Sep

A Beginner’s Guide to Motocross

This guide has been comprised from multiple sources. As we figure out new ways to add too and improve it, it will be updated. Keep in mind that it is certainly not an end all be all document but merely a composition of lessons learned and will probably always be a work in progress.

Motocross racing is inherently dangerous. There is always a risk of serious injury. Riders should not participate in events or ride unless they have adequate medical insurance to cover a catastrophic injury. Riders and/or their guardians are solely responsible for preparing all equipment. RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Whether you already own a bike, are going to buy a new bike or are planning on buying a used machine you will still have to find a dealer to get parts and service as well as additional advice on getting started. Finding the right dealer can be invaluable. Most of the dealers that participate as sponsors in our races are themselves racers. They understand finding out on a Friday afternoon that you have a broken part and will often go the extra mile to help you get it fixed. They can also help you with things like tire selection for local tracks, bike setup, and can hook you up with other riders in the area. Try doing that with an operator at an 800 #. You might be able to find some stuff cheaper through mail order but you may be better off purchasing locally. Also, in our particular case our parts guy will match most any online price I find. At that point you get a great deal, piece of mind and you are still supporting your sponsor. Yes! Your sponsor, just because he’s not writing you checks does not mean he’s not helping out, in turn help them by listing them as a sponsor. Pick a dealer that seems most helpful and stick with them, it will be worth it in the long run.

SAFETY GEAR:
There is a simple rule in racing, dress for the crash, not for the ride. The more gear you have on the more likely you are to go home sore then to end up in the Emergency room. Motocross racing is not a fashion show. Amateur riders, especially young beginning riders should be more concerned with wearing as much protection as possible rather than with looking like Jeremy McGrath. Buying safety gear is something that a good dealer can really help with. Sizes on gear vary a great deal and are not always accurate. Dealing locally will allow you to try on stuff before buying and also can help if there is a warranty problem later. It doesn’t hurt to shop around for those closeout’s or past model year items though, your local guy can get the same deal you can.

HELMET:
If you have a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet. This is the single most important piece of protection you will buy. A helmet should be snug going on and off but not so tight it is uncomfortable. There are different DOT and SNELL certification ratings that dealers can explain to you. A full-face helmet offers more protection against both front and side impacts than a helmet with a bolt on mouth guard.

GOGGLES:
These should always be worn. Get used to them when you practice and you will feel naked without them later. Try different brands on while wearing your helmet to find the ones that are most comfortable. Make sure you get a Lexan or similar lens and learn to clean them with care so they will last. It doesn’t hurt to have a couple pair’s, one with a clear lens and one tinted for those sunny days.

NECK PROTECTION:
Neck protection, like everything else comes in a variety of choices. You can go with a top of the line Leatt brace for around $600 all the way down to a basic $20 neck roll. My theory is that something is better than nothing so like choosing a helmet, buy the absolute best you can afford.

BODY ARMOR:
Also know as chest and back protectors. It is important to learn to ride with these from the beginning since they can take some getting used to later. These can help protect from an impact injury by spreading the impact over a wider area. They also protect from roost (dirt thrown up from tires). There is a huge selection of makes and models in different colors available in both body armor (front and back) and chest only protectors.

CLOTHING:
Long sleeve shirts are required to race. 100% cotton will be cooler but fades quicker. Racing pants are not required to race but are a heavier material and do contain extra padding however, jeans are okay to start out in. We do recommend buying some sort of knee pads or if money allows, knee braces. Most dealers sell them to go inside race pants so you will have to buy them eventually anyway. If you want to know what happens with out knee pads, let a friend hit you with a hammer on the kneecap. Gloves are also required and elbow pads are optional but recommended.

BOOTS:
To race some sort of boot that covers the ankle is required. When you buy motocross boots it is important to take the time to break them in properly. If you try to race with them before they are you will have a hard time working the controls on your bike which could result in an accident. If you are buying for your child get them a little big, but not too big, to allow for growth. If you take care of boots they will last quite awhile and then you can sell them to another rider.

YOUR BIKE OR ATV:
It is important to carefully maintain your machine. Inspect it carefully and look for any sharp edges or protruding bolts that can be eliminated to keep them from catching clothing or injuring a rider. Make sure grips are glued or wired on so that they will not come loose. Do not run broken clutch or brake levers because of the sharp point they have. Remove or tie up your kick stand (this is required at most tracks). You must be at least 14 to race an ATV over 90cc. ATVs over 70cc must have tether style kill switches and nerf bars.

