Florida Tracks & Trails
Florida Tracks & Trails, extreme sports or family fun, your choice
The beauty of Florida Tracks & Trails is that extreme sport junkies can not only get their fix, but we mere mortals can play, too. Located in Punta Gorda, this exhilarating and massive 1,000-acre venue is about buzzing energy with specific areas designated for motocross and ATV riding, paintballing, a planned zip-lining course and music festivals. Heck, the place even has a 12-acre water feature with white sand and crisp, clear water. Here’s our Florida Tracks & Trails beginner’s guide:
TRACKS
Built by Dream Traxx, this American Motorcyclist Association-sanctioned facility offers a pro track for hard-core rippers, an amateur track to boost your game, and a beginner’s track for those just getting into the MX scene. There’s also a pee-wee track for youngsters grooving on smaller equipment. FTT provides MX training, an ATV/UTV family track, and a mud track targeting ATV/UTV riders. A Motorsports Pro Shop has supplies and equipment, including a rental fleet. J.T. Liberty, owner of Lee County Black Smoke, a Floridabased events firm, appreciates the scope of the FTT playing field and has drag-racing events lined up throughout 2017. “It’s a one-of-a-kind facility,” he says, “and one of the nation’s largest outdoor motorsports arenas.”
EXTREME MOTORSPORTS
While colossal tires grind through heavy dirt, and drivers rip along aided by metal muscle, extreme motorsports and the Mega Truck Series fire serious excitement in Southwest Florida. Steve Gorr, owner of the mega truck Kill Shot, and driver Chris Libak head the formidable team that left Libak as the 2016 Mega Truck Series champion. Gorr loves to compete at Florida Tracks & Trails. “It’s nice because it’s like our hometown crowd,” he says,
“and while we do a lot of dragging, [FTT] also has some of the biggest jumps we’ve ever done.” Although a lot of these racers are friends, they all want to win― it’s the competiveness that motivates these crews to keep their vehicles fit and amped for intense action.
TRAILS
Whatever your trail-riding experience, you’ll feel the thrill of navigating through 22-plus miles of genuine Florida country. Watch out for wild beasts as you work through the backwoods with the throttle cranked, or just cruise at your favorite pace. It’s yet another fun, all-levels zone for everyone in your tribe.
PAINTBALL
Eighty-plus acres of scenarios and speedball fields create the ultimate setting to psych you up for the showdown. Newbies are encouraged to charge into battle, and vets will feel at home among fellow troupers. Year-round events are held; late January kicks off with a Dreaded Legends tournament. There is an onsite supply shop for purchasing paint (mandatory).
ENTERTAINMENT
Fifty-six acres are reserved for all occasions. You can book space to get hitched; see some familiar, if not ripening, faces at a reunion; throw the bash of the decade celebrating the wonderful day you were born, or rock out with your favorite musicians at a venue fit to rival Woodstock. Entertainers such as Reba McEntire have appeared at this very spot. Admission fees apply.
ZIP-LINE
If you’re at least 8 years old and a bit smaller than the average NFL linebacker, you can get that high-flying feeling amid the pines. With acres upon acres of zipping set to soar into action in 2017, this attraction will add a new dimension for those eager to do some sightseeing, eco-style. You’re harnessed for safety, it’s not too difficult to manage, and zip-lining is wildly popular in Florida.
THE BEACH
Here you can pull up with the family to set up camp, making a relaxing home base. While the kids are frolicking in shark-free waters, you can prop up grandma’s favorite chair under a palm so she can take pleasure in the view, or she can visit a beach tiki bar while you effortlessly traverse and explore this unique adventure park to your heart’s desire. Check the Florida Tracks & Trails Facebook or website for more information, videos and upcoming events.
J.J. Brito is a seasoned world traveler residing in Florida. A keen surfer, he loves spending time in the Fijian Islands and writing about his zeal for life and freedom.