So, your kid wants to get involved in motocross racing. Congratulations! Motocross racing is a tremendous sport. Nevertheless, you have some reservations. That makes perfect sense. Perhaps you have some unanswered questions. What exactly is motocross? Is it safe? Can you afford it? We’ll tackle all these questions for you.
What is it?
Motocross is a form of off-road motorcycle racing that takes place on gravel, mud or grass road. Its roots can be traced back to the early 20th century in the UK. Motor clubs would host off-road events where time trials took place. As the popularity of such events grew, more clubs and competitions began to sprout up throughout England. The sport finally reached the U.S. in the 1970s, and popularity reached an all-time high. As technology has advanced, so too has equipment used in the sport. Motorcycles are faster, lighter and safer than ever before. Today, motocross is as healthy as it has ever been, garnering corporate sponsorship, television deals and media coverage.
Is it safe?
The truth? There is an inherent danger that comes with racing. There is no getting around the fact that the risk of injury exists. However, with proper training and equipment, the risks are significantly mitigated. The truth is that motocross teaches kids lessons that are imperative to becoming well-rounded adults. By racing, kids learn the value of discipline and hard work, how to take risks and face fears, how to tackle obstacles and challenges, and how to behave when they win (and lose). Racing is different than other sports like basketball, soccer, football and hockey – in motocross, you are on your own. It is an individual sport. And that is a good thing! This can be great for teaching young people about personal responsibility.
The economics
You don’t have to break the bank to get your kid involved in the sport. If you are a mechanic (or friends with a mechanic), you could save yourself thousands of dollars by fixing, or even building, a bike. Craigslist and eBay are great places to check for used bikes. These sites have been known to have motorcycles hovering around $1,000. While you may have to spend another $200 or more to purchase the necessary parts, you will still spend significantly less than you would purchasing a brand-new bike. Besides the bike itself, helmets and boots are the costliest pieces of equipment. While you never want to skimp on these items, online stores like 24mx frequently have deals on essential gear and accessories. The price to enter races may cause you pause but take a deep breath – fees typically decrease with the purchase of a season pass. Finally, do not hesitate to ask local stores for sponsorship. The worst thing they can say is no!
Motocross is a wonderful sport whose popularity continues to grow. While it may seem expensive at first glance, there are many ways to save money. We will see you at the track.