PARENTS:
Motocross racing is a great sport. It teaches discipline, the importance of preparation, goal setting, and the satisfaction that comes from reaching them as well as dealing with the disappointment of working hard but coming up short. Motocross differs from a lot of sports because unlike team sports like baseball, football, soccer, etc. it is an individual sport. This can be helpful in teaching young people personal responsibility. If they set a goal and come up short there is no one else to blame. As in any sport that involves young people there are parents that sometimes push to hard for success. It is the classic ‘Little League Parent Syndrome’. The difference is that if you push to hard in motocross it can result in your rider and possibly other riders getting injured. Motocross is hardly as easy as the pro riders make it look. There are skills that will develop only with time and practice. If you stand on the side of the track and yell at your rider, they will not be able to hear you and you might distract your rider causing an accident. Parents are not allowed on the racetrack except for specific classes and special circumstances. It’s a good idea to step back occasionally and look at racing through your child’s eyes. Remember that the most important thing in racing is to have fun.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT:
The best thing that can prepare you for racing is riding. When you go out to ride don’t just ride in circles all day. There are different things you can do to improve basic riding skills. Practice riding wheelies and doing power slides. Concentrate on using different controls like the clutch, front and rear brakes, etc. so that you will know their limits. Using the clutch will help you attack corners harder. Proper use of the brakes will shave seconds off your lap time. While jumping is important in Motocross, races are still won and lost mostly in the corners. Practice corners by doing circles or figure eights to get better with the clutch, brakes, and throttle control. Practice riding berms and ruts to get comfortable in them. Do not watch your front wheel or you will pop out of the rut or berm every time. Practice looking further down the track. This will make you faster and a safer rider. Motocross is kind of like golf and tennis. Learning proper form early will make it easier in the long run. Keeping the elbows up and learning to stand up on the bike are very important. Learning proper body position will help you save energy and make you a safer rider because you will be in better control of your machine and will be able to respond easier to what the bike does when it hits ruts, bumps, and holes on the track. Watch faster riders when you go to practice and try to copy what they do. Most experienced riders are happy to offer riding tips because they had help when they were learning. Try to find someone that is close to your speed, maybe just a little faster and ride with them. Have pretend races for a set period of time and ride it like a race. Even if you fall off, get up and keep riding until the time is up just like you would in a race.

WHAT TO DO:
Start the night before by going over your checklist (see below) and making sure you have everything organized and ready to go. Prep your bike / bikes so they are ready to go for practice. On race day load up early so that you don’t feel rushed. You should already have directions and know how long it should take you to get to the track.

KNOW THE FLAGS
Here is a great link that explains all the different flags used in motocross……Know them!
FLAGS

WHAT TO BRING:
Let’s start with a list of what you need to bring to the race. The more parts and tools you have the better your chances of being able to race after a fall. Other racers are very generous and helpful when another rider has problems but there is not always time to find someone that has the parts you may need. Here is a short list of must have items, I’m sure it will grow as time passes but for your first race this should get you by plus some. We use the Rubbermaid bins with lids to store most thing’s, they aren’t real expensive and are easy to load/unload and organize.

Bin 1 (blue)

* Tools - Metric wrenches, sockets and Allen wrenches, crescent wrench, hammer, screwdriver variety, utility knife, tire pressure gauge, a variety of pliers and cutters, wire brush, a roll of electrical tape, a roll of white tape, a torque wrench or drill may also be helpful. A flash light is very important as well.

* Chemicals - Chain lube, simple green, carb cleaner, 2 stroke oil, a measuring cup, a qt. of gear / motor oil and of course a roll of paper towels and or some shop towels.

* Spare Parts - This completely depends on your budget, Currently, I usually take a spare clutch and brake lever, an extra set of handlebars, brake pads, a pre-oiled (or PJ1) air filter in a Ziplock bag, spark plugs, zip ties any spare hardware (bolt kit) an extra strap and of course the owner’s (or Clymer) manual. Throw a trash bag in there too, you’ll need it.

Bin 2 (brown)

* Riding Gear - Boots, knee pads, pants, hip pads, chest protector, jersey, elbow pads, neck brace, helmet, goggles and gloves.
** note** an extra pair of gloves and goggles can be handy, especially if it’s wet out.
* Don’t forget to take the lid off this bin when you get home………STINKY!

Bin 3 (orange)

* Snacks - I usually throw a bag of pretzels, chips and maybe some power bars in a Wal-Mart bag.
* A towel - You’ll need it.
* A change of clothes
* A jacket or sweatshirt
* Trash bag - I throw in an extra Wal-Mart bag or two to store nasty post riding clothes.
* Camera

COOLER

* Water! Water! Water!
* A meal - you will be there for a while and a snack might not be enough.

TOSSED IN THE BACK OF THE TRUCK.

* Broom - Many tracks have concrete starting pads, you may want to sweep off your gate before you start.
* A folding chair - Throw in a folding chair for everybody going.
* Canopy - I bought a 10 x 10 pop up canopy from Sports Authority for $50……Very handy and easy to use.
* Bike stand - We have the two 65’s at the track for now, a tall 5 gal bucket works perfect as a stand.
* Gas can
* Trailer spare tire

IN THE CAB

* Membership Cards - many tracks require an annual membership prior to racing. If you are not a member yet make sure you have enough cash for your membership. If you are already a member, don’t forget your card.
* Cash - Take enough cash for the classes you will participate in as well as any gate fee you may have to pay.
* Trailer registration - In case you get pulled over.

