Motocross returns to Jacksonville with economic boost

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It’s been 10 years but now the pros are coming back to Jacksonville and they’re getting ready to tear up the track in this high-octane sport.

Wayne “Junior” Scarborough says it was his dream to bring motocross to Jacksonville.

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“It’s been a long, hard 10 years,” said Scarborough.

He used to live in Neptune Beach with his family, but they sold their house to follow his passion, something his 18-year-old son, Jakob Baton, has also taken on.

The family built a track on their 600 acre family run farm called WW Ranch Motocross Park.

It’s located off Otis Road on the Westside.

“Instead of football or baseball we just ride dirt bikes, my dad’s taken the property that we have and built a world class facility, so it’s pretty cool,” said Baton.

City leaders announced the news that Jacksonville would host the first major motocross event the area has seen in 10 years during a Thursday morning press conference at city hall.

Mayor Lenny Curry says motocross is going to bring a huge economic boost to the city. He says more than 15 states and 10 countries have purchased tickets to next week’s event.

Mayor Curry says the U.S. Assure Florida National Motocross event at WW Ranch will bring in millions of dollars.

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This will be the second nationally televised event at WW Ranch.

The first one in 2017 brought in $2 million to Jacksonville.

And Scarborough says the track is ready for motocross riders to tear it up next week.

“You guys and girls may think, 'Oh, it’s too rough and bumpy out there,' but those guys like it when it gets rough, it’s not a dirty highway, it’s not dirt road racing, it’s motocross,” said Scaraborough.

The U.S. Assure Florida National will take place on Saturday, June 22 at WW Ranch Motocross Park.

Cox Media Group