Sunset Ridge MX

Sunset Ridge MX is a family-owned, family-oriented motocross and ATV track on 1100 E Street outside Walnut, in Bureau County, north-central Illinois, about 90 minutes west of Chicago off Interstate 80 and four miles south of Normandy. The main track runs about 1.6 miles over natural terrain with man-made obstacles, long by Midwest standards, and has been drawing riders of every ability for more than 25 years. A separate 50 track handles the 50cc 4-8, PW, Wobbler, girls and beginner classes, while the 50 Jr and Sr kids race the big track. The motto on the home page is a safe, fun, family atmosphere, and the track backs it with Sunset Ridge EMS, its own Illinois-licensed ambulance service run by 4P Promotions since 2005 that has never billed a rider for treatment or transport.

The calendar is why serious amateurs know the place: Loretta Lynn area qualifiers, the ATV National, pro-am racing, the WFO GP, Midwest VMX vintage rounds, AMA District 17 points races and the track's own five-round Sunset Stampede Series, whose 2026 finale with District bonus points and the Ch4se Challenge landed on October 11 after weather pushed two rounds. Race Sundays open the gate at 6 AM with sign-up from 6:30 to 9 and the riders meeting at 8:30; entry is $40 per trophy class and $45 for A classes online, five dollars more at the track, with AMA and District 17 membership required and transponder timing. Practice days run in sessions by size and skill from 9 to 3 for $40 a rider with a $5 spectator gate and no memberships needed, posted on the site, Facebook and the track line, with Wednesday practices announced week to week.

Everybody on the property, riders and minor spectators alike, completes the current online waiver; minors need both parents on the waiver and one parent on site or a notarized guardian transfer, no exceptions. Pit vehicles are for race crews only, adult drivers, 10 mph, registered with a $25 season permit, and electric scooters are banned. The grounds have full concessions and a Country Store on event days, primitive camping at $20 a night with no hookups and no open fires, portable toilets with wash stations, hot-water shower units during daylight hours, and an electronic registration process. Private track rentals book through [email protected], the general inbox is [email protected], and the track line is (815) 379-9534. GPS can route big rigs onto bad roads, so use caution on the way in.