Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Event

A motocross competition is generally called a race. A race generally consists of several component motos or legs and sometimes will require/include an element of qualification. Motocross is distinct from other forms of motorsport in having a mass start, where all the riders line up alongside each other, starting simultaneously and racing the race distance, with the first rider across the finish line the winner.
Motos vary in duration, usually measured in time elapsed plus one or two laps, or alternatively a fixed number of lap. Top level racing tends to have long races (e.g. 30 minutes plus 2 laps) while at the other end of the spectrum, amateur races can be as short as 10 minutes. When the designated time duration of the race is complete, a finish line flagger signals via a board or flag to the racers that there is one or two laps left, and the race is finished by a checkered flag.
Motocross tracks are often quite large (around 1 to 2 miles) and incorporate natural terrain features with varying amounts of man made jumps and other features. It is not unheard of for a Motocross track to be made up entirely of hills and turns with no jumps at all. In contrast Supercross is an entirely man made track, comprisingly almost exclusively of a wide array of jumps and typically held in an indoor stadium. Due to the size of outdoor tracks, motocross races typically include 40 racers, in contrast to Supercross where it is only practical to have about 25 riders.
Races vary in duration, usually measured in time elapsed plus one or two laps. GP or Pro AMA races tend to be long, e.g. 30 minutes plus 2 laps. At the other end of the spectrum, amateur races by beginners can be as little as 10 minutes (or shorter). When the designated time duration of the race is complete, a finish line flagger signals via a board or flag to the racers that there is one or two laps left, and the race is finished by a chequered flag. Contrasting with motocross, in the "off-road" racing events of Enduro, Hare and Hounds, Hare Scrambles, GP racing, etc. (events which are similar to motocross, but place a greater emphasis upon reading natural terrain and obstacles over a long period of time at much greater speeds than traditional motocross) there is a set amount of laps or long distance loops to complete or just a maximum time limit to compete under on a natural terrain course, e.g., Baja 1000.
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 tire "roosting" 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. Motocross can be an entry sport for motorsport in general. Classes for children as young as 6 years old exist for competition on 50cc machines.

Source Wikipedia.

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