Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park, a longtime haven for thrill-seeking motocross enthusiasts in Southern California, has announced its permanent closure in the wake of a devastating accident that claimed the life of 9-year-old Brooke Carlton. In a heartbreaking Instagram post, park officials cited a lawsuit stemming from the June 4th incident as the primary catalyst for the shutdown, leaving the local community devastated.
A “Freak Accident”
Brooke, described as a “pint-sized star” and “spitfire” by those close to her, was an avid motorcycle racer. She was riding an electric motorcycle on a designated off-road vehicle track on that fateful June day when she collided with another child rider.
“Brooke had life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital, where she later died,” the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office reported. The other child involved escaped with only minor injuries. Park officials were quick to characterize the incident as a “freak accident,” expressing their deep sadness over the tragedy.
“We are truly sad about the situation. This was such a freak accident, as the parent said,” Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park posted on Instagram shortly after the incident. “This is not a time to bash the track but a time to remember this little girl and support her family.”
A Lawsuit And Sudden Closure
However, after Brooke’s death, the Carlton family reportedly filed a lawsuit, adding to the park’s grief. In their announcement of the park’s closure, officials said the “property owner has terminated our agreement, as they are being brought into [the lawsuit] as well.” “It would be in their best interest to have the track closed. I can’t say that I blame them,” the post continued, although a lawyer for the Carlton family denied the existence of any such lawsuit.
A Beloved Community Hub
The news of the park’s closure has sent shockwaves through the local motocross community, who have long considered the facility a cornerstone of their sport and culture. It’s part of what makes Lake Elsinore unique. We’ve got the lake, and we’ve got the motorsports,” said local resident Shawn Bradbury. Shawn Bradbury said, “As far as I know, that has always been a really safe place that comes highly recommended.”
For years, Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park had been a hub for riders of all ages, hosting a variety of events and drawing visitors from across the state. “It has been an honor and a pleasure to see you all at the track,” the park stated in its final message, acknowledging the vibrant community it had fostered over its 9-year run.
Brooke’s Lasting Legacy
While the park’s closure may mark the end of an era, the memory of Brooke Carlton will undoubtedly live on, both in the hearts of her loved ones and the broader motocross community she was so passionate about. Described as a “total spitfire” who “knew what she wanted,” Brooke was an ambassador for the motorsports apparel brand Go Fast Girls, using her platform to inspire other young riders.
“For those that REALLY knew Brooke, she was a total spitfire that knew what she wanted, and there was no way of getting around it,” family friend Ally Giles wrote in a tribute on a GoFundMe page set up to support the Carlton family.
As the community grapples with the sudden loss of this beloved motorsports hub, they will also continue to honor Brooke’s memory and the joy she brought to the sport she loved. “Thank you to the MX and jet ski community for how you have rallied in support of us and of Brooke,” her family wrote. “Thank you for coming together in so many ways.” Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park may have closed its doors, but the legacy of Brooke Carlton and the vibrant community she was a part of will endure.
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