Riders from all over the region are expected to show up for the first race at the new motocross track in Wagarville this weekend. (SA photo by Bruce Hansen) The Lower Alabama Motocross track, located off of Highway 56 in Wagarville, will conduct its first set of races this weekend, Sept. 9-10, with a sixrace series featuring riders from all over south Alabama and northwest Florida.

The tracks is owned by Chris Bumpers and is managed by Samuel Coleman and features a 1-1/4 mile track for the older racers and a separate track for the younger ones.

Three races are planned for each day and are part of a regional circuit between the Wagarville track and the tracks in Atmore and Crestview, Fla. Trophies will be presented to the winners in each category.

Coleman, who oversees the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the track, said the goal is to become a sanctioned track on the motocross circuit.

"We meet all the physical requirements," he said. "It's mainly just going through the motions."

Coleman said he is grateful to Bumpers for giving him the opportunity to do what he loves the most for a living. "I worked construction for awhile out in Arizona and fell in love with this sport," he said. "I haven't ever competed professionally, but I love to ride for fun."

The starting gate at the Lower Alabama Motocross track in Wagarville is able to handle up to 40 riders at a time. (SA photo by Evan Carden) A total of 175 sprinkler heads are used to keep the track moist for the riders, adding to their traction and cutting down on dust, which makes it easier for the judges and spectators to keep track of what's going on.

"You want to be able to get to a rider if he goes down and gets injured," said Coleman. "That's why it's important to keep the dust to a minimum."

Two 30,000-gallon tanks, which are fed by a pond in the center of the track, provide the water. Coleman and Bumpers also use two tractors and a bulldozer to straighten out any spots that might cause problems for the racers. "The riders like to get in there and make their own ruts, which adds to their ability to run the track successfully," said Coleman.

The races are being sponsored by Suzuki, which makes sense, because Bumpers is the owner of a new Suzuki dealership which will open in Jackson soon.

The track is kept moist by a large sprinkler system to provide better traction for the riders and cut down on dust. (SA photo by Evan Carden) Gates open at 9 a.m. and racing will continue until 7 p.m.