Saturday, June 17, 2006 3:55 PM CDT
By
Daniel Sheets
Texarkana Gazette
Diamonds in the rough aren’t easy to find, but you’d think one would be if it covered 600 acres.
Just below Fouke lies James Caswell’s “diamond in the rough” land, which includes 200 acres of sandbar along the Red River as well as some 400 additional acres.
A few years ago Caswell, a cattle and pecan farmer, decided to open and develop his land for ATV’s in hopes of providing a facility that would attract riders near and far.
Since then, he’s developed three mud pits, a dual mud drag strip, five mile trail, freestyle moto-cross track and a 100-yard dual dirt drag strip, not to mention the sand bar.
“This is the best-kept secret around here that I know of,” Caswell said. “It’s just good, honest people out here. It’s family entertainment. Parents can bring their children, and grandparents can bring their grandchildren.”
It’s safe to say that Caswell is beginning to attract attention. On June 10, over 100 riders made their way to Caswell’s land for the Red River Sand Drag Races.
Josh Holcomb, a frequent rider, prefers the sandbar riding with numerous natural ramps.
“It’s a place to have fun,” Caswell said. “It’s open all the time, and everyone gets along out here. You can take your four wheeler in the mud or ride it on the dirt and sand. You can do both water and land out here, and we’ve got a camping area. We’ve got it all.”
For most riders, Caswell has created a much needed facility for this region.
There aren’t many places that offer ATV riders the amount of land, versatility, and accessibility as Caswell’s. The closest location of its kind is in Waynoka, Okla., which is near the Oklahoma panhandle, according to Caswell.
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There aren’t many places that offer ATV riders the amount of land, versatility, and accessibility as Caswell’s. The closest location of its kind is in Waynoka, Okla., which is near the Oklahoma panhandle, according to Caswell.
“If you can’t have fun down here, it’s your fault,” Caswell joked. “It’s a place for people to get the work week out of their minds, get away and relax.”
This is the second year that the land has been open, which is available seven days a week. There is a $5 charge for everyone over 12, except for events such as the Red River Sand Drag Races, which is $5 for every four wheeler and person.
Caswell makes sure riders know they are at their own risk. Signs are posted throughtout the land encouraging safety in ATV areas and sanity in camp area.
“My motto’s always been, ‘if you show respect, you’ll get respect’,” he said. “And that’s how it is out here.”
Caswell has had to reprimand a few riders, but for the most part everyone that frequents his land behaves properly. He also enforces safety in the water as well, as he makes swimming in pairs a rule.
Local businesses are starting to support the races as well. Companies such as Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Bombardier hang banners on the land.
Races are held every two weeks, and plans are in the works for a schedule with a points system. Drag racing, moto-cross, cross country trail races and possibly others are to come. Each race will have four different divisions: kids, utility, sport and race.
The next scheduled race is June 24.
Article Reference:
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/arti...s/sports01.txt 
