Yamaha’s 18-year-old Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) has awarded a $50,000 grant to the storied Perris Raceway in Southern California’s Inland Empire to improve the historic facility. Previously, Yamaha OAI focused on public lands. However, the program now recognizes the importance of private motocross tracks as an outlet for off-road motorcycling, particularly the competition-only YZ models sold without a USFS-approved spark arrester.
“The grant provides Perris Raceway with critical funds to support facility and maintenance projects to improve safety and security for riders and staff, including updated perimeter fencing, structural repairs, signage, and pole pads,” noted a Yamaha OAI press release. “By supporting improvements to the track’s safety and security, this grant also mitigates risks that historically challenged the track’s viability.”
Yamaha AOI also called out other manufacturers to join the fight: “While we celebrate the achievements of the team at the Perris Raceway thanks to Yamaha’s support, the needs of this facility and those like it across this country extend far beyond the resources of one company. The time is long since past for the industry to recognize the importance of tracks for the motocross community, and now broad support across the industry as a whole is needed.”
An event this month at Perris Raceway celebrated and highlighted the $50,000. Supercross and motocross legend Ryan Villopoto attended, and in the evening, riders took to the track under the lights.
Located less than two miles southwest of the Perris City Hall, Perris Raceway stands as the oldest motocross track on the West Coast. It began over 70 years ago as a half-mile flat track and TT course. By the late 1960s, the Continental Motosport Club (CMC) brought motocross racing to the site.
Perris Raceway appeared in the iconic 1971 motorcycle documentary On Any Sunday, showing riders tossing aside gear mid-race and battling through dusty turns.
In the 1990s, motocross legend Goat Breker took over, breathing new life into the facility. The Hot Summer Nights series became a staple, drawing crowds for night races under bright lights. Perris Raceway hosted events such as the Invitational Supercross, building a strong family community.
A vet track and pee-wee course provided a riding outlet for those not suited to the main track. Occasionally, trials riders competed on boulders that then dotted the northwest portion of the property.
The turn of the century brought tough times. Ownership changed often, and poor prep led to rough layouts and fewer riders. Tracks got overgrown, and drainage issues turned rain days into mud fests.
A revival came in 2017 with fresh management. Track designer Austin Prida smoothed out the dirt and added flowy sections for all skill levels.
In 2022, WTP Motorsports stepped in, led by Scott Cooney and partners. They closed briefly for a massive overhaul: GPS-mapped drainage, a new Supercross area, better lighting, and safety upgrades like full-time medics and strict pit rules.
Today, in 2025, Perris thrives with a $50,000 Yamaha grant for fencing and signs. Fees stay low—kids can race a Stacyc for $10—with weeknight racing on weekdays and open practice on Wednesdays and weekends.
