Motocross is a form of off-road motorcycle racing that utilizes natural terrain features like hills, mud, and rocks.
The roots of motocross go back to the early 20th century in the United Kingdom. Initially, motorcycle racing events were held on paved roads or dirt tracks, but as riders sought additional challenges, off-road racing began to emerge. The first official race, known as a scramble, took place in Camberley, Surrey, in 1924.
By the mid-20th century, as the sport gained popularity, it evolved into a more structured and competitive sport, and advancements in motorcycle technology, such as improved suspension systems and more powerful engines, allowed riders to tackle rougher terrains with greater speed and agility.
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) formed the first European Championship in 1952, which later became the World Championship in 1957.
The primary governing bodies for motocross today are the FIM and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). The FIM oversees international competitions, including the Motocross World Championship (MXGP), while the AMA sanctions events in the United States, such as the AMA Supercross.
Given its inherent risks, safety is an important consideration in motocross. Standard safety measures include protective gear such as helmets, goggles, gloves, boots, and body armor. Contemporary motocross tracks are generally designed with safety zones, proper jump placements, and barriers to minimize risks, and riders are encouraged to ride within their skill level and participate in training programs to improve their techniques.
Due to the inherent risks and of the sport, related to high speeds, challenging terrain, and physical and mental demands placed on riders, motocross is categorized as an extreme sport.
Motocross has spawned several exciting derivatives, each with its unique characteristics. One is Supercross, where races are held in stadiums on artificial dirt tracks, featuring tight turns and large jumps. Freestyle Motocross focuses on aerial tricks and stunts, with competitions judged on style and difficulty. Supermoto combines motocross, road, and flat track racing and is typically held on a track with dirt and paved sections. Sidecarcross involves teams of two, a rider and a passenger, racing on motocross tracks with sidecar-equipped motorcycles. Designed for younger riders, Mini-Motocross uses small bikes and tracks.
Motocross and any of its derivatives, named above, are appropriate topics for this part of our web guide. However, retail websites should be submitted to the corresponding Shopping & eCommerce category.
Recommended Resources
Commercially known as Monster Energy AMA Supercross, the American motorcycle racing series was founded by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 1974 and is held from January through early May. Supercross is a variant of motocross that involves off-road motorcycles on a constructed dirt track consisting of steep jumps and obstacles, usually built within a sports stadium. Its schedules, riders, photographs, videos, and an online shopping area are included.
https://www.supercrosslive.com/
DMX highlights news, features, and interviews from the world of Canadian motocross. The interactive platform results from contributions from a cast of writers, photographers, product testers, designers, and readers who are invited to upload photos or submit questions, comments, or ideas. Members may register accounts, plot their locations on Google Maps, share their racing background and information, and communicate with other enthusiasts. Videos, photo reports, and race results.
https://www.directmotocross.com/
Team FMX is owned and operated by Travis Willis, a freestyle motocross rider who has been performing extreme motorcycle stunt shows and producing events throughout North, Central, and South America since 2000. In 2001, Travis designed and built a portable, self-contained FMX ram that travels non-stop putting on FMX exhibitions nationwide, with several freestyle motocross teams performing exhibitions around the United States. Booking information and contacts are available.
http://freestylemotocrossteamfmx.com/
Founded in 1997 by SCORE champion off-road rider Marc Burnett, FreestyleMX operates this website and is the largest international organizer and promoter of freestyle motocross. It travels worldwide with the Monster Energy FreestyleMX Tour, presented by Can-Am, the largest and longest-running tour in the world. FreestyleMX also produces contests and demonstrations for industries and audiences. News, media content, events, riders, sponsors, videos, and information on booking a show are provided.
https://freestylemx.com/
MFA is a non-profit organization that organizes various activities such as fundraisers, ride days, sponsored motocross events, and charitable donations, all intended to benefit motocross enthusiasts and their families. The non-profit organization was created to support the motocross community in the United States. Upcoming events are featured on their website, along with ride days, announcements, track rentals, a telephone number, and an online contact form.
https://www.mxfam.org/
Kelly Fager, a certified dirt bike coach, offers guidance on choosing the right bike, mastering proper techniques, and avoiding common mistakes that can lead to crashes and injuries. This online motocross resource, designed to help casual trail riders and beginners learn how to ride dirt bikes safely and confidently, provides tips and step-by-step instructions through premium online courses, and a free course is available, although it requires an email address. Testimonials are included.
https://motocrosshideout.com/
Run by Tony Blazier, who has over forty years of experience in motocross, the online resource for motocross enthusiasts features classic motorcycle reviews, motocross history, and race videos. It also includes detailed histories of various motocross bikes, like Honda's CR and CRF models from 1973 to 2021. It includes highlights from memorable races, classic motocross magazines, classic bike tests, classic motorcycle brochures, informational articles, and an online shopping section.
https://themotocrossvault.com/
MXA is a leading publication dedicated to motocross and supercross, available in print and digitally. The magazine covers the latest news, race results, bike tests, and industry updates. Known as the MXA Wrecking Crew, its staff, composed of current and former pro racers, provides in-depth reviews and setup tips for various motocross bikes. Online content is sorted by Fantasy MX, News, Bike Tests, Features, Reviews, and Racing. An online shopping area includes branded apparel and phone cases.
https://motocrossactionmag.com/
The Pro Motocross Championship is recognized as the world's premiere professional motocross championship. It features motocross racers competing aboard state-of-the-art motorcycles on motocross race tracks around the world. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, the 11-round series begins in mid-May and ends in late August. Professional competition is divided into two classes: the 250 Class for 150-250cc machines and the 450 Class for 252-450cc machines. Riders, teams, and results are featured.
https://promotocross.com/
Available in print and online, Racer X is a source for motocross and supercross news, providing comprehensive coverage of events, race results, and industry updates. They offer reports on major championships like the AMA Pro Motocross and SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX), along with exclusive interviews, videos, and podcasts. Subscribers can choose between print, digital, or a combination of both, with the print version featuring exclusive monthly posters.
https://racerxonline.com/
Sidecar-cross racing, also known as sidecar motocross, is a unique branch of motocross. Unlike traditional motocross, which involves solo riders, sidecar-cross features teams of two, a driver and a passenger. Sometimes known as the "monkey," the passenger plays an important role in balancing the sidecar during sharp turns and jumps. Sponsored by Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the Sidecar-Cross Motocross World Championship, other events, and contacts are provided.
https://sidecarcross.com/
Super Motocross World Championship
The SuperMotocross World Championship is the premier combined discipline world championship or off-road motorcycle racing. Organized in 2023 after the AMA Supercross Championship lost its FIM World Championship status, the series consists of the Supercross series and the AMA Motocross Championship, followed by two playoff races and a final to determine the SuperMotocross world champion. Schedules, results, results, VIP Experiences opportunities, and an online shopping area are included.
https://www.supermotocross.com/
Vital MX is a comprehensive platform dedicated to professional Motocross and Supercross racing. The online platform offers a variety of features, weekly features such as Pit Bits, Winner's Circle, Photo Blast, and Results Sheet, offering in-depth coverage of high-profile events, along with detailed product reviews and comparisons of motocross gear and bikes, a wide range of motocross videos, including AMA Supercross Racing and Freestyle Motocross, and community discussion forums.
https://www.vitalmx.com/
