The popularity of oversized SUVs is attributable to the proliferation of big-box retailers. How else is a person supposed to carry home a year's supply of toilet paper for a family of five? As symbiotic as the two are, both SUVs and big-box retailers are a matter of contention. SUVs are often frowned upon as polluting, gas-guzzling superfluous vehicles. And although big-box chain stores save consumers money, they are frequently accused of eradicating the small town retailer.

So what happens in the powersports industry when what was once a diminutive mom-and-pop shop flourishes to the point of expanding into the discarded edifice of a defunct big-box retailer? Does the family-owned business become a powersports Godzilla, stomping on smaller dealerships while rampaging its way to more profits?

When Renton Motorcycles (RMC) moved into its 120,000 sq. ft. structure in Renton, Washington, last year, there was uncertainty about how to utilize the cavernous location. The ultimate decision to "support the sport" was not only a righteous one, but also more advantageous when compared to the other choices.

"Our first idea was to put motorcycles in about half and sublease the other portion of the building," recalls co-owner Bob Lanphere Jr. "We had a bowling alley that wanted to come in, we had a basketball deal that wanted to come in, and I thought, 'Other than the rent they're going to be paying, it's not going to boost our business with our customers.'

"So then, through the process of negotiations, we decided not to do that, and instead built a racetrack and restaurant, which helps our motorcycle store in the winter when we're slow," he says.

MXers, Ovals & Eats

The dealership's Wide Open Indoor Sports Arena occupies 50,000 sq. ft. of the RMC building. Actual riding area measures 285 feet long by 135 feet wide by 38 feet high.

"It was designed to promote the sport of motorcycle racing, and to help sell motorcycles in the dealership next door," says arena manager/promoter Mickey Fay.

As a factory rider for American Honda from '79 to '83, Fay won his first flat track national at the Houston Astrodome in '79. He also raced for Honda in the original Superbikers of the early '80s. So Fay himself is a walking motorcycle racing promotion. He's also an obvious choice for designing and switching the track from a motocross layout to a flat track oval every two weeks.