Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park, a large motocross track located about 73 miles southeast of Los Angeles, has announced its closure due to a lawsuit stemming from a tragic accident that occurred in June. The park, which offered seven tracks for riders, made the decision to shut down after a 9-year-old girl, Brooke Carlton, was killed in an accident while riding an electric motorbike at the park. The property owner confirmed that the closure was in response to the legal issues arising from the accident, though further details about the lawsuit were not immediately provided.
Brooke Carlton’s death took place when she was riding on a track designated for off-road vehicles. Around 10 a.m., she was struck by another juvenile rider, also on an off-road motorbike. Emergency responders found Brooke unconscious and performed life-saving measures, but she was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The other rider sustained only minor injuries. An investigation into the incident was initiated by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, but there have been no major updates on the case since.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park expressed deep sadness over the incident, calling it a “freak accident.” The park clarified that it was not the time to criticize the track but to honor the life of Brooke Carlton and support her grieving family. They also organized a tribute ride in her memory. Brooke was an ambassador for Go Fast Girls, a brand for female motocross racers, and was remembered for her bright personality and love for the sport. A GoFundMe campaign was created by a family friend to assist her family during this difficult time.
The park’s closure highlights broader issues facing the motocross community, particularly related to residential development and noise complaints. The park had received numerous noise-related complaints due to new homes being built nearby, despite the fact that the track had been established long before these developments. The closure underscores the tensions between urban expansion and recreational spaces like motocross tracks, which have seen increased scrutiny over safety concerns, particularly after Carlton’s death. As a result, Go Fast Girls, the brand Carlton represented, emphasized the importance of finding solutions to balance the needs of motorsport enthusiasts with the concerns of local communities.
In light of the closure, Go Fast Girls urged the motocross community to advocate for safer and more sustainable practices at tracks, including enhanced safety protocols, such as advanced soundproofing, stricter operational hours, and better communication between tracks and neighboring residents. They emphasized the need for motorsports to adhere to rigorous safety standards while also respecting the communities they are a part of. The brand expressed that while the closure of Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park is a significant loss, it serves as a reminder of the importance of community engagement and accountability in preserving motorsport facilities for future generations.
