Wayne Scarborough Jr is motocross through and through. A very friendly guy, who just wants to see something special at this year’s USGP.
Last Thursday, Wayne Jr got a call that could change his life forever. A passionate American farmer, who runs the WW Ranch Motocross facility, Scarborough couldn’t believe his luck when he was asked if his track could be used for this years United States Grand Prix.
While the event was originally going to be run at the Gaterback circuit in Florida, a dispute between Unlimited Sports, and the Gaterback track owner made sure that the USGP needed a new home.
Known as one of the nicest facilities in America, WW Ranch was quickly put on the MXGP calendar, and with two months before the event, it seems it couldn’t have landed in better hands.
Geoff Meyer was lucky enough to catch up with Wayne Scarborough Jr, and you get the feeling its more than just his heart and soul that is going to go into this event.
How did it feel when you got the call about your facility?
It’s unbelievable. I have gotten emotional, I have been elated and I am blown away. The fastest in Europe and some of the fastest in America will be here. I am a motocross guy been riding since I was three years old and am now 51. To have the fastest riders in Europe come and race at my track, it’s a dream come true.
From what I understand, you are renting the track out to the guys who were going to run Gaterback, the Unlimited Sports people?
Yes, it’s not my race, Unlimited Sports (Gaterback promoters) have leased my track for the event. That doesn’t bother me one bit, I am proud that MXsports and Unlimited Sports, Youthstream and everyone else have the trust that they can run an event of his magnitude at our track. I am more than pleased to help them out.
Sounds like a good deal, being able to have such an event at your facility, but no financial pressure at running the event.
Well, yes, but if you know me. This track is on our family farm, and we run a pretty tight ship here. We try and keep it pretty and it’s in our front yard. I will put 200% effort into making this event as good as it can be and I will go over and above. If they need me to buy something for the track, I will buy it. This place is going to be a showcase when you get here. I will make you smile when you walk through the gate, I want you to say WOW when you see it.
Looking at the videos, I got that feeling already. I think Gaterback is a great facility, but your place really looks special. How’s the weather going to be?
It’s going to be 100-degree hot, and it’s going to be humid. We have some thunderstorms that time of year, but the track handles water pretty good. I designed it to handle water, but it’s going to be hot, you can bet on that.
How was the response from MXsports and Unlimited Sports when they saw your facility?
Well, actually, other than having contact with MXsports due to having some Loretta Lynn area qualifiers, I don’t deal with them a whole lot, but I got a call last Thursday, asking if they could come, and they came and had a look. They had told me they had looked at my place from google earth, but then they got here, they were impressed. They were really pleased.
Looking at the videos of the track, it already looks like an AMA National track. Really well prepared and it just looks like a picture, so well taken care of. Do you need to make many changes for the race?
I am told there will be some changes, due to the FIM rules, and they will let me know and I will do what it takes to make them happy and put this race on. I don’t know yet what changes, but whatever they want, I will do.
Are you a motocross fan? Had you planned on going to Gaterback?
Yes, I am, and yes, I was going. I am a team player. My son rides, and he helps me at my track. He is track manager at my races. I have three track managers. We support Florida motocross and how often can you drive an hour to see the best riders in the world. The chance to do that, I was going to see Tony Cairoli, Romian Febvre and Gautier Paulin. Yes, we were going to Gaterback. I hope I am allowed on the track, I would love to be up close watching. I am excited to see the best in the world race on our track.
I noticed on the press release from MXsport and Youthstream, that you were close to Jacksonville. Where exactly is the track?
It’s like 12 miles from downtown Jacksonville. We have hotels, restaurants, everything really close to the track, it’s the perfect place to have a big event like this. The biggest freeways are close to us, and it’s going to be a pretty impressive event.
How long is your contact to rent the track out?
At the moment I have no idea, I hope we do a great job and everyone is happy from the spectators, Youthstream MXsports and Unlimited sports. I just want everyone to enjoy themselves and feel they saw something specia
