
From its creation in 1968 to its end in 1984, Saddleback Park, with its seemingly endless system of tracks and trails, wasthe epicenter of American motocross.
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
PHOTOS: DICK MILLER ARCHIVES
Few names in the lexicon of American motocross strike as many emotions as Saddleback Park. It was a Southern California “theme park” for off-road motorcycles, mini-bikes, ATVs, go-karts and more. Founded in 1968 by magazine publisher Joe Parkhurst and his partner Vic Wilson, Saddleback Park was the mecca of motocross, a 700-acre home to countless events, product shoots, TV shows, movie sets, and more. But then on September 7, 1984, the landlord, a real estate conglomerate known as the Irvine Company, shut the gates for good on dirt bikes. This is the story of America’s first off-road motorsports park. Hard to believe Saddleback Park is now 40 years gone—and still undeveloped.
We are deeply rooted in Moto—We’ve been here all our lives. Back in 1998 when we turned an underground newspaper into a shiny color magazine, it immediately changed the game with its unprecedented depth of coverage, sense of humor, and access to the sport’s biggest names. Today, our readers know they can go to Racer X Online for all the news, race results, and event coverage they need, and then enjoy even more detail and perspective in the pages of Racer X Illustrated. The mag offers a chance to learn something new on every page and stay connected with the people and personalities that shape our sport—the competitors out on the racetrack, as well as the ones behind the scenes—through our exclusive deep-dive stories and columns.
Our trademark has always been insider knowledge from the experts who are at the races and around the sport. We have long prided ourselves on our unparalleled race reporting and detailed storytelling. We go deep with the riders and teams to provide comprehensive coverage you won’t find anywhere else—all with first-class photography and design. It’s a full education in motocross past, present, and future.
Davey Coombs
Editor-in-chief & Founder
Racer X Illustrated
Subscribe Now
to continue reading 40 Years Gone Saddleback Park
and other premium content from the pages of Racer X magazine
Get immediate access to this issue + 12 more issues
Subscribe or Renew for your FREE 2026 Racer X Calendar! (Subscribe now!)
Already have a subscription?
Login to your Account




