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{{short description|Off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits}}
]
{{more citations needed|date=September 2023}}
'''Motocross''' is a form of ] or ] racing held on enclosed ] circuits. Motocross is derived from the ], and traces its origins to British scrambling competitions. The name "motocross" is a ] derived from the words "Motorcycle" and "Cross Country".
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
]
]
'''Motocross''' is a form of ] ] held on enclosed off-road circuits. The sport evolved from ] competitions held in the ].<ref name=Setright1979>{{Citation|last= Setright |first=L.&nbsp;J.&nbsp;K. |author-link=L. J. K. Setright |year= 1979 |title=The Guinness book of motorcycling facts and feats |publisher=Guinness Superlatives |isbn=0-85112-200-0 |pages=202, 211 }}</ref><ref name="History of Individual Motocross World Championships">{{cite web |url=http://docs.mxgp.com/docs/2015/YOU-15-4242_MXGP_Official_Guide_2015_LD.pdf |title=History of Individual supercross World Championships |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme |access-date=11 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090723/http://docs.mxgp.com/docs/2015/YOU-15-4242_MXGP_Official_Guide_2015_LD.pdf |archive-date= 4 March 2016}}</ref>


== History == ==History==
Motocross first evolved in Britain from ] competitions, such as the ]'s first quarterly trial in 1909 and the ] that began in 1912.<ref name=Setright1979/><ref name="History of Individual Motocross World Championships"/> When organisers dispensed with delicate balancing and strict scoring of trials in favour of a race to become the fastest rider to the finish, the activity became known as "]s", said to have originated in the phrase, "a rare old scramble" describing one such early race.<ref name=Setright1979/> Though known as '''scrambles racing''' (or just '''scrambles''') in the United Kingdom, the sport grew in popularity and the competitions became known internationally as "motocross racing", by combining the French word for motorcycle, ''motocyclette'', into a blend with "cross country".<ref name=Setright1979/>
Motocross was first known as a British ] event called scrambling, which was an evolution of ] events popular in the northern UK. The first known scramble took place at ], ] in 1924.<ref name="History of Motocross"></ref> During the 1930s, the sport grew in popularity, especially in Britain where teams from the ] (BSA), ], ], ], and ] competed in the events. Off-road bikes from that era differed little from those used on the street. The intense competition over rugged terrain led to technical improvements in motorcycles. Rigid frames gave way to ] by the early 1930s, and swinging fork rear suspension appeared by the early 1950s, several years before it was incorporated on the majority of production street bikes <ref name="History of Motocross; Part 2"></ref>. The period after the ] was dominated by ] which had become the largest motorcycle company in the world <ref name="History of Motocross; Part 2"/>. BSA riders dominated international competitions throughout the 1940s.<ref name="History of Motocross; Part 2"/>


The first known scramble race in the world took place in ], ] in 1924. The 100th anniversary of the very first Motocross race was commemorated in March 2024. The same cub that ran the 1924 event ran it again over the same land.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://pigtailpals.com/blog/the-history-of-motocross/#the_birth_of_motocross_1924_through_1939 |title= The birth of motocross: 1924 through 1939 |date= 17 September 2019 |publisher= pigtailpals.com |access-date= 18 October 2019}}</ref> During the 1930s the sport grew in popularity, especially in Britain where teams from the ] (BSA), ], ], ], and ] competed in the events. The first motocross race held on an artificial track inside a stadium took place on August 28, 1948, at ] in the Paris suburb of Montrouge.<ref name="Taking Motocross to the people">{{cite web|url=https://pigtailpals.com/blog/the-history-of-motocross/#taking_motocross_to_the_people |title=Taking Motocross to the people |date=September 17, 2019 |publisher=pigtailpals.org |access-date=October 18, 2019}}</ref> The event was the forerunner to ] competitions.<ref name="Taking Motocross to the people"/>
] 360&nbsp;cc with ] and twin shock absorbers on the rear suspension]]
In 1952 the ], motorcycling's international governing body, created an individual European Championship using a 500&nbsp;cc engine displacement formula. In 1957, it was upgraded it to World Championship status <ref name="History of Motocross; Part 2"/>. In 1962, a 250&nbsp;cc world championship was created.<ref name="History of Motocross; Part 2"/> It was in the smaller 250&nbsp;cc category that companies with ] motorcycles came into their own. Companies such as ] from Sweden, ] from the former Czechoslovakia and ] from England, became popular due to their lightness and agility <ref name="History of Motocross; Part 2"/>. By the 1960s, advancements in ] technology meant that the heavier, ] machines were relegated to niche competitions. Riders from Belgium and Sweden began to dominate the sport during this period.{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}}
Motocross was introduced to the USA in 1966 when Swedish champion, ] rode an exhibition event against the top American TT riders at the ] also known as Hopetown in Simi Valley, California. The following year Hallman was joined by other motocross stars including ], ], and Dave Bickers. They dominated the event placing their light weight 2-strokes into the top six finishing positions.<ref></ref><ref></ref>


Off-road motorcycles from that era differed little from those used on the street. The intense competition over rugged terrain led to technical improvements in motorcycles. Rigid ] gave way to ] by the early 1930s, and ] ] appeared by the early 1950s, several years before manufacturers incorporated it in the majority of production street bikes. The period after World War II was dominated by ], which had become the largest motorcycle company in the world. BSA riders dominated international competitions throughout the 1940s.<ref name="Motocross goes International 1947 through 1965">
By the late 1960s, Japanese motorcycle companies began challenging the European factories for supremacy in the motocross world. ] claimed the first world championship for a Japanese factory when it won the 1970 250&nbsp;cc crown.<ref></ref> Motocross also began to grow in popularity in the United States during this period, which fueled an explosive growth in the sport. The first stadium motocross event was held in 1972 at the ].<ref></ref> In 1975, a 125&nbsp;cc world championship was introduced.<ref></ref> European riders continued to dominate motocross throughout the 1970s but, by the 1980s, American riders had caught up and began winning international competitions.<ref></ref>
{{cite web |url= https://pigtailpals.com/blog/the-history-of-motocross/#motocross_goes_international_1947_through_1965 |title= Motocross goes International 1947 through 1965 |date= 17 September 2019 |publisher= pigtailpals.com |access-date= 19 October 2019 }}</ref>
During the early 1980s, Japanese factories presided over a technology boom in motocross. The typical two-stroke air-cooled, twin-shock rear suspension machines gave way to machines that were ] and fitted with monoshock rear suspension. By the 1990s, increasingly stringent environmental laws in California forced manufacturers to develop environmentally friendly four-stroke technology.{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}} At the turn of the century, all the major manufacturers have begun competing with four-stroke machines. European firms also experienced a resurgence with Husqvarna, ] and ] winning world championships with four-stroke machinery.
The sport evolved with sub-disciplines such as stadium events known as ] and arenacross held in indoor arenas. ] (FMX) events where riders are judged on their jumping and aerial acrobatic skills have gained popularity, as well as ], where motocross machines race on both tarmac and off road. Vintage motocross events have also become popular with riders competing on bikes usually pre-dating the 1975 model year.{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}}


] 360&nbsp;cc with ] and twin shock absorbers on the rear suspension]]
== Major competitions ==
In ] the ], motorcycling's international governing body, set up an individual European Championship using a 500&nbsp;cc engine displacement formula. In ] it was upgraded to World Championship status.<ref name="Motocross goes International 1947 through 1965"/> In ] a 250&nbsp;cc world championship was established and, new rules were adopted dividing the races into two 45 minute heat races that were referred to as motos.<ref name="Motocross goes International 1947 through 1965"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.namurmx.be/en/the-track-and-his-legend/the-heroic-years/ |title=Namur MX The Heroic Years |publisher=namurmx.be |access-date=8 March 2023 }}</ref>
{{Refimprove|section|date=July 2009}}


In the smaller 250&nbsp;cc category companies with ] motorcycles came into their own. Companies such as ] from Sweden, ] from the former Czechoslovakia, ] from ] and ] from England became popular due to their lightness and agility.<ref name="Motocross goes International 1947 through 1965"/>
The world is dominated by two main Motocross series; the ] Grand Prix, the World Championship series, and the ] American National Championship.

