Motocross & ATV Racing

Motocross & ATV Racing

by Chad Ison

Publication Date: August 2000

Extremz Magazine recently attended a Motocross and ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) race at the Oldham County Fairgrounds in LaGrange, KY. The race was hosted by Jackie Burden from B&M Motorsports in Paris, KY. B&M Motorsports is the coordinator of the Summer Fair Arena-Cross Series which organizes motocross and ATV races for local and state fairgrounds. They also host a Mud-Cross series that is held in different arenas throughout Kentucky.

What is Motocross & ATV Racing?

Motocross racing is a form of motorcycle racing where cyclists compete on a course marked out over open, and often, rough terrain. Motocross racing was introduced on the European continent in the late 1940s and in Great Britain around the early '50s. By the '60s it had become a popular spectator sport. It was demonstrated in North America in the 1960s, and the first regularly scheduled series of motocross events was held in 1970.

Courses vary widely with steep, uphill and downhill grades, wet or muddy areas, and many left and right turns of varying difficulty. Motocross is probably the most physically demanding motorcycle sport, although its races are quite short - 40 minutes or less for each of the two heats of a race. Riders must use the same motorcycle throughout a race, with repairs made between heats if necessary.

ATV's run the same course as the motorcycles. Riders in both sports are grouped according to their age bracket. Cotton jersey, nylon pants padded at the knee and thigh, padded boots and gloves, a full-face helmet and goggles, a plastic chest protector, and a kidney-belt for support constitute the usual outfit of the riders.

Motorcycles are grouped in three classes according to engine-displacement limits of 125, 250, and 500 cubic centimeters. ATV races are grouped into two classes according to engines - two-stroke and 4-stroke. A world-championship series of races in each class is held annually.

Supercross, which began in the United States in the early 70s, is an indoor version of motocross. Supercross is run on artificial, dirt tracks constructed in large arenas. While courses in Supercross and fairground series are typically shorter than those in motocross, they usually feature more frequent and longer jumps.

Wherever the event is held, both Motocross and ATV racing provide a non-stop, action-packed eventguaranteed to keep most spectators on the edge of their seat. So, if you hear of one being held at a local park or fairground in your area, it's a sure bet you'll have a good time if you attend!

For more information on the Summer Fair Arena-Cross Series or Mud-Cross series go to www.mudrace.com