The Event

The object of the contest is to complete either a defined number of laps (usually three to five for amateurs, and 25 to 30 for professionals) or time period (anything up to 40 minutes) first. This competition is called a moto. Usually a race consists of two or three motos with the scores combined for an overall result.

Motocross racing is one of the most visually appealing forms of motorsport, with riders performing seemingly death-defying leaps, turns visibly at the edge of traction (as indicated by a sliding, spinning rear tyre throwing dirt at all behind it), and the effort of riders clearly visible as they move their bodies around their motorcycles to balance the bikes for maximum speed.

Recently the sport has evolved with sub disciplines such as Supercross and Arenacross (both are indoor motocross), Freestyle (or FMX) (a display of jumping skill rather than racing) and Supermoto (Motocross machines racing on both tarmac and off road).