Next Level MX

Next Level MX is premium motocross in the Heartland: a private outdoor facility tucked into a beautiful spot on Downey Crossing in Cambria, Illinois, in the Carbondale corridor of far southern Illinois. The operation runs on a scheduled-event rhythm rather than daily gates, and the calendar leans hard into rider development: Little Bike Training sessions (often Wednesday evenings) built for youth and beginner track riders, Big Bike Nights for adults and larger-displacement classes, and fully groomed prepped practice days on select Saturdays or Sundays open to all skill levels. Weekend practice runs about $30 on the youth track and $40 on the main track, with training nights around $50 a rider. The grounds include wheelchair-accessible parking and entry, and the property shares its site with the Next Level RC Raceway, a popular local radio-controlled car track. Dates move with track prep and weather, so check the Facebook page before loading up.

Practice sessions run in split groups rather than sending everyone out together: A/B riders jump all the jumps, C riders jump most of them, D riders roll most of them, and the Little Bikes get their own group. Bring cash, that is the only payment taken.