Dane Herron Prepares a Qualcomm Masterpiece for NAVY Moto X World Championships

April 9, 2008 - San Diego, CA - There's an impressive roster of motorcycle freestyle and racing stars on tap for the NAVY Moto X World Championships this weekend at Qualcomm stadium. And while the crowd will clamor for an up-close view of fan favorite riders like Pastrana, Carmichael, or Deegan, the riders themselves will be zeroed-in on an epic creation from track designer Dane Herron.

His name may not be familiar to the average MXWC ticket buyer but as head honcho of Dane Herron Industries, the soft spoken El Cajon native travels the globe catering to the needs of top riders and promoters. One look at Herron's impressive handiwork and it's easy to understand why he is revered as a virtuoso of dirt and modern day Michelangelo for the death defying, knobby tire fraternity. Likewise when ESPN needed something far beyond the average, run-of-the-mill stadium motocross track for this event, it makes sense that Dane Herron was the man they recruited for the task.

Overlooking what a few days earlier was the turf covered San Diego Chargers playing field, Herron offered this, "I've built a lot of tracks for a lot of riders and events over the years but nothing compares to this baby. It's over the top. All it took was more dirt than anyone's ever used before, 13,000-cubic yards, and eight tough guys with earth moving equipment. It was a lot of work but I think we ended up with something very unique and special for the Moto X fans and riders."

If early reactions to Herron's incredible layout are any indication, it may prove to be the most spectacular stadium motorcycle "performance space" ever conceived (the term "track" just doesn't do it justice). Highlights and interesting features include:

Working in conjunction with Mennenga Tracks, Herron used 13,000-cubic yards of dirt. The most ever for any stadium motorcycle freestyle or supercross event.

A 20-foot quarter-pipe similar to the skateboard inspired originally for skateboard competition.

A system of ramps connects supermoto riders from the high-speed paved sections outside the stadium through a narrow passage next to Qualcomm's scoreboard, over the seating area, eventually plunging down to the stadium floor dirt section.

Racers will finish in style courtesy of Herron's 18.5-foot "hipped" over-under finish line.

Despite Herron's easy going manner he's quick to admit that his life as track builder can be grueling. By Sunday when the last motorcycle clears the last obstacle of the weekend's last event, thoughts will be on getting to Brazil and the track he'll build there for another April event.

"I love my job and having opportunities like this to work with ESPN," said Herron. "It's just ridiculous how busy it gets sometimes. But everytime I build something like the Qualcomm track, I fall in love all over again!" 
  
Tickets for the NAVY Moto X World Championships are $10, $20 and $25 with free pit access included in the $20 and $25 tickets. Military discounts are offered - $5 discount from a $25 ticket and $3 discount from a $20 ticket. The Moto X World Championship 24-hour Tailgate is available through ticketmaster.com as well. The two-day RV parking pass offers picnic tables, power, port-a-johns and a common area.

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Information on all X Games events can be found on www.expn.com