A significant moment in motocross history occurred during the ] when ČZ factory rider Vlastimil Valek rode a 263cc two-stroke motorcycle to win the first moto of the 500cc Czechoslovakian Motocross Grand Prix ahead of a field of top-class, four stroke motorcycles. The victory marked a turning point in motocross history as, it was the first win by a two-stroke powered motorcycle in the premier division of the Motocross World Championships.<ref name="Motocross The Golden Years">{{Citation |first=David | last=Dewhurst |year=2022 |title=Motocross The Golden Years |publisher =Walsworth, Marceline, Missouri |isbn=978-0-578-29016-4 |quote=Battles between Hallman and Robert quickly became legend, but the most significant moment in the decade of the 1960s came when ČZ factory rider Vlastimil Valek rode a bike with a bored-out 250cc two stroke single and beat a full field of top-class, 500cc four stroke bikes to win the 1963 Czechoslovakian Grand Prix.}}</ref>

By the mid-1960s, advances in two-stroke engine technology meant that the heavier, ] machines were relegated to niche competitions.<ref name="Motocross goes International 1947 through 1965"/> Riders from Belgium and Sweden began to dominate the sport during this period.<ref name="History of Individual Motocross World Championships"/><ref>{{cite book|author=Bryan Stealey|title=The Powerhouse MX Nations: USA, Belgium, UK, Netherlands, France, and Germany|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9fjjTpuiYU8C&pg=PA14|year=2008|publisher=Crabtree Publishing Company|isbn=978-0-7787-3990-6|page=14}}</ref>
Motocross arrived in the United States in 1966 when Swedish champion, ] rode an exhibition event against the top American TT riders at the ] also known as Hopetown in ]. The following year Hallman was joined by other motocross stars including ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.earlyyearsofmx.com/edison-dye | title=Edison Dye: The Father of American Motocross | publisher=earlyyearsofmx.com | accessdate=2023-12-26 }}</ref> They dominated the event, placing their lightweight two-strokes into the top six finishing positions.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://pigtailpals.com/blog/the-history-of-motocross/#edison_dye_and_his_flying_circus |title= Edison Dye and his Flying Circus |date= 17 September 2019 |publisher= pigtailpals.com |access-date= 19 October 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://employees.oxy.edu/jerry/corrigan/granprix.htm |title= Corriganville/Hopetown Motorcycle Races |publisher= employees.oxy.edu |access-date= 12 October 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110927031826/http://employees.oxy.edu/jerry/corrigan/granprix.htm |archive-date= 27 September 2011}}</ref> A motorcycle sales boom in the United States fueled by the ] generation, helped to spark a growth in the popularity of motocross among young Americans.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://pigtailpals.com/blog/the-history-of-motocross/#boom_time_american_motocross_in_the_1970s |title= Boom Time: American Motocross in the 1970s |date= 17 September 2019 |publisher= pigtailpals.com |access-date= 18 October 2019 }}</ref>

Japanese motorcycle manufacturers began challenging the European factories for supremacy in the motocross world by the late 1960s. ] claimed the first world championship for a Japanese factory when Joël Robert won the ] 250&nbsp;cc crown.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=260 |title= Joël Robert at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame |publisher= motorcyclemuseum.org |access-date= 12 October 2011}}</ref> In ], the ] (AMA) inaugurated the ]s and, held its first stadium race at the ], promoted by Mike Goodwin and Terry Tiernan, then-president of the AMA. The stadium event, won by 16-year-old ], paved the way for constructed, stadium-based motocross events known as supercross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_0903_the_first_supercross/index.html|title= The First Supercross|publisher=motorcyclistonline.com|access-date= 12 October 2011}}</ref>

In ], the FIM introduced a 125&nbsp;cc world championship.<ref name="History of Individual Motocross World Championships"/> European riders continued to dominate international motocross competitions throughout the 1970s with Belgian or Swedish riders winning ten ] (MXDN) events between 1969 and 1980 but, by the 1980s, American riders had caught up with American teams winning a string of 13 consecutive MXDN victories between 1981 and 1993.<ref name="The young Americans">{{cite web |url= https://pigtailpals.com/blog/the-history-of-motocross/#the_young_americans |title= The young Americans |date= 17 September 2019 |publisher= pigtailpals.com |access-date= 18 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://hof.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=311 |title=U.S. Trophee and MX des Nations Team, 1981 |publisher=motorcyclemuseum.org |accessdate=4 November 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mxgp.com/news/mxon-history |title=MXDN History |publisher=mxgp.com |access-date=4 November 2022 }}</ref> In ], ] became the first non-European competitor to win a motocross world championship and, in 1982 ] became the first individual American motocross world champion.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S_sDAAAAMBAJ&q=American+Motorcyclist+brad+lackey&pg=PA4 |title=It's Lackey, At Last |author=Amick, Bill |date=October 1982 |work=American Motorcyclist |access-date=5 November 2022 }}</ref>

From the late 1970s to early 1990s, Japanese motorcycle manufacturers presided over a boom period in motocross technology. The typical air-cooled two-strokes with twin-shock rear suspension and telescopic front forks gave way to ] engines and single-shock absorber rear suspension and "upside-down" (or inverted) front forks. Although the advancement of two-stroke engine technology was the primary focus of the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers well into the mid 1990s, a rekindled interest in engineering a competitive, lightweight four-stroke motocross race bike was expressed among several brands, including ] Motor Corporation and Husqvarna.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

Facing tightening federal emissions regulations in the United States, the AMA increased the allowable displacement capacity for ] engines in 1997, in an effort to encourage manufacturers to develop environmentally friendlier four-stroke machines.<ref name="Counting Strokes">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J_YDAAAAMBAJ&dq=american+motorcyclist+motocross+history&pg=PA28 |title=Counting Strokes |date=June 1997 |work=American Motorcyclist |accessdate=2 October 2010 |last1=Assoc |first1=American Motorcyclist }}</ref> Due to the low relative power output of a four-stroke engine compared to the then-dominating two-stroke design, the displacement limit of a four-stroke power motocross bike was raised to 250cc in the 125 class and 550cc in the 250 class.<ref name="Counting Strokes"/>

The new regulations resulted in competitors aboard four-strokes made by smaller European manufacturers, with Husqvarna, ], and ] winning world championships on four-stroke machinery. In 1997, Yamaha unveiled a prototype 400cc four-stroke motorcycle, the YZM 400, which was debuted in the ]. The motorcycle made its U.S. debut in 1997, where Yamaha Factory Racing rider Doug Henry led every lap of the main event at the 1997 AMA Supercross Finale and became the first person to win an AMA Supercross race on a four-stroke powered motorcycle.<ref>{{cite web|website=revzilla.com |author=Brett Smith|title=First shot in the four-stroke revolution: Doug Henry's SX win 20 years ago in Vegas|url=https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/doug-henrys-first-four-stroke-supercross-win|date=May 2017}}</ref> Following Yamaha's release of the production model ] in 1998, Henry won the 250 AMA Motocross Championship and became the first person to win a major AMA Motocross title on a four-stroke powered motorcycle. This success motivated the remaining major manufacturers, ], ], and ], to develop their own four-stroke motocross race bikes. By ], every manufacturer had begun competing with four-stroke machines in the AMA 125 (FIM MX2) and 250 (MX1) classes.

The sport has further evolved into a sub-discipline similar to ] known as ], which is held in small indoor arenas. Classes were also formed for ]s. ] (FMX) events where riders are judged on their jumping and aerial acrobatic skills have gained popularity, as has ], where motocross machines race both on ] and off-road. Vintage motocross (VMX) events take place – usually{{quantify|date=October 2017}} for motorcycles predating the 1975 model year.<ref>
{{cite web
|title = Vintage Motocross
|url = http://dev.ahrma.org/?page_id=45
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110924192123/http://dev.ahrma.org/?page_id=45
|url-status = dead
|archive-date = 24 September 2011
|work = American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association
|access-date = 18 April 2013
}}
</ref>
Many VMX races also include a "Post Vintage" portion, which usually includes bikes dating until 1983.

