Retired Pro Robert Settles Has Big Plans For Aztec Motocross Track
Retired pro racer Robert Settles has big plans for his Aztec Motocross Track. New Mexico motocross has had its ups and downs over the past few decades, especially in the northern ‘four corner’ region. One of the only non-private tracks that holds races in that area is located in Aztec, New Mexico. Between 2006 and 2008, the track was “owned” by several different organizations. Unfortunately, none of those groups had what it took to keep the racing effort alive there. The 2008 season finished with the owners backing out of the 2009 season. The track, full of amazing natural terrain, had tremendous potential, but it sat there waiting for the right person to take over and take it to the next level. That person, was Robert Settles, owner of No Limit MX.
Robert Settles, age 31, is a native Arizonian, who now resides in the beautiful state of Colorado. Settles’ journey into motocross started when he was just 11 years old. Like many, he started out as a weekend warrior trail rider, but dirt bikes quickly became the love of his life. Just a few years later, at age 15, he started racing, following successful convincing of his parents support. Robert would race local motocross tracks, as well as off road and desert races, working towards his dream of being a professional motocross racer. Amazingly, Robert achieved his goal quickly, and turned pro at the age of 17. Around the same time, the WORCS series, which is now the premier off road racing series in the U.S. was born. Wanting to take his love of desert and off road racing to a competitive level, Robert began racing the WORCS series professionally for the next several years. He had numerous top finishes, but suffered serious injury that eventually forced him to quit racing professionally. After his racing career ended, Settles started an excavation company because of his solid expertise with tractors. He was doing random work at the time, but really began to get into the track building side of things…and ultimately built own his own professional track. One thing lead to another and thanks to some great opportunities, Robert wound up taking over the Aztec Motocross Track in 2009.
“When I started my adventure with the Aztec Motocross Track, I knew the place had so much potential. It needed a lot of work, and it needed structure as far as the business end of things, so I saw it as a great challenge.” His vision was to transform the place from what was once just a local riding area, into a national caliber motocross facility. “I think we’ve done a pretty good job at moving along with all the goals we set forth from the very beginning. We still have a little ways to go, but within the next few years we hope to see some really big events out here” said Robert. After almost four years, the Aztec Motocross Track has come a long ways. There are now five amazing tracks on the No Limit MX property that Robert has re-built. He maintains a national track, a supercross track, a kids track, a grand prix track, and a pit bike track… as well as a little BMX park too. Some day he hopes to have enhanced facilities, a bigger race series, and possibly even a supercross team. Robert and the No Limit MX crew have big things in store for the upcoming racing seasons. Settles was not willing to release every detail, but he did give us insight on quite a few changes to expect in the near future. One of the biggest plans is to host a national event. The track already hosts major events such as Ponca City qualifiers and Loretta Lynn Area Qualifiers, but Robert is looking to put on a “one of a kind” event… similar to Gatorback’s Mini O’s. New obstacles are currently in the works, as well as a new FMX park. Robert is also seeking additional sponsors heading into 2013. “We’re always looking to get support and bring new people on. That’s one of the biggest things that helps us to progress. When we start doing some national events here, we are looking at getting some industry sponsors such as Kawasaki or Honda, or any of the big names as far as a contingency program goes. On the local level we’ve got the greatest group of sponsors out there right now. None of this would be possible without them.”
Asides from being a retired pro racer and a track owner, Robert is also an extremely talented track builder. He can build anything from an amateur level track, to a full blown professional motocross track. Motocross, supercross, arenacross, bmx, fmx, endurocross, … you name it, Robert can build it with precision. Robert is open to traveling anywhere to make it happen and is as passionate about track building. Three years ago, I witnessed firsthand, his amazing capabilities when he built a full sized motocross track in my family’s back yard near Durango, Colorado. The track is now used as a training facility for my brother and many local up and coming amateur motocross racers, like Brandon Smith, Kyle Guin, Matt Breman and Jessica Taylor. “This place is as sick as Eli’s (Tomac) track” a test rider recently said. We’ve always gotten positive feedback about how well constructed our track is, including how much fun it is to ride. Be sure to check out Settles’ websites nolimitmxracing.com and aztecmx.com for more information. And stay tuned to the Chronic MX facebook page for news and photos of upcoming events. Reporting for Chronic MX, I’m Kristen Goldman….Braaap!
A big thanks goes out to all the 2012 NLMX sponsors: Golden Equipment Company/Volvo, Southwest Ag /Kubota, Maxum Petroleum, Handlebar Cycles, Core Oilfield Services, M&R Trucking, Billings Electric, Raw Media Group, D&M Welding, New Country Auto Center, Harpole Construction, Twin Stars, Pathfinder, AC Fence Company, C&J Equipment Mfg, Answer Racing, MSR, Pro Taper, Tucker Rocky Distributing, Works Connection, Adept Limited, Fun Center Cycles, Scott USA, Rusk Racing Decals, and Intermountain Construction, as well as the NLMX staff, volunteers, racers and families!
