After 5 years in the planning and construction, Australia's first indoor motocross track is open for business at Eastern Creek.
The story of the Sydney Indoor Motocross Dome (MX Dome) began when a family of Motocross enthusiasts, weren't able to take to their bikes on a cold and rainy wintery weekend.
Youngest son Luca threw an idea out to his parents Matthew and Barbara Bartolo about having somewhere indoors to ride.
The idea stuck with Matthew and after years of planning, meetings and research both in Australia and overseas, the Bartolos submitted the project plans to Blacktown City Council for Development Application (DA) approval.
"Blacktown City Council were really supportive of the project," said Matthew Bartolo.
"It took just 6 weeks for formal DA Approval to come through for this one of a kind project."
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said, "Former Mayor Stephen Bali and I saw the potential for the MX Dome when Matthew Bartolo first came to see us many years ago.
"The MX Dome provides riders of all ages with a safe, legal, controlled venue to ride in all weather conditions.
"This facility is located in the heart of Australia's premier motorsport hub which includes Sydney Motorsport Park for car and motorcycle racing and training, Sydney Dragway, Sydney Premier Karting Park and a number of automotive research and development businesses."
The inflated MX Dome cost more than $5 million to construct and is anchored to concrete piers that were sunk 30-metres into the ground.
The 12,000 square metre facility can be reconfigured to cater for a variety events, holding up to 10,000 spectators.
Mayor Bleasdale joined the Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali MP on a tour of the MX Dome to mark the opening of the facility.
Pic shows: (from left) Barbara Bartolo, Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Matthew Bartolo, and the Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali MP, give a big 'thumbs up' for the MX Dome.
