Orlando MX Park

Orlando MX Park is one of those legendary spots that feels like a piece of Florida history. It is sitting right in East Orlando and it has been around since 1969, which makes it the longest running track in the state. Most of the tracks we hit are relatively new or they change hands every few years, but this place has staying power. It is a staple for the local scene and it is high on my list for the upcoming trip because you can tell the crew actually cares about the legacy they are building.

The main track is about a mile long and it is mostly clay. If you spend most of your time riding the deep sand tracks around the rest of Florida, this is going to be a wake-up call for your technique. They keep it groomed and watered regularly, so you are going to find some real ruts and some tacky sections that actually hold up throughout the day. It is a technical layout that rewards riders who can find a flow rather than just pinning it in a straight line. They also have a separate peewee track that gets the same level of attention, so the little bikes are not just an afterthought.

When Kyle Swanson and I get there, I know he is going to have me focusing on throttle control and corner entry. Clay tracks like this can get slick if the sun bakes them, or they get super grabby right after a water truck pass. Kyle usually looks for the most difficult lines to make sure we are not just following the main groove all day. We will probably spend a lot of time on body position and making sure I am not over-rotating in the tighter turns. It is the kind of place where you have to be smart about your gear selection or you will just spin the rear tire.

This track is for anyone who wants to actually get better at riding something other than a sand pit. If you are a serious racer or even just a weekend warrior, you need to put this on your calendar. You should definitely check their social media for the latest gate times before you load the truck since they stay busy. Bring some extra tear-offs and make sure your tires are fresh because that clay will test your grip. It is a solid facility and the vibe is always right when the gate drops.