== Major competitions ==
{{More citations needed section|date=July 2009}}


===FIM Motocross World Championship=== ===FIM Motocross World Championship===
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{{Main|FIM Motocross World Championship}} {{Main|FIM Motocross World Championship}}


The Grand Prix (or Motocross World Championship) is predominantly held in Europe with some "flyaway" rounds, recently in Chile, South Africa and Japan, but over its history it has visited numerous countries including; Indonesia, Australia and countries on both American continents. There are three classes: MX1, MX2 and MX3 (analogous to "450cc" and "250cc", and "open", respectively). Race day consists of two moto's with a duration of 35 minutes plus two laps, while the series is longer, generally incorporating over 16 rounds. The ] Grand Prix Motocross World Championship is predominantly held in Europe, but also includes events in North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and Africa.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mxgp.com/|title = 2016 MXGP Race Schedule}}</ref> It is the major Motocross series worldwide. There are three classes: ] for 450cc machines, ] for 250cc machines, and Women's MX. Competitions consist of two races which are called ''motos'' with a duration of 30 minutes plus two laps.


===AMA Motocross Championship=== ===AMA Motocross Championship===
{{Main|AMA Motocross Championship}} {{Main|AMA Motocross Championship}}


The AMA Motocross Championship (the "outdoor series") season begins in early May and continues until mid-September, and consists of twelve rounds at twelve major tracks all over the continental ]. There are two classes:<ref>{{cite web | url= http://admin.amaproracing.com/assets/MX_Rules_2009.pdf | format= PDF | title= Motorcross Rule Book | publisher= AMA | accessdate= 15 March 2010}}</ref> the 250 Motocross Class for 0–125&nbsp;cc 2-stroke or 150–250&nbsp;cc 4-stroke machines; and the 450 Motocross Class for 150–250&nbsp;cc 2-stroke or 251–450&nbsp;cc 4-stroke machines. Each round has two motos of thirty minutes plus two laps. The AMA Motocross Championship begins in mid May and continues until late August. The championship consists of eleven rounds at eleven major tracks all over the continental United States. There are three classes:<ref>{{cite web| url= http://admin.amaproracing.com/assets/MX_Rules_2009.pdf| title= Motocross Rule Book| publisher= AMA| access-date= 15 March 2010| archive-date= 7 July 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110707121919/http://admin.amaproracing.com/assets/MX_Rules_2009.pdf| url-status= dead}}</ref> the 250cc Motocross Class for 150–250&nbsp;cc 4-stroke machines, the 450cc Motocross Class for 251–450&nbsp;cc 4-stroke machines and a 250cc Women's Class, using the same rules as men's 250cc. Race events take place over two motos of 30 minutes plus two laps each.


===Motocross des Nations=== ===Motocross des Nations===
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{{Main|Motocross des Nations}} {{Main|Motocross des Nations}}


The annual Motocross des Nations (now called Motocross of Nations) is usually held at the end of the year when National and World Championship series have ended. The format involves teams of three riders representing their nations. Each rider competes in a different class (MX1, MX2 and "Open"). There are three motos with two classes competing per moto. The location of the event changes from year to year. The United States, Belgium and Great Britain have had the greatest success. The annual Motocross des Nations is held at the end of the year when National and World Championship series have ended.<ref name="Motocross goes International 1947 through 1965"/> The competition involves teams of three riders representing their nations.<ref name="History of Individual Motocross World Championships"/> Each rider competes in a different class (MX1, MX2, and "Open"). There are three motos with two classes competing per moto. The location of the event changes from year to year. The United States, Belgium and Great Britain have had the greatest success.<ref name="The young Americans"/>


===British Motocross Championship===
== Physical demands ==
{{main|British Motocross Championship}}
{{Refimprove|section|date=July 2009}}
Th British Motocross Championship is the main UK off-road competition and organised into classes of MX1 and MX2. MX1 is for 250 &nbsp;cc to 450&nbsp;cc (fourstroke) and MX2 for 175&nbsp;cc to 250&nbsp;cc fourstroke motorcycles.<ref name="ACU">{{cite web|url=http://www.acu.org.uk/uploaded/documents/ACU-HANDBOOK_2010.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929155911/http://www.acu.org.uk/uploaded/documents/ACU-HANDBOOK_2010.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 September 2011|title=ACU Handbook 2010|access-date=9 October 2010}}</ref> In 2007 an additional youth class, the MXY2 class, was added to the programme at selected rounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://londonbikers.com/articles/3597/sun-shines-on-maxxis-british-motocross-championship-opener|title=Sun Shines on Maxxis British Motocross Championship Opener|last=Paetow|first=Stefan|date=10 March 2008|access-date=9 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202112625/http://londonbikers.com/articles/3597/sun-shines-on-maxxis-british-motocross-championship-opener|archive-date=2 December 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
].]]
The National Athletic Health Institute in Inglewood, California tested several professional motocross racers in September 1979 as part of a comparative study of the cardio-vascular, muscle endurance, and flexibility fitness of athletes from various disciplines. Athletes from track, American football, pro basketball and soccer were tested, among others. As a group, the motocross riders tested to a higher overall fitness level than any group tested.{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}} Motocross racers get their heart rate up to around 180 to 190 beats per minute and hold it there for about 35 minutes. These riders do this twice per day (original article appeared in ''Cycle'' magazine in early 1980{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}}). A subsequent study by the ] ] in 2002 reconfirmed the result with more recent motocross racers. The intense physical demand of motocross derives from the fact that the racer of the bike must keep complete control of a {{convert|200|lb|kg|abbr=on}} or heavier bike, while also maintaining their top speed throughout the race.<ref></ref>


A "Veterans" series was introduced in 2009 with just two rounds but the demand for places was so high that from 2011 the Veterans series will have three rounds, held over six races.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mxgb.co.uk/article.php?id=130|title=Veterans Class as hot as MX1 and MX2!|date=27 September 2010|access-date=9 October 2010}}</ref>
==Sports derived from Motocross==

==Sports derived from motocross==
A number of other types of motorcycle sport have been derived from Motocross. A number of other types of motorcycle sport have been derived from Motocross.


=== Freestyle === === Supercross ===
{{Main|Freestyle Motocross}} {{Main|AMA Supercross Championship}}
{{See also|FIM Supercross World Championship|Australian Supercross Championship}}
]
] won 7 Premier Class AMA Supercross titles, earning him the nickname the "King of Supercross"]]


'''Supercross''' is a cycle racing sport involving specialized high-performance off-road motorcycles on constructed dirt tracks with steep jumps and obstacles. Compared to regular motocross, supercross tracks generally have much shorter straights and tighter turns. Professional supercross races, held as the ] in the ], are held almost exclusively in professional baseball and football stadiums.
Freestyle Motocross (FMX), a relatively new variation of supercross, does not involve racing and instead concentrates on performing acrobatic stunts while jumping motocross bikes. The winner is chosen by a group of judges. The riders are scored on style, level of trick difficulty, best use of the course, and frequently crowd reactions as well. FMX was introduced to the X Games and mainstream audiences in 1999.


