A site that is the size of three football fields in Tuas is currently being turned into a haven for motorcross enthusiasts by a local developer.

'LAM WHO?'

Lam Chee Development Pte Ltd was awarded the 25,000 square metre plot - tentatively-named 'Lam Chee Central' - in June, and construction began shortly after that. Only one other bid was received by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) for the site located next to Tuas Bus Terminal from the Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA), which tried to secure the plot for $2,541 a month.

Mr William Oh, Director of Lam Chee Development Pte Ltd, told AsiaOne Motoring that he was not venturing into the motorsports arena to make a profit, but was doing this to promote sport of motorcross in Singapore.

Formerly a biker himself, the 46-year-old Mr Oh used to zip around on his motorcycle against other speedsters, but gave it up after a few years when there weren't any proper facilities for him and his riding buddies to race on.

The Tuas West site in its current state

A SLA statement earlier today said that Lam Chee would commit at least $250,000 to develop the site, but Mr Oh feels that this is a rather conservative figure. After factoring in the rental fee of $8,521 per month - which works out to be more than $200,000 over two years - Mr Oh expects to pump in about $500,000 on his motorcross mission.

Following news of his successful bid, and the party he had been up against, Mr Oh was quick to approach the SMSA for help with operating the new track.

Mr Peter Tan, SMSA's Vice President, confirmed that they would be working with Lam Chee on managing the track, but details were still being worked out between both parties.

Mr Hoe Boon Meng, General Manager of Hong Leong Corporation Holdings Pte Ltd, which is the sole distributor for Yamaha motorcycles, hailed the permanent track as a step in the right direction, as many young riders now have to cross the causeway to "release stress" and "vent their frustrations".

On possible plans to tie up with his venture, Mr Hoe said his firm is open to sponsorship opportunities and possibly a broader range of bikes as well. But with these added amenities and opportunities, he also hopes that more regional races would be staged here, to help raise the skill level of local riders.

CHEAPER THAN PASIR GUDANG

According to bikers who frequent Pasir Gudang, it costs about RM50 an hour to use the track. Some 100 riders from Singapore converge there each week to use the facilities.

Current projections from SMSA indicate that up to 100 local riders will be able to use the Tuas track for an estimated $20 - $25 per rider, per day.

One motorcross biker who may resume the sport is ex-national sailor and SEA Games medalist Naomi Tan, 39.
A weekend warrior who traded her car for a scrambler, she used to hit the trails in Johor rubber plantatations on Saturdays and Sundays. The group she rode with also frequented the now defunct Loyang area, but this irked the residents of nearby condominiums, who complained about the noise. Naomi gave up biking and has since gone back to a softer sedan.

"Though I haven't personally seen the plans for the new track, I think it'll be good for riders who aren't so skilled, but still want to experience dirt biking. The Loyang trails were more like a playground for performing stunts, and was quite technical," she said, welcoming the news about the new motorcross haven in Tuas.