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How To Get Into Motocross Racing – Beginners Guide

Are you ready to join one of the most extreme, yet fulfilling sports in the world? Motocross is very addicting for riders but results in injuries for many. (If you don’t think you’ll be good enough, think again! Below is a video of my first race. Although I was at the back of the pack then, I am a lot faster now because I didn’t stop there).

Watching A Race

Before you actually start motocross racing, go out to a race and just spectate to check your urge. If you are not that excited even at a local race, then you’ll be sick of it after a couple of races and wish you never even considered it. But I will bet that you will NOT do that because this sport is just TOO exciting!

how to start motocross racing
Starting Gate

Getting The Bike

Once you’ve been to a race and are still itching to race then you’ll want to get a proper bike that will fit your needs if you haven’t already (Check out my other posts What Dirt Bike Should I Buy? and How To Buy A Dirt Bike if you need help).

If you haven’t heard me say it already, it’s the rider and not the bike when it comes to racing. That’s usually the case, but when you’re looking for your first bike to race, it’s critical that you get a good running and solid dirt bike so that it won’t break down on you. Choosing one that fits your riding style and experience is important as well because you don’t want to start motocross racing on a bike that you can’t handle.

Choosing The Gear

As soon as you get a dirt bike you must get protective gear before you go out and ride. The bare minimum gear for this sport would be a helmet, motocross boots, long pants/shirt, gloves, and goggles. Other gear to strongly consider would be a neck brace, knee braces/guards, body armor or chest protector, and elbow guards.

Once you have the proper bike and gear, then it’s time to ride. Before you go out and race you should check out the track out by doing a practice (many tracks have a practice the day before a race). This is so that you can get used to the idea of being on the track with other riders. Plus, you can go at your own pace without worrying about being lapped.

Membership

If you’re still interested in racing (and hopefully still in one piece) after practicing and getting the feel of your bike, it’s time to get out to your local track on race day. Many tracks here in the U.S. require at least an AMA and/or District membership to start motocross racing. So sign up for that, otherwise you may have to get a club membership to ride on specific tracks. This doesn’t happen too often, but to sign up for a track membership just call them or look up how to on their website.

Click here for What To Expect For Your First Motocross Race

Fly Racing Pit Board

Williamt Horanmil

Wednesday 31st of May 2023

Motocross insurance?

Kelley Fager

Friday 2nd of June 2023

I just put together a new article on insurance for dirt bikes here, Williamt.

Rick Davis

Monday 23rd of March 2020

It's good to learn that you should choose a dirt bike to ride that matches your experience and style of riding. My wife and I are wanting to get into dirt bike riding with our family and we were wondering which motorbike we should get our son. I'll be sure to look for a bike that would match his experience and riding style.

Rozella

Saturday 9th of November 2013

Does your site have a contact page? I'm having trouble locating it but, I'd like to shoot you an e-mail. I've got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.

Kelley Fager

Sunday 10th of November 2013

Yes, there is a contact page on the top bar of the page.

Jose

Saturday 1st of June 2013

Im 16 and i have a cr125 i want to get into racing but dont know how ??? Can i have some tips

Romie McCoy

Sunday 3rd of February 2013

Hi I'm a fifteen year old and I've actually wanted to race motocross for a while but I'm on a budget and I now how to ride but I have not raced at all and I was wondering what would be a better bike to start racing locally on any advice would be helpful.

Kelley Fager

Monday 4th of February 2013

How much experience do you have, and what's your weight/height? If you're on a budget, a two-stroke motocross bike is the way to go. Since you're new to racing, I'd suggest looking for a clean, used 125. Even if it's 10+ years old, as long as it was well maintained. Good luck, and ride safe!