The supercross season takes place during the winter and spring months, with races in a different city every weekend. There are 17 races in the ] schedule, normally beginning in Anaheim, California, and ending in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 250 cc class is split into two series, east and west. The 450 cc class has one large series with events across the US and Canada.
=== Supermoto ===


In 2022, the World Supercross Championship was demerged from the AMA Supercross Championship, to be held as a standalone series once more. The series previously ran from 2003 to 2008. Supercross events are also held in ], known as the ] promoted by ]. Along with the SX Open held in ], ], the country's biggest event the Aus X-Open forms part of the Oceania Supercross Championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.australiansupercross.com.au/ |title=Home |website=australiansupercross.com.au}}</ref>
{{Main|Supermoto}}
] rider on the road]]


=== Freestyle ===
Supermoto involves taking a motocross bike meant to be raced off-road and converting it to be raced on tracks consisting of both dirt and pavement. The bikes are fitted with special road racing tires and are "grooved" to grip both the pavement and dirt. Some tracks for these race events have jumps, berms, and whoops just like true motocross tracks. For special events, the Supermoto track may incorporate metal ramps for jumps that can be disassembled and taken to other locations. Supermoto races may take place at modified go-kart tracks, road racing tracks, or even street racing tracks. There are also classes for kids such as the 85cc class.
{{Main|Freestyle Motocross}}
]
Freestyle Motocross (FMX), a relatively new variation of supercross started by the South African champion, Marco Urzi, does not involve racing and instead it concentrates on performing acrobatic stunts while jumping motocross bikes. The winner is chosen by a group of judges. The riders are scored on style, level of trick difficulty, best use of the course, and frequently, crowd reactions. FMX was introduced to the ] and mainstream audiences in 1999.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}


=== SuperMoto ===
] got its start in the late 1970s as a fun side project for many road racers. Its first exposure to a wide audience came on the American television program ABC's ] in 1979. UK racing journalist Gavin Trippe envisioned a racing event that would prove who the best motorcycle racer was and from 1980 to 1985, he organized a yearly event called "The Superbikers," which pitted the top road racers and motocross racers against one another on specially modified bikes raced on special tracks on the television show. After 1985, the sport died and received little exposure, but in Europe, the sport started gaining popularity, and in 2003 it was revived in the United States, when the name became "Supermoto".
{{Main|Supermoto}}
] rider on the track]]
] uses motocross bikes converted for racing on tracks consisting of three sections: flat dirt, dirt obstacles, and paved road. The bikes have special road-racing tires with grooved ] to grip both the pavement and dirt. Some tracks for these race events have jumps, berms, and whoops like motocross tracks. For special events, the Supermoto track may incorporate metal ramps for jumps that can be disassembled and taken to other locations. Supermoto races may take place at modified go-kart tracks, road racing tracks, or even street racing tracks. There are also classes for children, such as the 85&nbsp;cc class.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

Supermoto began in the US the late 1970s when TV journalist ] envisioned a racing event that would prove who the best motorcycle racer was. From 1980 to 1985, he organized a yearly event called "The Superbikers", which pitted the top riders from three disciplines, ], ], and motocross against one another on modified bikes raced on special tracks on the television show. Its first exposure to a wide audience came on the American television program ABC's '']'' in 1979. After 1985, the sport declined and received little exposure in the US, but in Europe, it started gaining popularity, and in 2003 it was revived in the US, when the name became Supermoto.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}


=== ATV/Quad Motocross === === ATV/Quad Motocross ===
{{Main|All-terrain vehicle}} {{Main|All-terrain vehicle}}
] at the 2006 Glen Helen MX national.]] ] at the 2006 Glen Helen MX national]]
Throughout the United States and the United Kingdom there are many quad racing clubs with ] and quadcross sections. ] began around 1980 and includes hare scramble and enduro type races. To date, events are mainly held in the eastern part of the United States. GNCC racing features many types of obstacles such as, hill climbing, creek and log crossings, dirt roads and wooded trails.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}


The ATV National Motocross Championship was formed around 1985.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atvmotocross.com |title=ATV Motocross |publisher=ATV Motocross |date=1 January 2013 |access-date=6 February 2013}}</ref> ATVMX events are hosted at motocross racetracks throughout the United States. ATVMX consists of several groups, including the Pro (AMA Pro) and Amateur (ATVA) series. Championship mud racing (CMR)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.championshipmudracing.com |title=Championship Mud Racing |publisher=Championship Mud Racing |date=29 October 2012 |access-date=6 February 2013}}</ref> saw its infancy in 2006 as leaders of the ATV industry recognized a need for uniformity of classes and rules of various local mud bog events. Providing standardized rules created the need for a governing body that both racers and event promoters could turn to and CMR was born. Once unified, a true points series was established and lead to a national championship for what was once nothing more than a hobby for most. In 2007 the finalized board of directors was established and the first races were held in 2008. Currently, the CMR schedule includes eight competition dates spanning from March to November. Points are awarded throughout the season in several different competition classes of ATV and SxS Mud Racing. The 2008 year included Mud Bog and Mudda-Cross competitions, but the 2009 and future seasons will only have Mudda-Cross competitions. Classes range from 0 to 499&nbsp;cc, to a Super-Modified class which will allow any size ATV in competition.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}
Throughout the United States and the United Kingdom there are many quad racing clubs with ] and quadcross sections. ] began around 1980 and includes hare scramble and enduro type races. To date, events are mainly held in the eastern part of the United States. GNCC racing features many types of obstacles such as, hill climbing, creek and log crossings, dirt roads and wooded trails.

ATV National Motocross Championship] was formed around 1985.<ref></ref> ATVMX events are hosted at motocross racetracks throughout the United States. ATVMX consists of several groups, including the Pro (AMA Pro) and Amateur (ATVA) series. Championship mud racing (CMR)<ref></ref> saw its infancy in 2006 as leaders of the ATV industry recognized a need for uniformity of classes and rules of various local mud bog events. Providing standardized rules created the need for a governing body that both racers and event promoters could turn to and CMR was born. Once unified, a true points series was established and lead to a national championship for what was once nothing more than a hobby for most. In 2007 the finalized board of directors was established and the first races were held in 2008. Currently, the CMR schedule includes eight competition dates spanning from March to November. Points are awarded throughout the season in several different competition classes of ATV and SxS Mud Racing. The 2008 year included Mud Bog and Mudda-Cross competitions, but the 2009 and future seasons will only have Mudda-Cross competitions. Classes range from 0&ndash;499&nbsp;cc to a Super-Modified class which will allow any size ATV in competition.

=== Supercross ===
{{Main|Supercross}}
]
'''Supercross''' is a cycle racing sport involving racing specialized high performance off-road motorcycles on artificially-made dirt tracks consisting of steep jumps and obstacles. Professional Supercross contest races are held almost exclusively within professional baseball and football stadiums. Many notable differences exist from regular motocross. Supercross tracks generally have much tighter turns and are more technical than motocross tracks due to the limited space of an indoor arena. The supercross season takes place during the winter and spring months, partially due to more controllable indoor climates involved.


=== Sidecars === === Sidecarcross ===
{{Main|Sidecarcross}} {{Main|Sidecarcross}}
] engined sidecar outfit.]] ]-engined sidecar outfit]]
] racing, known as ] has been around since the 1950s but has declined in popularity since the mid‑1980s. This variant is common in Europe, with a few followers in the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. The premier competition, the ], is contested on European tracks only and almost exclusively by Europeans.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}


Motocross sidecars are purpose built frames that resemble an ordinary motocross-cycle with a flat platform to stand on attached to either side and a handlebar at waist height to hold on to. The side of the "chair" (slang for the platform) usually follows the side of the road the nation in question drives upon, but not always. The passenger balances the bike by being a counterweight, especially in corners and on jumps. It is driven on ordinary crosstracks.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}
] racing, known as ] has been around since the 1950s but has declined in popularity recently. This variant is common in Europe, with a few followers in USA, New Zealand and Australia. The premier competition, the ], is contested on European tracks only and almost exclusevly by Europeans.


It is very physically demanding, especially for the passenger. This is reflected in most in the Swedish term for passenger, ''burkslav'', roughly translated as trunk/barrel-slave. This name comes from the early sidecars which resembled road motorcycle sidecars and not today's platform.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}
Motocross sidecars are purpose built frames that resemble an ordinary motocross-cycle with a flat platform to stand on attached to either side and a handlebar at waist height to hold on to. The side of the "chair" (slang for the platform) usually follows the side of the road the nation in question drives upon, but not always. The passenger balances the bike by being a counterweight, especially in corners and on jumps. It is driven on ordinary crosstracks.


