MALVERN, Ark. – A new motocross complex in Malvern is trying to attract racers from across the country and the world for competition and training.
Those willing to take a spin at Diamond State Moto Complex can expect adrenaline, nerves and a whole lot of fun. That is also how it felt for Ozzy Barbaree and the other men who opened the complex.
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“You build it, and you hope they come,” Barbaree said.
The former motocross pro co-owns the track with Matthew Bates who brings the building and business expertise. Both also have kids who race.
“We just really love moto and we think we need to bring a part of you know the bigger state where they have these big training facilities to Arkansas,” Bates said.
In two and a half months, the site about five miles from the edge of Malvern has gone from forested to a state-of-the-art racetrack designed by Vernon Mckiddie who has built across America.
It is already attracting travelers like Van Robin from New Orleans who is in Arkansas for Thanksgiving week.
“I was just looking anywhere to ride, whether it be woods, anything, and I found this, and this is amazing,” he said.
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The Diamond State Moto Complex aspires to be a gem with more polish on the way. Five dozen RV sites, 15 stocked ponds, a beginners’ track, and a training facility with beds and storage are all in the works.
Robin said he cannot wait to see what it looks like next year.
“This is a definite destination…Once I get home, I’m getting my buddies together, and we’re coming out here,” he said.
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Bates and Barbaree boast Diamond State Moto Complex has the only Arkansas track certified by the American Motorcycle Association (AMA). They are also both AMA-certified motocross trainers for anyone from 4 years old to adult who wants to have fun or aspires to be a champion.
“If you have the heart, and determination, and grit, you can do it here,” Barbaree said.
The first annual championship race on the track is on Thanksgiving weekend. Entry fees will go toward Finding Hope, a nonprofit that will use the funds to stock local food pantries in Malvern.