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Posted by on Jun 3, 2020 in TellMeWhy |

What Is Motocross and How Did It Begin?

What Is Motocross and How Did It Begin?

What Is Motocross and How Did It Begin? Motocross is a type of motorcycle racing. The riders take their bikes on off-road tracks full of rough terrain.

They race over hills and around sharp turns. The tracks are made of dirt, so are often muddy. This all adds to the difficulty of this sport. A rider has to be very talented to do well in motocross!

It’s a very dangerous sport. It’s always important to use the proper safety equipment. This means wearing a helmet, goggles, and body armor. It’s also important to research the proper clothing and footwear to keep safe on a motocross bike.

Motocross didn’t come about until the early 20th century. It started in the United Kingdom and spread across Europe.

The name of the sport itself combines the French word for “motorcycle” (moto) with “cross country.” The racing sport came to America in the 1960’s. Edison Dye brought motocross to the United States, where it gained popularity.

Soon, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) started organizing races. It held the first AMA Motocross Championship in 1972. The AMA has a guide to help riders of different ages find the right equipment.

As with any sport, you should remember that motocross takes practice. It’s most important to have fun and follow all safety precautions each time you ride.

motocross bike rider

Motocross only continued to grow and spread. Japanese companies like Suzuki and Kawasaki quickly became the leaders in building motocross bikes. In 1974, the AMA organized the first indoor motocross race, called supercross.

In 1995, it held its first women’s motocross championship. Of course, many people say watching a motocross race is as much fun as being in one! Seeing riders speed down dirt tracks and soar into the air over steep hills is exciting for fans.

Today, the sport continues to grow in popularity. Maybe you’ve heard of some of its most famous riders. One is Ricky Carmichael, who won 150 professional competitions and had three undefeated seasons.

You may also recognize the name Jessica Patterson. She won seven national championships. Or perhaps you’ve heard of Jeremy McGrath, whose tricks on the track drew a lot of attention.

Content for this question contributed by Carrie March, resident of Concord, Contra Costa County, California, USA