The major frame builders today are VMC, BSU, AYR, EML and Woodenleg. Ordinary engines can be used, but size matters and two engines purpose built for sidecars exist, ] (Germany) and ] (Austria) are most common. Four-strokes are becoming more common, usually ] (Austria).{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}
It is very physically demanding, especially for the passenger. This is reflected in most in the Swedish term for passenger - "burkslav", roughly translated as trunk/body/barrel-slave. This name comes from the early sidecars where the platform looked like a real road-sidecar and not today's platform.
The major frame builders today are VMC, BSU, AYR, EML and Woodenleg. Ordinary engines can be used, but size matters and two engines purpose built for sidecars exist, ] (Germany) and ] (Austria) are most common. Four-strokes are getting more common, usually ] (Austria).


=== Pit bikes and mini-motocross === === Pit bikes and mini-motocross ===
{{Refimprove|section|date=July 2009}} {{More citations needed section|date=July 2009}}
].]] ].]]
Pit bikes are small motorbikes that participants in powersports event use to ride around the pits, which are the staging areas where team support vehicles are located. More recently, they have been used in races held on either supercross or motocross tracks. Numerous performance and aesthetic upgrades are often applied to pit bikes. ]s are small motorbikes that participants in powersports events use to ride around the pits, which are the staging areas where team support vehicles are located. More recently, they have been used in races held on either supercross or motocross tracks. Numerous performance and aesthetic upgrades are often applied to pit bikes.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}


Originally, there was only one way to acquire a pit bike. A rider would buy a child's minibike, usually a ] ] or ] KLX110, and apply all the necessary upgrades and modifications to build a competitive pit bike. Of course, a rider could also buy a used bike. Since 2004, manufacturers have begun designing, manufacturing, importing, and selling already complete pit bikes. These bikes are less expensive, and require less time to complete. Originally, there was only one way to acquire a pit bike. A rider would buy a child's minibike, usually a ] CRF110 or ] KLX110, and apply all the necessary upgrades and modifications to build a competitive pit bike. Of course, a rider could also buy a used bike. Since 2004, manufacturers like ] have begun designing, manufacturing, importing, and selling already complete pit bikes. These bikes are less expensive, and require less time to complete.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thumpstar.com.au/|title=Thumpstar Australia|website=thumpstar.com.au}}</ref>


Pit bikes are powered by 4-stroke, horizontal, single cylinder engines ranging anywhere in displacement from 49&nbsp;cc to 160&nbsp;cc. A typical pit bike is usually a small dirt bike, but it has become common to be able to buy pit bikes with street-style wheels and tires. Pit bikes with street tires, as opposed to ], are used in Mini Supermoto Racing. Pit bikes are powered by 4-stroke, horizontal, single-cylinder engines ranging anywhere in displacement from 49&nbsp;cc to 195&nbsp;cc. A typical pit bike is usually a small dirt bike, but it has become common to be able to buy pit bikes with street-style wheels and tires. Pit bikes with street tires, as opposed to ], are used in Mini Supermoto Racing.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}


Pit bikes are frequently heavily customized with decorative add-ons and performance-enhancing parts. Many riders and mechanics bore-out or replace engines in order to increase displacement and therefore power output. Heavy duty suspension systems, are often a necessary addition, since the stock mini-bike suspension was designed for a small child. Wheel, brake, and tire upgrades are sometimes performed to improve handling. Pit bikes are frequently heavily customized with decorative add-ons and performance-enhancing parts. Many riders and mechanics bore-out or replace engines in order to increase displacement and therefore power output. Heavy duty suspension systems are often a necessary addition, since the stock mini-bike suspension was designed for a small child. Wheel, brake, and tire upgrades are sometimes performed to improve handling.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}


Pit bikes also have their own separate competitions held with classes generally corresponding to wheel size. This is a notable difference from Motocross and Supercross competition, where classes are separated by engine displacement. Pit bike racing is a relatively new niche of motocross, and as such, there is no official governing body similar to the AMA. Pit bikes also have their own separate competitions held with classes generally corresponding to wheel size. This is a notable difference from Motocross and Supercross competition, where classes are separated by engine displacement. Pit bike racing is a relatively new niche of motocross, and as such, there is no official governing body similar to the AMA.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}


== Governing bodies == == Equipment ==
=== Motocross motorcycle ===

;Major manufacturers
Motorcross is governed world-wide by the ] (FIM), with federations in many nations.
{|cellspacing=10

|-
*Australia - ] (MA)
| valign=top |
*Canada - ] / ] / ] / ]
* ] (Spain/Austria)
*France - Federation France Moto (FFM)
*India - ] (FMSCI)
*Ireland - Motorcycle Union of Ireland (MCUI) - NB covers the whole island
*The Netherlands - Koninklijke Nederlandse Motorrijdersvereniging (KNMV), Motorsport Organisatie Nederland (MON)
*New Zealand - ] (MNZ) and ]
*South Africa - Motorsport South Africa (MSA)
*Sweden - SVEMO
*United Kingdom - ] (ACU), with other separate bodies like the ] (Amateur Motorcycle Association), ], ], and ].
*United States - ] (AMA)

== Manufacturers ==
].]]
].]]
{{See also|List of motorcycle manufacturers}}
{{Expand list|date=August 2008}}

'''Current'''
*] (Japan) *] (Japan)
*] (Austria)
*] (Japan)
| valign=top |
*] (Japan)
*] (Austria) *] (Austria)
| valign=top |
*] (Japan) *] (Japan)
*] (Japan) *] (Japan)
|}

;Minor
The above are the major five manufactures in most markets, the manufactures below command a smaller market share (currently - 2007).
{|cellspacing=10

|-
| valign=top |
*] (Italy)
| valign=top |
*] (France & Spain)
|}
*] (Italy), TM holds the largest market share for motocross bikes, outside the major seven.
*] (Italy), well known for there models XX and XXF that are the same as the YZ and the YZF from ] but with changes in esthetic and motorparts.
;Niche market manufactures
{|cellspacing=10
|-
| valign=top |
*] (Portugal)
*] (Italy) *] (Italy)
*] (Italy) 2008 first 450&nbsp;cc dirt bike
] (Germany)
*] (Germany)
*] (Italy)
*] (USA)
*] (UK) *] (UK)
| valign=top |
*Cobra (USA) *Cobra (USA)
*] (Spain) *] (Malaysia)
*] (Spain) *] (Spain)
*] (Thailand)
*] (Austria, formerly from Sweden, owned by ])
*] (Belarus)
*] (Produced in Italy, originally from Sweden, now owned by ])
*] (Germany)
*Mojo Motorcycles (Australia) *Mojo Motorcycles (Australia)
*] (Spain)
| valign=top |
*] (Spain)
*] (Italy) *] (Italy)
*Pitster Pro (United States) *Pitster Pro (United States)
*] (Thailand)
*] (Italy)
*Stark Future (Spain) Electric MX1
*] (Italy)
*] (Italy) *] (Australia)
*] (Japan) *] (Indonesia)
|}
*] (Italy) In 2008 they made their first modern day dirtbike 450&nbsp;cc only
;Chinese manufacturers:

'''Manufacturers that have ceased production'''
{|cellspacing=10 {|cellspacing=10
|-
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*Apollo (China)
*] (UK) - until 1971, then off-road arm continued as ]
*] (China)
| valign=top |
*] (China)
*] (China)
|}
Manufacturers that have ceased production
{|cellspacing=10
|-
| valign=top |
*] (UK) – off-road became ]
*] (Spain) *] (Spain)
*] (Italy)
*] (Canada) *] (Canada)
*] now ] (USA) * ]
*] (Portugal)
*] (UK) *] (UK)
*] (Mexico) *] (Mexico)
*] (former Czechoslovakia) *] (Czechoslovakia)
*] (former East Germany)
*] Belgium
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*] (East Germany)
*] (Portugal)
*] (Belgium)
*] (UK) *] (UK)
*] (Japan) *] (Japan)
*] (USA) *] (USA)
*] (Spain) *] (Sweden)
*] (Germany)
| valign=top |
*] (Sweden) *] (Sweden)
*] (USA) *] (USA)
*] (Spain)
*] (Austria) *] (Austria)
*] (Italy) *] (UK)
*] (Germany) *] (Germany)
*] (UK)
|} |}

== Governing bodies ==
{{abbreviations|section|date=November 2011}}
Motocross is governed worldwide by the ] (FIM), with federations in many nations.

