Motocross is back
MX Jamaica is set to restore its beloved sport of motocross back to its pre-COVID popularity having held its first event since 2019 at the newly minted Caymanas Dirt Bike & ATV Track, St Catherine, on Saturday, July 13.
“What we are trying to accomplish is to have a track that MX Jamaica has full control of. We were lucky enough to be given permission to build a track in Caymanas, and this event was done to help earn revenue for the building of the track,” Craig Powell of MX Jamaica told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.
Powell explained that the well-attended event, which was a time trial, was successful in raising the revenue to begin construction on a track that would be under MX Jamaica control. This was an important point in restarting the sport as the lack of venues played a part in its decline.
“Our last official racing season was in 2019, when we had the Temple Hall MX Park and DaCosta MX Track. COVID came and brought everything to a halt. During 2022, Temple Hall MX Park closed its doors and last year we lost DaCosta,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Powell said the original vision of MX Jamaica was never lost and, while the sport may have been dormant, its administration was not leading to the current board and the goal of reviving motocross on the island.
“We want to ride, and having a safe controlled environment is the only way to go,” he said.
The July event was one of three such planned with support from Tyre Warehouse.
For 2025 Powell is looking for a full race season.
“One of the main goals of MX Jamaica is to build awareness and get more youth involved, which in turn will help develop the sport and hopefully open more doors. It’s a really healthy environment for families. I must note that we are still presently seeking additional sponsors and hope to have a world-class facility for next year.