed, but having checked it out first hand, I’ve got to hand it to them as they definitely have something special.
 
Located a few miles off of Interstate 15, right next to the Pala Casino, the park has been open for two months now. Currently there are 5 tracks to choose from (main, vet, mini bike, peewee and ATV). The gate fee is $20 and one-time membership fee is required which costs another $20 but comes with a t-shirt and a free gate fee on your birthday. The facility is open Tuesday thru Sunday, with Monday being available for special events or private rental.
 
And the folks at Pala have big—scratch that, colossal plans for this place. They plan on building a few more tracks to meet the needs of area motorsports enthusiasts including a go kart/supermoto track (complete with asphalt jumps), a trials motorcycle track, two supercross tracks, a grand prix course, BMX bicycle track, and an UTV area which will give riders a total of 12 tracks to choose from! How cool is that?
 
But just having a bunch of tracks is worthless if they’re not properly built and maintained. Fortunately Pala has that dialed as well. One of the primary track builders use to build tracks at another popular Southern Cal track, so rest assured –these guys definitely know a thing or two about constructing a fun, challenging, yet safe track. They're also outfitted with the newest earth moving equipment from Komatsu and have access to three underground wells ensuring that the dirt will always be in good condition when you ride.
 
Another big plus in terms of safety is that each track has a staff of flaggers that keep an eye on portions of track, so if a rider does crash, or have mechanical problem the chances of the incident collecting other riders is greatly reduced.
 
Trackside amenities in the motocross world are typically few and far between, however Pala plans on changing that. Land is currently being surveyed and soon construction will begin on a café and rider lounge that will cater to those looking for something more than just sitting under an EZ-UP in the dirt. They’re also planning on laying sod, planting trees and building a fishing pond to make spruce up its facilities and give it truly a park-like vibe. Camping and RV spots are coming as well.
 
As soon as we rolled into the gate we were taken back by the amount of professionalism and high level of customer service we received from everyone—from the girls working the gate, to the folks in the in the office everyone is smiling, friendly and ready to serve. There’s no doubt the guys and gals at Pala Raceway have a grand vision but with the crew they’ve assembled and the beautiful piece of property they have we expect it to be one of the country’s premier motocross parks in the very near future.