*Australia – ] (MA)
*Austria – Osterreichische Automobil, Motorrad und Touring Club (OAMTC)
*Belgium – Federation Motocycliste de Belgique (FMB)
*Brazil – Confederação Brasileira de Motociclismo (CBM)
*Canada – ] and ]
*Czech Republic – Autoklub České republiky (ACCR)
*Denmark – Danmarks Motor Union (DMU)
*Estonia – Eesti Motorrattaspordi Föderatsioon (EMF)
*Finland – Suomen Moottoriliitto (SML)
*France – Fédération Française de Motocyclisme (FFM)
*Germany – ] (DMSB)
*India – ] (FMSCI)
*Ireland – Motorcycle Union of Ireland (MCUI) – NB covers the whole island
*Italy – Federazione Motociclistica Italiana (FMI)
*Latvia – Latvijas Motosporta Federācija<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lamsf.lv/|title=Jaunumi|website=LaMSF.lv}}</ref> (LaMSF)
*Lithuania – Lietuvos Motociklų Sporto Federacija (LMSF)
*The Netherlands – Koninklijke Nederlandse Motorrijdersvereniging (KNMV), Motorsport Organisatie Nederland (MON)
*New Zealand – ] (MNZ) and ]
*Norway – Norges Motorsportforbund (NMF)
*Poland – ] (PZM)
*Portugal – Federação Motociclismo Portugal (FMP)
*Russia – Motorcycle Federation of Russia (MFR)
*South Africa – Motorsport South Africa (MSA)
*Spain – Real Federación Motociclista Española (RFME)
*Slovakia – Slovak motorcycle federation (SMF)
*Slovenia – Auto-Cycle Union of Slovenia (AMZS)
*Sweden – Svenska Motorsportförbundet (SVEMO)
*Switzerland – Federation Motocycliste Suisse (FMS)
*Thailand – Federation of Motor Sport Clubs of Thailand (FMSCT)
*United Kingdom – ] (ACU), with other separate bodies like the ] (AMCA), ], ], and ].
*United States – ] (AMA)


== See also == == See also ==
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


==References== ==References==
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== External links == == External links ==
{{Commonscat|Motocross}} {{Commons category|Motocross}}
* *
*
*{{dmoz|/Sports/Motorsports/Motorcycle_Racing/Off-Road/|Off-Road racing}}


{{Extreme Sports}}
]
{{Types of motorcycles}}
{{Racing}}
{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 00:08, 29 December 2024

Off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Motocross" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (September 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

A motocross rider coming off a jump
Motocross championship

Motocross is a form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits. The sport evolved from motorcycle trials competitions held in the United Kingdom.

History

Motocross first evolved in Britain from motorcycle trials competitions, such as the Auto-Cycle Clubs's first quarterly trial in 1909 and the Scottish Six Days Trial that began in 1912. When organisers dispensed with delicate balancing and strict scoring of trials in favour of a race to become the fastest rider to the finish, the activity became known as "hare scrambles", said to have originated in the phrase, "a rare old scramble" describing one such early race. Though known as scrambles racing (or just scrambles) in the United Kingdom, the sport grew in popularity and the competitions became known internationally as "motocross racing", by combining the French word for motorcycle, motocyclette, into a blend with "cross country".

The first known scramble race in the world took place in Camberley, Surrey in 1924. The 100th anniversary of the very first Motocross race was commemorated in March 2024. The same cub that ran the 1924 event ran it again over the same land. During the 1930s the sport grew in popularity, especially in Britain where teams from the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA), Norton, Matchless, Rudge, and AJS competed in the events. The first motocross race held on an artificial track inside a stadium took place on August 28, 1948, at Buffalo Stadium in the Paris suburb of Montrouge. The event was the forerunner to supercross competitions.

Off-road motorcycles from that era differed little from those used on the street. The intense competition over rugged terrain led to technical improvements in motorcycles. Rigid frames gave way to suspensions by the early 1930s, and swinging fork rear suspension appeared by the early 1950s, several years before manufacturers incorporated it in the majority of production street bikes. The period after World War II was dominated by BSA, which had become the largest motorcycle company in the world. BSA riders dominated international competitions throughout the 1940s.

A Maico 360 cc with air-cooled engine and twin shock absorbers on the rear suspension

In 1952 the FIM, motorcycling's international governing body, set up an individual European Championship using a 500 cc engine displacement formula. In 1957 it was upgraded to World Championship status. In 1962 a 250 cc world championship was established and, new rules were adopted dividing the races into two 45 minute heat races that were referred to as motos.

In the smaller 250 cc category companies with two-stroke motorcycles came into their own. Companies such as Husqvarna from Sweden, CZ from the former Czechoslovakia, Bultaco from Spain and Greeves from England became popular due to their lightness and agility.

A significant moment in motocross history occurred during the 1963 FIM Motocross World Championship when ČZ factory rider Vlastimil Valek rode a 263cc two-stroke motorcycle to win the first moto of the 500cc Czechoslovakian Motocross Grand Prix ahead of a field of top-class, four stroke motorcycles. The victory marked a turning point in motocross history as, it was the first win by a two-stroke powered motorcycle in the premier division of the Motocross World Championships.

By the mid-1960s, advances in two-stroke engine technology meant that the heavier, four-stroke machines were relegated to niche competitions. Riders from Belgium and Sweden began to dominate the sport during this period. Motocross arrived in the United States in 1966 when Swedish champion, Torsten Hallman rode an exhibition event against the top American TT riders at the Corriganville Movie Ranch also known as Hopetown in Simi Valley, California. The following year Hallman was joined by other motocross stars including Roger DeCoster, Joël Robert, and Dave Bickers. They dominated the event, placing their lightweight two-strokes into the top six finishing positions. A motorcycle sales boom in the United States fueled by the Baby Boomer generation, helped to spark a growth in the popularity of motocross among young Americans.

Japanese motorcycle manufacturers began challenging the European factories for supremacy in the motocross world by the late 1960s. Suzuki claimed the first world championship for a Japanese factory when Joël Robert won the 1970 250 cc crown. In 1972, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) inaugurated the AMA Motocross Championships and, held its first stadium race at the Los Angeles Coliseum, promoted by Mike Goodwin and Terry Tiernan, then-president of the AMA. The stadium event, won by 16-year-old Marty Tripes, paved the way for constructed, stadium-based motocross events known as supercross.

In 1975, the FIM introduced a 125 cc world championship. European riders continued to dominate international motocross competitions throughout the 1970s with Belgian or Swedish riders winning ten Motocross des Nations (MXDN) events between 1969 and 1980 but, by the 1980s, American riders had caught up with American teams winning a string of 13 consecutive MXDN victories between 1981 and 1993. In 1978, Akira Watanabe became the first non-European competitor to win a motocross world championship and, in 1982 Brad Lackey became the first individual American motocross world champion.

From the late 1970s to early 1990s, Japanese motorcycle manufacturers presided over a boom period in motocross technology. The typical air-cooled two-strokes with twin-shock rear suspension and telescopic front forks gave way to water-cooled engines and single-shock absorber rear suspension and "upside-down" (or inverted) front forks. Although the advancement of two-stroke engine technology was the primary focus of the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers well into the mid 1990s, a rekindled interest in engineering a competitive, lightweight four-stroke motocross race bike was expressed among several brands, including Yamaha Motor Corporation and Husqvarna.

Facing tightening federal emissions regulations in the United States, the AMA increased the allowable displacement capacity for four-stroke engines in 1997, in an effort to encourage manufacturers to develop environmentally friendlier four-stroke machines. Due to the low relative power output of a four-stroke engine compared to the then-dominating two-stroke design, the displacement limit of a four-stroke power motocross bike was raised to 250cc in the 125 class and 550cc in the 250 class.

