Ireland’s first indoor KTM electric motocross park to open in Northern Ireland in 2018

February 6, 2018

Planning permission has been granted for a purpose-built indoor electric motocross park, using pioneering KTM Freeride E bikes to bring the off-road experience indoors. Located close to Moira (junction 9 of the M1), E-Trax will be the first facility of its kind in Ireland, using e-bikes that have no gears or clutch, nor do they produce any noise or air pollution.

The 35,000 square foot centre, due to be built by June 2018, will include raised viewing gallery, coffee bar & restaurant as well as two core tracks. The first for children as young as five, where they can come and try out the sport in a safe and controlled environment; the second will be a super-cross style, fast flowing track with banked corners, rhythm sections and table top jumps. This track has also be designed to be the first in the UK to offer MX Duals - where two riders compete against the clock and each other on identical tracks in the opposite direction.

The motocross park will be Ireland’s first certified KTM e-park. E-Trax is thrilled to have the backing of this well-known global brand.

Matt Walker, KTM, UK Managing Director;“I’m very pleased to welcome E-Trax as a KTM Experience Partner, and we wish the venture every success. Offering the opportunity to ride the KTM Freeride E in this professionally run environment is a great way to showcase the wide range of skills of the machine and to have a great experience with the KTM brand. Both new and more experienced riders will be able enjoy the KTM Freeride E’s abilities throughout the year, and given Northern Ireland’s passion for motorcycling, we expect that E-Trax will thrive in the community.”

The Governing Body of Off Road Motorcycle Sport in Northern Ireland (the MRA) share their enthusiasm for the new centre; “We are very excited to see this new development which will mean year round, covered facilities for both novice and expert riders alike. The equipment E-Trax will be using is world class and we see this facility as a great first step into the exciting and dynamic world of off-road motorcycling, with the added advantage of minimal environmental impact as well.

Gareth and the team at E-Trax came to the MRA for advice and guidance on our coaching requirements and they have met all our requirements. As the author of the MRA Coaching Strategy developed in conjunction with SportNI, and supporter of coaching in sport generally, I am delighted to see this new facility opening in Northern Ireland.” Malcolm Beattie, MRA Press Officer, MRA SportNI Liaison Officer, MRA Director.

Company Directors Gareth George and Kyle Rainey commented; “We would like to thank Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council for dealing with our planning application so quickly and efficiently.

“We are excited to bring this unique all-weather indoor facility to Northern Ireland. It will give everyone the opportunity to experience riding an off-road motorcycle in a fun, informal, yet controlled manner.

“With Northern Ireland’s world class track at Desertmartin, and international road races like the Ulster Grand Prix and North West 200, there has always been a massive following of motorcycle sport here. Yet with limited facilities and the unpredictable weather it can be hard to find somewhere to ride. We have no intention of trying to replace great outdoor practice tracks such as Magilligan or Mid Ulster - places that we use ourselves - but to create somewhere that people can come to try it out, or practice their skills all year round using the latest in electric motorcycle technology.”

Welcoming the new facility to Lisburn and Castlereagh, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure and Community Development Committee, Alderman James Tinsley said: “On behalf of the Council, I am extremely delighted to welcome another first class sporting attraction to the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area.

“I envisage that the new E-Trax venture will provide significant investment to the area, as well as complement the superb sport and leisure facilities available across Lisburn and Castlereagh. It is also a fitting addition to the popularity of motorsport in the vicinity, especially as part of the Council area is home to the world’s fastest road race, the Ulster Grand Prix, which we are extremely proud to be part of.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish Gareth and Kyle every success and I look forward to the official launch later this year and seeing many children enjoy their first off-road motorcycle experience.”

Catering for kids parties, corporate events, team building, club meetings, and stag/hen parties, as well as experienced motocross riders who are looking for additional ride time, the centre is aiming to become a destination hub for all things motocross.