About Motocross
Motocross,
formerly known as Scrambling (and still known as scrambling by
the general public and the ‘old hands’) is an off-road
sport which should not be confused with Supercross or its close
relative Stadium Cross. These generally take place over a purpose
built, normally temporary, course within a stadium type complex.
Motocross circuits are, in general, erected on natural land with
some enhancements in the way of jumps etc.
Races of up to 40 solo riders are run over natural land which is often farmland or disused pits. Races can be over a given number of laps or a defined time plus a number of laps, i.e. 15 minutes plus 2 laps. Solo, sidecar and youth classes are all catered for, youth generally being classified as being between 6 and 17 years old.
In general adult and youth Motocross meetings are held separately but it is possible to ride in motocross from the age of 6 upwards although you would need to find a club catering for the younger age groups.
Currently, youth Motocross may be ridden from the age of 6 to 15/16 to take part in several different classes. Adult motocross also includes several classes, many of which tend to be local in nature. However, in general there are just two classes, Expert and Junior. In addition, Championship series may be run at a local level. As an example, here in the Eastern Centre we have the NGR Championship, a series of events inaugurated by the late Nigel Read for riders over the age of 25 in which in itself, has several classes.
Currently youth riders of 15 years or more can now elect to ride in adult classes but will still be limited to the machine capacity related to their age. This should prove to make things interesting as well as providing a wonderful stepping stone for some of our more experienced and talented youth riders.
Sidecar motocross is also catered for within the Eastern Centre although over recent years entries have sadly dropped off, leading some clubs abandoning the sidecar class altogether.
Races of up to 40 solo riders are run and can be over a given number of laps or a defined time plus a number of laps, e.g. 15 minutes plus 2 laps. This is normally defined by the organising club. For Championship events the length of race is defined in the Championship rules.
Though it varies from year to year, there is usually at least
one round of the MAXXIS British Championship.held within the centre.
These are national events which give the opportunity for spectators
and riders alike to see the top riders in the country, plus several
overseas stars, competing over our courses.