The new regulations resulted in competitors aboard four-strokes made by smaller European manufacturers, with Husqvarna, Husaberg, and KTM winning world championships on four-stroke machinery. In 1997, Yamaha unveiled a prototype 400cc four-stroke motorcycle, the YZM 400, which was debuted in the FIM Motocross World Championship. The motorcycle made its U.S. debut in 1997, where Yamaha Factory Racing rider Doug Henry led every lap of the main event at the 1997 AMA Supercross Finale and became the first person to win an AMA Supercross race on a four-stroke powered motorcycle. Following Yamaha's release of the production model YZ400F in 1998, Henry won the 250 AMA Motocross Championship and became the first person to win a major AMA Motocross title on a four-stroke powered motorcycle. This success motivated the remaining major manufacturers, Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki, to develop their own four-stroke motocross race bikes. By 2006, every manufacturer had begun competing with four-stroke machines in the AMA 125 (FIM MX2) and 250 (MX1) classes.

The sport has further evolved into a sub-discipline similar to supercross known as arenacross, which is held in small indoor arenas. Classes were also formed for all-terrain vehicles. Freestyle motocross (FMX) events where riders are judged on their jumping and aerial acrobatic skills have gained popularity, as has supermoto, where motocross machines race both on tarmac and off-road. Vintage motocross (VMX) events take place – usually for motorcycles predating the 1975 model year. Many VMX races also include a "Post Vintage" portion, which usually includes bikes dating until 1983.

Major competitions

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (July 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

FIM Motocross World Championship

FIM Motocross World Championship
Main article: FIM Motocross World Championship

The FIM Grand Prix Motocross World Championship is predominantly held in Europe, but also includes events in North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and Africa. It is the major Motocross series worldwide. There are three classes: MXGP for 450cc machines, MX2 for 250cc machines, and Women's MX. Competitions consist of two races which are called motos with a duration of 30 minutes plus two laps.

AMA Motocross Championship

Main article: AMA Motocross Championship

The AMA Motocross Championship begins in mid May and continues until late August. The championship consists of eleven rounds at eleven major tracks all over the continental United States. There are three classes: the 250cc Motocross Class for 150–250 cc 4-stroke machines, the 450cc Motocross Class for 251–450 cc 4-stroke machines and a 250cc Women's Class, using the same rules as men's 250cc. Race events take place over two motos of 30 minutes plus two laps each.

Motocross des Nations

Motocross des Nations
Main article: Motocross des Nations

The annual Motocross des Nations is held at the end of the year when National and World Championship series have ended. The competition involves teams of three riders representing their nations. Each rider competes in a different class (MX1, MX2, and "Open"). There are three motos with two classes competing per moto. The location of the event changes from year to year. The United States, Belgium and Great Britain have had the greatest success.

British Motocross Championship

Main article: British Motocross Championship

Th British Motocross Championship is the main UK off-road competition and organised into classes of MX1 and MX2. MX1 is for 250  cc to 450 cc (fourstroke) and MX2 for 175 cc to 250 cc fourstroke motorcycles. In 2007 an additional youth class, the MXY2 class, was added to the programme at selected rounds.

A "Veterans" series was introduced in 2009 with just two rounds but the demand for places was so high that from 2011 the Veterans series will have three rounds, held over six races.

Sports derived from motocross

A number of other types of motorcycle sport have been derived from Motocross.

Supercross

Main article: AMA Supercross Championship See also: FIM Supercross World Championship and Australian Supercross Championship
Jeremy McGrath won 7 Premier Class AMA Supercross titles, earning him the nickname the "King of Supercross"

Supercross is a cycle racing sport involving specialized high-performance off-road motorcycles on constructed dirt tracks with steep jumps and obstacles. Compared to regular motocross, supercross tracks generally have much shorter straights and tighter turns. Professional supercross races, held as the AMA Supercross Championship in the United States, are held almost exclusively in professional baseball and football stadiums.

The supercross season takes place during the winter and spring months, with races in a different city every weekend. There are 17 races in the AMA Supercross Championship schedule, normally beginning in Anaheim, California, and ending in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 250 cc class is split into two series, east and west. The 450 cc class has one large series with events across the US and Canada.

In 2022, the World Supercross Championship was demerged from the AMA Supercross Championship, to be held as a standalone series once more. The series previously ran from 2003 to 2008. Supercross events are also held in Australia, known as the Australian Supercross Championship promoted by Motorcycling Australia. Along with the SX Open held in Auckland, New Zealand, the country's biggest event the Aus X-Open forms part of the Oceania Supercross Championship.

Freestyle

Main article: Freestyle Motocross
"superman seat-grab"

Freestyle Motocross (FMX), a relatively new variation of supercross started by the South African champion, Marco Urzi, does not involve racing and instead it concentrates on performing acrobatic stunts while jumping motocross bikes. The winner is chosen by a group of judges. The riders are scored on style, level of trick difficulty, best use of the course, and frequently, crowd reactions. FMX was introduced to the X Games and mainstream audiences in 1999.

SuperMoto

Main article: Supermoto
A Supermoto rider on the track

Supermoto uses motocross bikes converted for racing on tracks consisting of three sections: flat dirt, dirt obstacles, and paved road. The bikes have special road-racing tires with grooved tread to grip both the pavement and dirt. Some tracks for these race events have jumps, berms, and whoops like motocross tracks. For special events, the Supermoto track may incorporate metal ramps for jumps that can be disassembled and taken to other locations. Supermoto races may take place at modified go-kart tracks, road racing tracks, or even street racing tracks. There are also classes for children, such as the 85 cc class.

Supermoto began in the US the late 1970s when TV journalist Gavin Trippe envisioned a racing event that would prove who the best motorcycle racer was. From 1980 to 1985, he organized a yearly event called "The Superbikers", which pitted the top riders from three disciplines, flat track, road racing, and motocross against one another on modified bikes raced on special tracks on the television show. Its first exposure to a wide audience came on the American television program ABC's Wide World of Sports in 1979. After 1985, the sport declined and received little exposure in the US, but in Europe, it started gaining popularity, and in 2003 it was revived in the US, when the name became Supermoto.

ATV/Quad Motocross

Main article: All-terrain vehicle
Professional ATV racer Tim Farr at the 2006 Glen Helen MX national

Throughout the United States and the United Kingdom there are many quad racing clubs with enduro and quadcross sections. GNCC Racing began around 1980 and includes hare scramble and enduro type races. To date, events are mainly held in the eastern part of the United States. GNCC racing features many types of obstacles such as, hill climbing, creek and log crossings, dirt roads and wooded trails.

The ATV National Motocross Championship was formed around 1985. ATVMX events are hosted at motocross racetracks throughout the United States. ATVMX consists of several groups, including the Pro (AMA Pro) and Amateur (ATVA) series. Championship mud racing (CMR) saw its infancy in 2006 as leaders of the ATV industry recognized a need for uniformity of classes and rules of various local mud bog events. Providing standardized rules created the need for a governing body that both racers and event promoters could turn to and CMR was born. Once unified, a true points series was established and lead to a national championship for what was once nothing more than a hobby for most. In 2007 the finalized board of directors was established and the first races were held in 2008. Currently, the CMR schedule includes eight competition dates spanning from March to November. Points are awarded throughout the season in several different competition classes of ATV and SxS Mud Racing. The 2008 year included Mud Bog and Mudda-Cross competitions, but the 2009 and future seasons will only have Mudda-Cross competitions. Classes range from 0 to 499 cc, to a Super-Modified class which will allow any size ATV in competition.

Sidecarcross

Main article: Sidecarcross
A Zabel-engined sidecar outfit

Sidecar racing, known as Sidecarcross has been around since the 1950s but has declined in popularity since the mid‑1980s. This variant is common in Europe, with a few followers in the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. The premier competition, the Sidecarcross World Championship, is contested on European tracks only and almost exclusively by Europeans.

