Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation

Visitor center shows off Axton motorsports park

Mar 28, 2008
By Bulletin STAFF. Visitors to the Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center in uptown Martinsville now can learn about another type of racing and track that call the area home.

The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp.’s Office of Tourism has coordinated the development of a new window display at the Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center, highlighting Lake Sugar Tree Motorsport Park in Axton.

“There are a number of folks in the community who are unaware of the track, and the sport for that matter,” said David Rotenizer, EDC director of tourism. “We want to help create awareness for both the track and for the positive economic impact it has upon our community.”

Pat Noel, track manager for Lake Sugar Tree, put together this display; Piedmont MotorSports of Bassett loaned two motorcycles, an ATV, and a sitting mannequin for the display; and Belk’s Department Store loaned a standing mannequin featuring riding gear provided by Lake Sugar Tree staff.

“There is a trend among newer visitor centers to feature local destination displays and exhibits. Ours is unique in that it is in the front window of a former store front which provides visibility to not only those in the center, but to those walking and driving by the outside,” Rotenizer said. “We are taking advantage of this opportunity to help showcase our many assets. It is our hope to rotate displays every three to four months to help keep things fresh and exciting for visitors and locals alike.”

This is the second window display since the center officially opened in December. The first display featured outdoor recreation with a display by the Rivers and Trails Group of the Dan River Basin Association, a canoe and kayak loaned by Smith River Junction, fishing gear by the local chapter of Trout Unlimited, a bicycle loaned by the Henry County Bike Club and hiking stick made by local artist Joyce Wray.

Lake Sugar Motorsport Park has been in business creating a motorcycle and ATV tradition for more than 30 years. When it was established, it was the first motocross facility east of the Mississippi.

The park features a Super Cross track winding 1.25 miles around its lake namesake. There also is a one-third mile Stadium Cross track with lighting to host “moonlight runs,” a 6-mile cross country track and a beginner’s route.

The track now hosts three annual events: AMA Spring Series, Grand Championship Series and the Moonlight Series.

Lake Sugar Tree also hosts students for its six MX School classes each year, instructed by Gary Bailey. Over the past 10 years, these classes have brought in more than 1,500 students from across the country as well as Canada, Bahamas, and South Africa. Bailey has been teaching since 1969 and is referred to as “the Professor of Motocross.”

“I don’t think many in our community are fully aware of how important this track is to our community. It definitely has an economic impact — as users and visitors come here they stay over, eat, shop, and buy things like gas. It is our hope that this display will help to create more awareness of Lake Sugar Tree Motorsport Park,” Rotenizer added.

The Visitor Center is at 54 W. Church St. and is co-located with the Southern Virginia Artisan Center. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.