So you wanna race motocross? Awesome!
This guide will help new riders understand what’s involved in motocross racing. The sport is super fun but also challenging.
Keep in mind that the rules we talk about are general – always check with your local track for their specific rules.
First, a reality check (important stuff)
Let’s be real about this – motocross racing can be dangerous. Really dangerous.
- There’s always a risk of serious injury (even fatal injuries)
- Don’t race if you don’t have good medical insurance
- You (or your parents) are responsible for making sure your bike is race-ready
- When you enter a motocross park, you accept the risks involved
- EVERYONE RIDES AT THEIR OWN RISK!
Ok, let’s dive in!
Finding Your Perfect Dealer
Finding a good dealer is like finding a good friend – they’ll have your back when you need them most.
Even if you already have a bike, you’ll need someone who can:
- Get parts for your bike when stuff breaks (and stuff will break!)
- Service your bike properly
- Give you advice about gear and equipment
The right dealer can be worth their weight in gold. They might even offer you discounts through sponsorship deals.
Remember to support the businesses that support your sport!
I’ve worked with the same dealer for 15 years – when my bike broke down the night before a big race, my dealer stayed open late just to help me fix it.
Gearing Up for Safety
Your riding gear isn’t just about looking cool (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s about protecting your body when things go wrong. Always dress for the crash, not for the ride.
More protection = less chance of serious injury. And trust me, medical bills ain’t cheap!
Essential Riding Gear Checklist
Helmet
Your helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment you’ll buy, period.
It needs to fit snug but comfortably. Look for DOT or SNELL ratings (your bike shop can explain the differences). Always go for a full-face helmet – they protect both your face and the sides of your head way better than helmets with bolt-on mouthguards.
Goggles
Always wear goggles when riding!
They protect your eyes from dirt, rocks, and other debris that could mess up your vision (and your eyeballs).
Practice wearing them so you get used to how they feel. Try different brands while wearing your helmet to find the most comfortable fit. Get a lexan or similar lens and learn how to clean them properly.
Body Protection
- Chest and Back Protectors: These take some getting used to, but start wearing them from day one. They spread impact over a wider area and protect you from “roost” (dirt chunks thrown up by other riders’ tires). You can get gear that protects just your chest or your chest, back, and neck.
- Neck Braces: These come in different styles and prices. Your dealer can help you pick one that matches your riding style and budget. I started riding before neck braces were common, and I wish I’d had one when I took that bad spill back in 2018!
MX Clothing
At most tracks, you’ll need to wear long sleeve shirts.
Full racing pants aren’t always required but they’re recommended. Heavy duty jeans can work OK for beginners.
A good pair of gloves is must. Doesn’t have to be a pair specifically made for mx riding.
Knee pads and elbow pads aren’t always required but they’re something you absolutely should wear.
Boots
You gotta wear boots that cover your ankles.
MX racing boots give the best protection, but don’t race in brand new boots! Break them in first or you might have trouble working your bike’s controls properly.
For kids, it’s OK to buy boots slightly big (they grow so fast!) but not too big. Read the care instructions and maintain your boots – they’ll last longer.
Bike Maintenance
Always inspect your bike before riding.
Check for sharp edges or sticking-out bolts that could cause injuries. Make sure your grips are glued and/or safety-wired so they don’t come loose. Keep control cables well-lubricated.
Never ride with broken clutch or brake levers – those sharp edges are dangerous. A clean bike makes inspection easier too!
Parents’ Corner
If your kid wants to race motocross, remember that it’s an awesome sport for teaching important life skills:
- Discipline
- Preparation
- Goal setting
- Self-reliance
Motocross is different from team sports because it’s all individual. Your kid decides how fast or slow, how high or low they want to ride. Everyone participates – nobody sits on the bench.
Most importantly, motocross should be FUN!
Some parents push their kids way too hard to win, which can cause unnecessary injuries.
The skills needed for racing develop over time with practice. Keep a positive outlook and help build your child’s confidence. Always try to see racing through your kid’s eyes.
Practice Makes Perfect (But Perfect Practice Makes Champions)
Wanna know the secret to getting good at motocross?
Practice, practice, practice! But not just any practice – smart practice.
Try these training techniques:
- Practice wheelies and power slides
- Learn to use your clutch, front and rear brakes effectively
- Focus on cornering – most races are won or lost in the corners!
- Practice figure eights to get better with clutch, brakes, and throttle
- Work on berms and ruts until they feel comfortable
- Always look further down the track, not at your front wheel
- Keep your elbows up and learn to stand while riding
- Watch faster riders and learn from them
- Find someone slightly faster than you to ride with
Don’t give up when it gets tough – and don’t forget to have fun!
What to Bring on Race Day
The Essentials
- Wallet
- Membership cards
- Notarized birth certificate (if required for youth classes)
- Helmet
- Jerseys
- Pants
- Socks
- Knee pads
- Boots
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Extra lenses
- Body protection gear
Optional Items
- Mud gloves
- Tear offs
- Kidney belt
- Hip pads
- Change of street clothes
- Extra socks
- Towels
- Glass cleaner spray
- Pen and paper
- Track directions
Race Day: What to Expect
Feeling nervous on race day?
