I came across this on vurbmoto.com:
INDUSTRY INSIDER: JASON ELLIS
Author: Megan Blackburn Features | Saturday, 14 November 2009 17:05
Mesquite MX in Nevada has been gaining a ton of media hype over the last few months and for good reason. Not only is this one of the most primo riding spots on the left coast, it's highly likely that it will be the new location for the renowned World Mini race in 2010. That's right, it looks as if the Las Vegas World Mini Grand Prix is uprooting and heading to a new location in 2010. Learn this and more from our interview with Mesquite track owner Jason Ellis.
Hey, Jason! Right around the corner is the annual Thanksgiving Winter National, a race you've put on for the racers of Southern Utah & Nevada for the Thanksgiving holiday! What do you have in store for this years race?
JE- Yes it coming up in 11 days, and this year I am taking it to the next level with the help of Rockstar Energy and Pro Skin. Last year we had 1,500 entries and this year we are expecting between 1,700 and 2,000. It is a three-moto format, which I like using better. It adds for more racing and everyone to feel like they got there money worth. We understand things are not like they used to be, people can't afford to spend a lot of money traveling across country to Florida, so we are the answer to that. We are expecting a lot of Pros. We offer a free Thanksgiving dinner and Saturday night we offer free Pit Bike races on the mini track, which is getting to be something on its own. Maxxis is doing a movie and game night every night for the kids. It's going to be a great event.
Your track in Mesquite, NV officially opened for the Winter in September. With the downsizing economy, how has your practice turn out been?
JE- Well like I was saying times are tough and we understand that probably the most. It is very expensive to have an MX track but at the same time very fun. This year we have dropped our price for practice to $25 and we offer all sorts of programs, like the Intern program. Work for a day, ride for a day. Our practices are great with 80-100 riders for practice each weekend.
What type of cutbacks are you experiencing?
JE- Well the easiest way to put it is, penny pinching. (Laughs) You just have to be careful on what you buy.
So where exactly did you start in the motocross industry before you came to ownership of the track?
JE- (Laughs) I was a racer traveling around the country. From the beginning of my riding days we have always owned a motocross track, whether it was my ranch track or Mesquite MX. It is not an easy thing running a track, I am the track builder, race promoter, bill payer and just everything else sometimes, although I do have great help! But it's not as easy and cool as most people might think. I love doing it and look forward to having one the BEST Motocross Parks in the West Coast. It is getting better every year!
Will Mesquite take over the World Mini Grand Prix in 2010? Only time will tell.
Rumor has it that your are hosting the 2010 World Mini Grand Prix! Is that true?!
JE- I have been getting this a lot. And all I can say is that Mesquite MX and NMA are working on a 2010 contract for the World Mini Grand Prix. It is looking very good and, is going to be a good change for the race. NMA will be posting what they are doing within a week or so.
Randy Black, an influential commercial property investor of Mesquite, has backed you up for many years with the motocross park. Tell us a little about your relationship with him and how he has helped you as a businessman...
JE- Well my family and the Black's have always been family friends. He looks at my young age of 23 and respects what I am doing and going to do for the future of the track. If I need anything, he is there to help. My father is the man behind the scene helping me and pointing me in the right direction. So a lot of thanks to my pops.
So accommodating to the thousands of people that attend the event, what do you feel you will bring to the table that will differ from years prior?
JE- Well I guess I learn from the last event and always fix what needs to be in order to make the track become a better place for people to come race. It's just always a learning curve. Let's just say I have figured out how it all works. And I need to prefect it now..
You have also been hosting a round for the World Off Road Championship Series for a few years, as a track director, what type of man power does it require to transform the park into a 4+ mile off-road/motocross course?
JE- It's a great event to be hosting. It is also a lot of work. I don't have a crew of guys that work for me. Just me and one other guy and he is a buddy of mine who got me started in motocross. So it's just a lot of work non-stop for three weeks.
Are you hosting any other Winter races or series?
JE- Yeah, I am glad you asked! Mesquite MX, Sandy Valley MX and Boulder City MX are holding the first Tri State series to be the next big thing to hit Vegas.
What type of track changes or new events will be on the 2010 agenda?
JE- I always change the track because I ride it a lot and am really picky. So if a section doesn't feel right on a bike I fix it right away. It is a lot different building a track in a tractor, it might look good but as soon as you ride it, it might not flow. I have a good sand and clay mix. It is very soft and I pride myself on having a great track because I care and ride too. As far as how to keep up with the track changes you can go to
www.mesquitemx.com and check us out on Twitter as well as text messages for the latest updates..
Thank you for your time Jason and we'll see you at the Thanksgiving Winter National!
JE- Thanks, and if anyone has any questions feel free to e-mail me @
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 702-885-7391
