Podium One Motoplex

Podium One Motoplex

by Chad Ison

Published: April 2001

Recently the Extremz team was invited to attend the opening day at Podium One Motocross Complex in Charlestown, IN. For those that have never been there, Podium One is located on Highway 3, approximately two miles north of Charlestown. The facility is about 18 miles from downtown Louisville, KY.

We have attended numerous Motocross events in the past and have come across various Cross-Country and Motocross tracks. However, I was impressed by the professional atmosphere Podium One offers. The facility is built to accommodate both spectators and riders. After taking some photos of the fast-paced action on the track, I had the opportunity to talk with Track Director, Bo LeMastus, and find out a little more about Podium One.

When did Podium One open?

We purchased the property in 1998, but it was a year before it was fully ready to go. We opened the facility in '99 and this is our third season of competition.

What was Podium One before it became a Motocross complex?

Podium one was originally located on Frankfort Avenue. We were a parts and accessory shop that catered to the racer. We also did vending at various tracks throughout the country.

Who came up with the concept or idea of building Podium One?

The idea for a track grew from being in the sport for the past 20 years. Bill Abel Jr. and Jay Baumert, both partners in the business, raced professionally at the local level for years. They formed a partnership with Rob Abel, Gabe Tinsley, Donald Graham and Bo LeMastus to build the Podium One Motoplex. We really felt the need to build a first class facility that was in step with the times. The sport of Motocross and Supercross is really on the rise, and we want to make sure our facility and track reflect the times.

How long is the Motocross track at Podium One?

Podium One covers 31 acres of land. The track itself is two miles long. However, we change the layout and usually run 1.3 miles on any given race day. The neat thing is that we mix it up and give the riders something new every time they race at Podium.

How would you describe the Podium One track?

Our layout is a blend of Supercross and traditional Motocross. The difference is that our jumps, whoops and rhythm sections are more of what is considered Supercross - lots of air for both the riders and spectators to enjoy. The outer part of our track is a Motocross layout that is a natural base (no man made jumps), and the riders have to resort to another set of skills to make good time in these areas. From the response we are getting, the blend is a big hit among the riders both young and old.

How many motocross riders compete in an average race day?

We just had our season opener on March 18. We had 400 riders participate that day, and 310 on the March 25th event. Last year we averaged 285 riders per event.

What is the average number of riders in each race?

The starting gate allows for 41 riders. However our average class is usually 20 to 30 riders.

How many laps does your average moto cover?

Most motos are five laps with an average lap time of two minutes and fifty seconds. The motos last around 13 to 15 minutes.

What are the different classes that race there?

We offer a class for just about any rider. We start them at four-year-old and have a Super Senior class for riders 50 years and older.

Does the track sponsor a race series?

We have our S & S Powersports/Zip Express Gold Series. It is the biggest series in Indiana and Kentucky. Last year we gave $10,000 in scholarship money to the kids that won two of the classes. We have a schedule on the gold series, it is posted on our www.podium1.com website.

How many races do you have in a year?

We have 23 races on tap for 2001, plus our Scott and Bartholomew County fairs. We also produce and promote the Mammoth Mountain Race at the Paoli Peaks Ski Resort in Paoli, IN.

Do you race anything else besides Motocross?

We are going to have a ATV/Four-Wheeler championship starting this summer. It will be a six-race series, and we have a lot of interest brewing for the ATV/Four-Wheel guys. We will not race the four-wheelers during our normal events. The ATV/Four-Wheeler championship will be strictly for ATVs.

Does the weather affect the races?

Rain is a killer. However, we do run in the rain. If it gets just too bad that no one can make it around the track, we have to call it.

Can riders practice at the track during the week?

We offer practice days on select Saturdays on the weekends that we don't have a race scheduled. Riders should call the Pro Shop to make sure the Saturday practice is on.

Does the track sponsor any riders?

We do sponsor several riders. Podium One has sponsored riders from the beginning. It is a good way for us to give something back to the sport.

What amenities does Podium One offer?

We offer a full range to the rider with a fully groomed and shaped track. We have a Wayne Supply Cat bulldozer on hand, so we can keep the jump faces and landings clean and safe - or as safe as possible in the sport. We also have an in-ground watering system to keep the track dust-free. Thanks to Tom Aublie of Sports tech, we have an excellent sports lighting system for our night races. Plus, we have our press box for scoring, computer sign up/registration, and immediate result posting.

The fans enjoy our 2800 stadium seating, hospitality deck, S & S Pro Shop, a cafe/diner with big screen TV to watch moto-videos, modern restrooms, and the race action that's literally right in front of you.

What does it cost for riders and spectators to come to Podium One?

Spectators pay $8 for adults, $5 for kids six-and-older and kids under six are free. Riders pay $8 at gate and a $25.00 race fee.

I saw the Pro Shop when I came in. How long has S&S Powersports been with Podium One?

S&S Powersports has been a sponsor from the beginning of the motoplex. This year they took over operation of the Pro Shop and really bring a lot to the facility. They are totally customer-friendly and carry all the major brands of bikes, ATV's, watercrafts and accessories. They're able to fully support the rider on race day and throughout the year.

What plans do you have for the future of the track in the immediate future?

Our plan is to have the finest facility in the country. We have a long-term outlook and have set in several goals for the Motoplex. We really feel that we can host some world-class events in the future. We want every rider that competes at Podium One to feel proud of this facility and help it grow to the next level.

For more information regarding registration fees and on-line registration, call (812)256-5517 or on their website www.podium1.com