That’s totally normal! Even pros who’ve been racing for years get butterflies. Just accept that nerves are part of racing.
Arrive early so you don’t feel rushed. Before riding, take deep breaths and stretch.
Watch other riders to see how they handle different sections of the track. When it’s your turn, don’t try to ride beyond your ability – there’s no point crashing out in your first race!
Remember, it’s rare for first-timers to win races. Just relax, learn, and have fun.
Race Day Timeline and Procedures
Before Race Day
Start preparing the night before.
Check your gear list, organize everything, and get a good night’s sleep. On race day, load up early to avoid rushing. Make sure you know the directions and travel time to the track.
At the Track
Parking: Most tracks offer parking near the track or in a designated area. Just be careful not to block driveways or access roads.
Registration: Find the registration window (usually in the main building). Fill out the sign-up forms. If you’re under 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Anyone else signing for a minor needs a notarized statement. NO EXCEPTIONS!
After registering, unload your bike, set up your pit area, and inspect your bike.
Track Walk: Ask permission to walk the track before practice. This helps you learn the layout and relax a bit. Study the turns and jumps carefully.
Practice Session: About 30-45 minutes before your practice session, get dressed and check your bike. Make sure you have gas and warm up the engine.
Ride in first gear to the staging area. Don’t go to staging until it’s time for your group.
Use practice time to learn the track and warm up. Try different lines so you know your options during the race. If faster riders approach from behind, let them pass.
Don’t zigzag on the track, and stay in a straight line over jumps.
Flag Signals
Pay attention to the track flags!
When you’re flagged off the track, slow down to walking speed (first gear only). After practice, check your bike again, refuel, and lube the chain. Grab something to eat and drink before the riders’ meeting.
Riders’ Meeting: Stand near a PA speaker so you can hear announcements. They’ll call out the race order and any changes or issues. The race order will also be posted on a board outside the sign-up building.
After the meeting, there’s usually a short break, followed by a prayer and the national anthem. Riders in the first few races should head to the staging area.
Start Procedures: At the starting gate, keep your bike off until signaled to start engines. When you start your bike, make sure the gas is turned on. The starter will hold up a board with #2. If you have trouble starting, wave to the pit steward for a two-minute window to fix the problem.
If everyone’s ready, the board changes to #1. After another check, the #1 turns sideways, and the gate drops 2-7 seconds later.
Staggered Starts: Sometimes small classes run together but are scored separately. Very small classes start together; larger ones use staggered starts. Don’t start with the wrong group or you’ll lose a lap!
Results: Race results are posted shortly after your race. Check for errors and notify scorekeepers if needed. Results become official after 30 minutes unless changed due to a protest.
Gate pick for the second moto is based on first moto results. The overall finish combines results from both motos. If there’s a tie, the second moto finish breaks it.
General Race Rules
Pit Riding: You can ride to and from the starting gate at walking speed only. No pit racing or burnouts! Violators will be disqualified without refund. This includes pit bikes and even bicycles. Parents, make sure your kids understand this rule.
Safety Flags: Yellow flags mean there’s a problem ahead – be in control and look for the hazard. No passing under yellow flags! If you pass another rider, endanger track workers, or cause a crash, you’ll be penalized or disqualified.
Cutting the Track: If you leave the track, you must re-enter at the same point or earlier. Penalties include position docking based on the severity of the infraction.
Unsportsmanlike Behavior: This includes dirty riding, fighting, profanity, and obscene gestures. Penalties range from position docking to disqualification or series suspension. Riders are responsible for their pit crew and family’s behavior too.
Crashes: If you fall and aren’t hurt, get off the track immediately! If your bike is in the middle of the track, move it before trying to restart. Don’t wait for track crew to help – their priority is warning other riders and keeping you safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get started in motocross racing?
Starting motocross racing can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000+ depending on whether you buy new or used equipment. This includes your bike, safety gear, entry fees, and basic maintenance tools.
At what age can kids start motocross racing?
Kids can start riding small dirt bikes as young as 4-5 years old, with competitive racing often beginning around 6-7 years old in special youth classes.
Always check your local track’s age requirements.
Do I need to be super fit to race motocross?
Yepp, motocross is physically demanding!
However, you don’t need to be an elite athlete to start. But building endurance, core strength, and upper body strength will dramatically improve your riding and reduce fatigue. And you’ll have more fun.
How dangerous is motocross racing really?
Motocross is definitely a high-risk sport with potential for injuries ranging from minor scrapes to serious trauma. However, proper safety gear, appropriate training, and riding within your skill level significantly reduce these risks.
How often should I maintain my motocross bike?
For regular racers, basic maintenance (air filter, chain lube, bolt checks) should be done after every ride.
More comprehensive maintenance like oil changes typically happens every 5-10 hours of riding time depending on your bike.
What’s the difference between motocross and supercross?
Motocross races take place on outdoor natural terrain tracks, while supercross happens in stadiums on man-made tracks with more technical jumps and obstacles.
Supercross is generally considered more technical and motocross more physically demanding.
The Two Most Important Rules in Motocross
- Have Fun!
- Ride Safely!
Remember these rules and you’ll have an awesome time racing motocross.
Good luck out there!