RACE DAY:

WHAT TO EXPECT:
Above all else expect to be nervous. It is natural. Riders that have been racing for years still get butterflies on race day. The secret is to accept that is a part of racing. When you go to the track for your practice get there early so that you won’t feel rushed. When you are about to ride concentrate on taking some deep breaths and stretching before going out on the track. Try to watch as much of the racing as you can so that you can see how other riders are doing different sections and obstacles. When you go out to ride, concentrate on challenging yourself but not riding over your head. It doesn’t matter whether you only a race a couple of times in your life or if you are the future McGrath you will only have one first race. It is very rare that riders win their first race so just try to relax, learn, and have fun.

ARRIVAL:
Arrive at the track a little early, number one you don’t want to feel rushed and number two you will get a good parking spot. If the race will take place during daylight hours, you may be able to find a nice shady spot (see $50 canopy in checklist) to set up camp. If the racing will be at night, you may want to find a spot under a light in case you need to work on the bikes more than just the standard race prep.

REGISTRATION:
Find out where rider registration is located. This is usually on the rider info sheet. Riders under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or another adult with a notarized statement authorizing them to sign for the minor, no exceptions. Fill out a registration form and a minor release (under 18 only). Be sure to write legibly and then sign the forms. Do not leave sign-up until the staff has told you your riding number is good. If someone else has already registered with the same number you will be asked to change yours (see tape selection under tools on checklist). You will also be given a practice sticker that needs to be put on your front number plate to practice. The practice order will be posted at or shortly after sign-up so take a pen and paper to make yourself a copy. The race order will be made up and posted during practice. After you have signed up go back and unload your bike and set up your pit. Give your bike a quick once over, it should be ready though, you prepped it last night.

WALK THE TRACK:
This is a very important step! When you have everything set up, go walk the track, even if you have raced the track before. Just about every time we go to the track for practice or a race it is different. What used to be a tabletop is now a double, what used to be a straight away is now whooped out. Trust me, it’s well worth your time. This will help you relax as well as learn the track. Take time to look at the different obstacles. Find a high spot and stand and look at the track like you are watching a rider go around it while they are racing. This will help you learn the layout. Take your time. Keep an eye out for wet spots that will rut up quickly. Look at the different lines in the turns. If the track has been watered, as it dries the high spots will dry first and give you a good look at all the smaller bumps and whoops.

RIDER’S MEETING:
Get somewhere near the PA speaker so that you can hear the rider’s meeting. Sometimes they are held before practice while other times they are held after so stay alert. IF there are any changes in the race order they will be announced. If there are any problems that have come up during practice they will also be addressed. Following the riders meeting there will usually be a short break and then a prayer and national anthem. At this time they will either start practice or begin staging riders in the first couple of qualifying races. If you are in one of the first 3 motos work your way to the start gate.

PRACTICE:
About 30-45 minutes before your practice start getting dressed. Check the gas in your bike and then warm it up. Ride in first gear to the staging area at the start gate. Do not pull into the staging lane until it is time for your group. Remember to take some deep breaths and stretch to help you relax before going out on the track. Use the practice session to learn the track and warm up. Try different lines so you will know what to expect if you need to take them later. Pay attention to the track flags. Be sure and hold your line (don’t zigzag) so that faster riders can pass you. Don’t worry about racing with anyone and remember not to ride over your head. Many riders are going to blast out on the track like it’s a Supercross main event, nobody wins practice so take your time and learn the track. If you decide you are going to try an obstacle, now is the time to try it. When you are flagged off the track, slow down to 5 mph (first gear) as you exit. It is easy to go too fast because you are nervous and have a lot of adrenaline. Calm down and take some deep breaths again. Ride back to your pit and look your bike over. Refuel, check the chain tension and lube the chain. Relax and drink something. If you are done then go to sign-up and write down the race order. Watch some other groups.