Motocross sidecars are purpose built frames that resemble an ordinary motocross-cycle with a flat platform to stand on attached to either side and a handlebar at waist height to hold on to. The side of the "chair" (slang for the platform) usually follows the side of the road the nation in question drives upon, but not always. The passenger balances the bike by being a counterweight, especially in corners and on jumps. It is driven on ordinary crosstracks.

It is very physically demanding, especially for the passenger. This is reflected in most in the Swedish term for passenger, burkslav, roughly translated as trunk/barrel-slave. This name comes from the early sidecars which resembled road motorcycle sidecars and not today's platform.

The major frame builders today are VMC, BSU, AYR, EML and Woodenleg. Ordinary engines can be used, but size matters and two engines purpose built for sidecars exist, Zabel (Germany) and MTH (Austria) are most common. Four-strokes are becoming more common, usually KTM (Austria).

Pit bikes and mini-motocross

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Two riders go into a corner at a mini-motocross event in West Virginia.

Pit bikes are small motorbikes that participants in powersports events use to ride around the pits, which are the staging areas where team support vehicles are located. More recently, they have been used in races held on either supercross or motocross tracks. Numerous performance and aesthetic upgrades are often applied to pit bikes.

Originally, there was only one way to acquire a pit bike. A rider would buy a child's minibike, usually a Honda CRF110 or Kawasaki KLX110, and apply all the necessary upgrades and modifications to build a competitive pit bike. Of course, a rider could also buy a used bike. Since 2004, manufacturers like Thumpstar have begun designing, manufacturing, importing, and selling already complete pit bikes. These bikes are less expensive, and require less time to complete.

Pit bikes are powered by 4-stroke, horizontal, single-cylinder engines ranging anywhere in displacement from 49 cc to 195 cc. A typical pit bike is usually a small dirt bike, but it has become common to be able to buy pit bikes with street-style wheels and tires. Pit bikes with street tires, as opposed to knobby tires, are used in Mini Supermoto Racing.

Pit bikes are frequently heavily customized with decorative add-ons and performance-enhancing parts. Many riders and mechanics bore-out or replace engines in order to increase displacement and therefore power output. Heavy duty suspension systems are often a necessary addition, since the stock mini-bike suspension was designed for a small child. Wheel, brake, and tire upgrades are sometimes performed to improve handling.

Pit bikes also have their own separate competitions held with classes generally corresponding to wheel size. This is a notable difference from Motocross and Supercross competition, where classes are separated by engine displacement. Pit bike racing is a relatively new niche of motocross, and as such, there is no official governing body similar to the AMA.

Equipment

Motocross motorcycle

Major manufacturers
Minor
  • TM (Italy), TM holds the largest market share for motocross bikes, outside the major seven.
  • Fantic (Italy), well known for there models XX and XXF that are the same as the YZ and the YZF from Yamaha but with changes in esthetic and motorparts.
Niche market manufactures
Chinese manufacturers

Manufacturers that have ceased production

Governing bodies

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Motocross is governed worldwide by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), with federations in many nations.

  • Australia – Motorcycling Australia (MA)
  • Austria – Osterreichische Automobil, Motorrad und Touring Club (OAMTC)
  • Belgium – Federation Motocycliste de Belgique (FMB)
  • Brazil – Confederação Brasileira de Motociclismo (CBM)
  • Canada – Canadian Motorsport Racing Corp.(CMRC) and Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA)
  • Czech Republic – Autoklub České republiky (ACCR)
  • Denmark – Danmarks Motor Union (DMU)
  • Estonia – Eesti Motorrattaspordi Föderatsioon (EMF)
  • Finland – Suomen Moottoriliitto (SML)
  • France – Fédération Française de Motocyclisme (FFM)
  • Germany – Deutscher Motor Sport Bund (DMSB)
  • India – Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI)
  • Ireland – Motorcycle Union of Ireland (MCUI) – NB covers the whole island
  • Italy – Federazione Motociclistica Italiana (FMI)
  • Latvia – Latvijas Motosporta Federācija (LaMSF)
  • Lithuania – Lietuvos Motociklų Sporto Federacija (LMSF)
  • The Netherlands – Koninklijke Nederlandse Motorrijdersvereniging (KNMV), Motorsport Organisatie Nederland (MON)
  • New Zealand – Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ) and New Zealand Dirt Bike Federation
  • Norway – Norges Motorsportforbund (NMF)
  • Poland – Polski Związek Motorowy (PZM)
  • Portugal – Federação Motociclismo Portugal (FMP)
  • Russia – Motorcycle Federation of Russia (MFR)
  • South Africa – Motorsport South Africa (MSA)
  • Spain – Real Federación Motociclista Española (RFME)
  • Slovakia – Slovak motorcycle federation (SMF)
  • Slovenia – Auto-Cycle Union of Slovenia (AMZS)
  • Sweden – Svenska Motorsportförbundet (SVEMO)
  • Switzerland – Federation Motocycliste Suisse (FMS)
  • Thailand – Federation of Motor Sport Clubs of Thailand (FMSCT)
  • United Kingdom – Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), with other separate bodies like the Amateur Motorcycling Association (AMCA), ORPA, BSMA, and YSMA.
  • United States – American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)

See also

References

  1. ^ Setright, L. J. K. (1979), The Guinness book of motorcycling facts and feats, Guinness Superlatives, pp. 202, 211, ISBN 0-85112-200-0
  2. ^ "History of Individual supercross World Championships" (PDF). Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
  3. "The birth of motocross: 1924 through 1939". pigtailpals.com. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  4. ^ "Taking Motocross to the people". pigtailpals.org. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  5. ^ "Motocross goes International 1947 through 1965". pigtailpals.com. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  6. "Namur MX The Heroic Years". namurmx.be. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  7. Dewhurst, David (2022), Motocross The Golden Years, Walsworth, Marceline, Missouri, ISBN 978-0-578-29016-4, Battles between Hallman and Robert quickly became legend, but the most significant moment in the decade of the 1960s came when ČZ factory rider Vlastimil Valek rode a bike with a bored-out 250cc two stroke single and beat a full field of top-class, 500cc four stroke bikes to win the 1963 Czechoslovakian Grand Prix.
  8. Bryan Stealey (2008). The Powerhouse MX Nations: USA, Belgium, UK, Netherlands, France, and Germany. Crabtree Publishing Company. p. 14. ISBN 978-0-7787-3990-6.
  9. "Edison Dye: The Father of American Motocross". earlyyearsofmx.com. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  10. "Edison Dye and his Flying Circus". pigtailpals.com. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  11. "Corriganville/Hopetown Motorcycle Races". employees.oxy.edu. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
  12. "Boom Time: American Motocross in the 1970s". pigtailpals.com. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  13. "Joël Robert at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame". motorcyclemuseum.org. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
  14. "The First Supercross". motorcyclistonline.com. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
  15. ^ "The young Americans". pigtailpals.com. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  16. "U.S. Trophee and MX des Nations Team, 1981". motorcyclemuseum.org. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
  17. "MXDN History". mxgp.com. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
  18. Amick, Bill (October 1982). It's Lackey, At Last. Retrieved 5 November 2022. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  19. ^ Assoc, American Motorcyclist (June 1997). Counting Strokes. Retrieved 2 October 2010. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  20. Brett Smith (May 2017). "First shot in the four-stroke revolution: Doug Henry's SX win 20 years ago in Vegas". revzilla.com.
  21. "Vintage Motocross". American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
  22. "2016 MXGP Race Schedule".
  23. "Motocross Rule Book" (PDF). AMA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 15 March 2010.
  24. "ACU Handbook 2010" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  25. Paetow, Stefan (10 March 2008). "Sun Shines on Maxxis British Motocross Championship Opener". Archived from the original on 2 December 2010. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  26. "Veterans Class as hot as MX1 and MX2!". 27 September 2010. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  27. "Home". australiansupercross.com.au.
  28. "ATV Motocross". ATV Motocross. 1 January 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  29. "Championship Mud Racing". Championship Mud Racing. 29 October 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  30. "Thumpstar Australia". thumpstar.com.au.
  31. "Jaunumi". LaMSF.lv.

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