Motocross

Motocross is an off-road motorcycle racing sport held on closed, rugged circuits. It originated in Britain, evolving from early trial competitions in the early 1900s, including events like the Scottish Six Days Trial. The first official scramble race, the precursor to motocross, was held in Camberley, Surrey, in 1924. Throughout the 1930s, the sport gained popularity, particularly in Britain, with major teams like BSA and Norton competing. In 1952, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) established a European Championship, later upgraded to World Championship status. By the 1960s, lighter two-stroke motorcycles gained prominence due to improved technology.

Motocross spread to the United States in 1966, where it gained popularity, helped by a boom in motorcycle sales among young Americans. By the 1970s, Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki began dominating the sport internationally, and the first American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Championship was held in 1972. In 1975, the FIM added a 125 cc class, and American riders began achieving notable successes in international competitions.

Motocross has branched into various forms, such as Supercross, held in stadiums with tighter tracks; Freestyle, where riders perform acrobatic stunts; Supermoto, combining tarmac and off-road sections; and ATV/Quad Motocross for four-wheeled machines. Another popular branch, Sidecarcross, includes motorcycles fitted with sidecars for a two-person team.

Major competitions include the FIM Motocross World Championship, AMA Motocross Championship, and Motocross des Nations. Equipment typically involves motorcycles from leading manufacturers such as Honda, Yamaha, and KTM. Governing bodies include the FIM globally and organisations like the AMA in the United States. The sport’s popularity continues globally, with vintage motocross events celebrating older bikes and various age-graded and skill-level competitions for enthusiasts worldwide.

Motocross has various types that cater to different racing styles and environments. The main types include:

1. Motocross (MX) – This is traditional motocross racing held on outdoor dirt tracks with natural and man-made obstacles. Races are usually held on closed circuits and involve a series of laps.
2. Supercross (SX) – Supercross takes place on indoor tracks with tighter turns and more technical jumps than outdoor motocross. The courses are built within stadiums, making it accessible to large audiences, particularly during winter.
3. Freestyle Motocross (FMX) – Freestyle Motocross focuses on performing tricks and stunts during jumps. Riders are scored based on difficulty, creativity, and style, and are judged on their ability to perform complex manoeuvres in the air.
4. Arenacross – Arenacross is similar to Supercross but held in smaller arenas, with shorter tracks and more jumps. It offers a more compact version of Supercross, often used as a stepping stone for riders before advancing to higher levels.
5. Supermoto – Supermoto races are held on a mix of paved and off-road surfaces, combining sections of tarmac, dirt, and obstacles. This type allows for high speeds on pavement while challenging riders on dirt sections.
6. ATV/Quad Motocross – This type involves four-wheeled All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) racing on tracks similar to motocross. It includes both professional and amateur events, with riders navigating courses designed for quad bikes.
7. Sidecarcross – Sidecarcross features motorcycles fitted with sidecars, allowing two riders to work together. One operates the motorcycle while the passenger helps balance through turns and over obstacles.
8. Vintage Motocross (VMX) – Vintage Motocross events are for motorcycles built before a certain date, typically pre-1975. These races celebrate older bikes and attract riders and fans interested in the history of the sport.

• FIM Motocross World Championship: The top-level motocross series, mainly held in Europe, with events in North America, Asia, and Australia. It has three classes: MXGP (450cc), MX2 (250cc), and Women's MX.
• AMA Motocross Championship: A major U.S. series from May to August, featuring 250cc and 450cc classes, with each event comprising two races (motos) of 30 minutes plus two laps.
• Motocross des Nations (MXDN): An annual international team event held after the main season. Countries compete with three riders in different classes (MX1, MX2, and Open), and results are based on combined scores.
• British Motocross Championship: The premier motocross competition in the UK, featuring MX1 and MX2 classes. A youth class, MXY2, and a Veterans series are also part of this championship.
• Supercross Championships: Includes the AMA Supercross Championship in the U.S. and the World Supercross Championship, with races held in stadiums on short, challenging tracks. Classes include 250cc (split into east and west series) and 450cc.
• Freestyle Motocross (FMX): Riders perform aerial stunts and tricks judged on style, difficulty, and course use. Events are part of competitions like the X Games.
• Arenacross: Similar to Supercross but in smaller venues, with shorter courses and more jumps, often for emerging riders.
• Supermoto: Combines motocross and road racing on mixed tracks with dirt and paved sections. Supermoto races are held at go-kart, road racing, and modified street circuits.
• Vintage Motocross: Events for older motorcycles, generally pre-1975 models, attracting riders and fans interested in classic motocross bikes.