START PROCEDURE:
Usually there will be one group waiting at the start gates and the next waiting in the staging area. When the race before yours is in the staging area, make you way behind them and shut you bike off. Once the group at the gate starts, the stagers will begin to move the next group into the gates. First they will call out the class or classes racing then they will call individual riders. When it’s your classes turn and they call you, push your bike to the gate you want to start from. Gate selection is a science that comes from experience but here are a couple tips to help you get started. Try to pick a gate that gives you a nice straight path to the line you want in the first turn. Look at the rut left by the last rider, if it is not straight, your back tire will follow it and take you off your line so try to pick one with a rut that’s nice and straight. Once you have selected your gate, have your mechanic or pit crew helper sweep the pad with the broom you brought or have them hold your bike while you do it. Once you are totally set up in the starting gate leave your bike shut off until the white flag comes out for the class racing. Start your bike, make sure the gas is turned on and get your goggles squared away. Give it a few good revs so your plug is nice and clean. We’re getting close now so try to be calm and take a few deep breaths. Close your eyes for a second and try visualizing the start. The card person will be out in front of you now with the 30 second board watching the last lap of the current race. The following procedure may vary a bit from track to track, but for the most part. The 30 second board will go up, keep wicking that throttle, make sure your bike is in gear and don’t forget to breathe. The board will be flipped to the 15 second side…….breathe, let the clutch out right up to the point where it starts to grab. The board will be turned sideways, at this point the gate can drop in anywhere from 2 - 7 seconds. Keep your eyes on the gate, rev your bike and hold it, at the first sign of movement…….GO! Try to stay straight into the first turn. Your number one priority is to make it through that first turn so smart is sometimes better than fast. Once you’re out of the first turn try to settle in and have fun.

STAGGER START:
Sometimes if there are several small classes that can be run on the track at the same time they will be combined and scored separately. If they are very small they leave the gate at the same time. If there are enough riders than the classes will be stagger started. One class will leave the line, the gate will reset and then the second class leaves. Stagger stars are usually marked on the race order with slash marks ( /) between the classes. If you are supposed to start with the second group and you start with the first you will be penalized one lap. Don’t get excited and start with the wrong class. The second group must be ready when the card goes up for the first group. For all the details read the “Start Rules” posted at the events. Heat Race or Moto Race?

Depending on the track or series format you will either be running a heat style race (super cross) or a moto style race (motocross).

HEAT RACE

QUALIFIERS:
Qualifiers are used to determine gate pick for the mains. If there are more riders than will fit on the starting gate these qualifiers will be used to narrow the field down to a full gate. Depending on how many extra riders are in the class there will either be a last chance qualifier or the extra riders will get to start on the back row. If the class is really big it can be split into two different divisions and each division will get separate points and awards. The details will be in the race order and rider’s meeting. The qualifiers will go very quickly so be sure and keep up so you don’t miss your race.

RESULTS:
Shortly after your qualifier the results will be posted on the posting board at sign-up. It is each rider’s responsibility to check the results for errors and notify the score clerk if there is a problem so it can be corrected. Once the results have been posted for 30 minutes they will be deemed official unless it is changed because of a protest that came during the protest time. Riders get gate pick for the main by their qualifier finish. There is usually no intermission between qualifiers and mains.

MAINS:
The mains are what count for awards and series points. After the mains the results will be posted on the board just like for the qualifiers. There is a 30 minute protest time for the mains also.

MOTO RACE

In a moto style race, you essentially run the same race against the same racers twice. Gate pick may be random or determined by overall points. You will be given a point value for which ever position you take in each moto. The position you place in the second moto takes precedence over the position you take in the first moto. In other words; if you place 1st in moto 1 and 2nd in moto 2 and I place 2nd in moto 1 and 1st in moto 2……..I win! Even though we both placed 1 / 2 in both races, moto 2 has greater value.

AWARDS:
The location that the awards will be handed out will be announced at the rider’s meeting. Please check the posted results before coming to pick up your awards so that if there is a mistake it can be corrected. No awards will be given out until the protest time for a class has expired. The number of awards and protest time should be posted.

EXTRA TIPS

1. Learn to service your own air filter. This and being consistent with your premix are the two most important things you can do to keep your bike running trouble free.

2. Loosen your front brake and clutch lever mounts enough that you can hit them with your hand to pivot them on the handlebars but tighten them enough they will not move around while you are riding. This can help keep the brackets and levers from breaking if you fall.

3. If you bend a lever take it off and put it on a hard flat surface and tap it with a hammer to straighten it. Replace it with a new one as soon as you can and keep the other one as a spare.

4. Do not fill your gas tank completely up. A full tank will last 35-45 minutes of riding. Running a third of a tank should be enough for a 12-15 minute race and will shave as much as 10 pounds of extra weight. Experiment when you are out practicing and mark a level to fill for racing.

5. Tire pressure can make a big difference in how your bike will hook up. Talk to other riders to see what they are running for each track, different track conditions, and tire compounds.

6. If it is muddy spray WD 40, silicone spray, or Pam cooking spray on your plastic and riding gear. This will help the mud fall off and make clean up easier. DO NOT spray on your seat or gas tank. You will slide all over will not be able to grip the gas tank with your legs like you should.

7. Between races, dont forget to adjust and lube your chain……all that crazy air you were getting in the race probably loosened it up.

8. And the #1 rule…….HAVE FUN!

THAT’S IT! SEE YOU AT THE RACES!

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