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The word “motocross” is derived from motorcycle and cross-country and can
trace its origins to British motorbike scrambling, which in turn is a
descendant of motorbike trials. The race begins with often up to 40 riders
lining up alongside each other in a mass start. The length of the race can
either be measured in anything from 5 to 30 minutes or more plus one or two
laps or by a certain number of laps. If the race is based on time, a signal
is given at the finishing line once the time is up so that riders know that
they only have the predetermined one or two laps left to complete the race.
The finish is signaled with a checkered flag. Motocross tracks are often a
mile or more in length, usually incorporating the natural features of the
terrain enhanced with manmade jumps. The two main competitions are the
International Motorcycling Federation’s Grand Prix – the World
Championships, with most of the races on European tracks and the American
National Championship, a series of races held throughout the United States. |
