Motocross track planned near Topsy

Negotiations are under way to establish a motocross track on Washoe tribal land across Vista Grande Boulevard from the Topsy Lane Walmart.

Former Nevada Motocross Track operator Steve Brown said he and the tribe are in talks for the site, which overlooks Clear Creek Canyon.

“We’re very hopeful everything will work out,” Brown said. “It’s a dream come true.”

The Washoe Tribal Council passed a resolution in January to develop a Washoe motocross center on 80 acres of the tribe’s lower Clear Creek parcel. Under the resolution, Brown will develop the track and manage it and provide the working capital.

The resolution foresees having the track ready by April, but Brown said it would take 60 days to construct a track.

“It’s been a pleasure working with the tribe,” he said.

He said the Washoe toured Southern California’s 240-acre Pala Tribe motocross track, which was built in 2009.

Brown operated the Nevada Motocross Track on Dump Road next door to the Douglas County Animal Shelter in 2009-10.

Ruhenstroth residents opposed the track, and in 2010 county commissioners refused to extend the track’s lease for another two years.

Brown said that in the intervening time, he has been looking for a new location for the track.

The site behind Walmart is ideal, he said.

“When we open, we want to open full-throttle,” Brown said.

The Record-Courier has sought comment from the tribe on the proposal.

Brown has explored several proposals for a location for the track, including Topaz Ranch Estates. There also was a proposal for a track to be south of the airport.