Motocross Racing

A form of motorcycle racing held on artificial loose dirt circuits, constructed with many corners and steep bumps from which riders launch themselves high into the air.

Motocross motorcyles are lightweight, powered by highly tuned two-stroke engines (but usually geared for quick acceleration rather than very high speeds), with highly absorbent suspension designed to cope with the shock of heavy landings, and short gearing designed for swift acceleration rather than the ultimate in top speed. Unusually for racing machines, they can be purchased in a ready-to-race condition from major motorcycle manufacturers, and at affordable prices.

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 the move their bodies around their motorcycles to balance the bikes for maximum speed. Capitalising on this appeal, a variant called "Supercross" has evolved, held on tighter tracks in sports stadiums (even indoors) with more, even higher jumps.

A relatively new sport, Freestyle Motocross[?] shuns racing concentrates on performing acrobatic stunts while jumping these motorcycles.