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Getting
started in MX
I want to race this year - what do I need?
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1) Download these two PDF files
2) Print them
3) Fill them out
4) Write a cheque for $110
... and send it all to:
CMRC Memberships
6455 Oakridge Street
Lasalle, Ontario
N9J 3P9
5) Get your license back in the mail
6) Show up and race!
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 2004 CMRC License application
CMRC Waiver
Need Acrobat? click
here
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What else do I need to know?
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What do you need to get started racing
motocross? Not much really, a bike, a helmet, a pair of boots and some
gloves and basically you're all set!
Sure you can go out and buy the latest gear,
the hottest new bike, but it's not really necessary especially when you're just
starting out. A bike that's a couple years old (or even a trail bike) is
not out of place for beginner mxers.
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Hey, it doesn't have to be complicated!
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Speaking of which, if you are between the ages
of 4 and 6 years, you'll be starting out in the smallest class, 50cc's.
The 50cc class is divided into two age groups: 4-6 and 7-8. Here you can
race 50cc two stroke machine, or 60cc four strokers.
Once you're 9 years old you get to move up to
the 60cc "Pee Wee" class where you can race 60 - 65cc two strokes or
an 80cc four stroke.
The 80cc class is also divided into two age
categories: 7-12 and 13-16. You can race 60 - 85cc two strokes or 60 -
100cc four strokes. There's also something called the Supermini class
which is open to all riders in the 60cc Pee Wee division and all 80cc riders.
If you're a little older and have ZERO
motocross racing experience, the class you have to sign up for is called
Beginner. The Beginner class is designed to introduce people into the
world of motocross. Some of our region's top Pro's started in this class
and it really is the best place to begin. And hey, if you're a hotshot at
your local pit and you smoke the boys in the Beginner class (twice) you get
bumped up to the Junior class.
The Junior class has three divisions: 125cc,
250cc and Open. You can race any kind of machine (125, 250, 500cc, etc) in
the Open class. The Intermediate and Pro classes are divided much the same
way.
What should you do/expect on your very first
race day? First of all, you must register to race on the
morning of the race. This usually takes place between 7:30 and 9:00 AM and
is normally broadcast over the sound system. Secondly, you must be present
at the rider's meeting. This normally takes place between 9:00-9:15
AM. Thirdly, you must practice on the track before the racing
begins. This takes place immediately after the rider's meeting and
continues until about 10:30 AM. The practice is divided into the various
categories listed above. Lastly you will participate in your races, called
"motos". If you've registered for one class (eg. Beginner) you
will have two motos. All entry level classes have two motos on raceday
lasting approximately 10-15 minutes each. Here's a normal schedule of
events on raceday:
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7:30 - 9:00
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Registration
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9:00 - 9:15
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Rider's
meeting
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9:15 - 10:30
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Practice
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10:30 +
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First set of
motos...
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12:30-ish
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Lunch break
(sometimes)
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1:00 - 4:30
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Second set of
motos
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4:40 - 5:00
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Trophy
presentations
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What's it gonna cost me? To get
into the "gate" or pits you will need to shell out $5-$10 per person
in your vehicle. A CMRC license (required to compete) will cost you $110 (you only need to buy this once a year) and the entry fee for one class is
$25. So on your very first race day expect to drop about $145, but it's
only $35 or so each race after that (cuz you already have your CMRC
license). Not bad, eh?
Here's some other frequently asked question
provided by the CMRC:
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HOW DO I GET STARTED IN MOTOCROSS?
Many new riders and parents that are ready to
make the move from recreational rider to racer have a lot of questions regarding
CMRC sanctioned races. Following are the answers to frequently asked questions
that will make your transition to a CMRC motocross racer much easier.
How do I
join the CMRC?
There are two methods of
joining CMRC. (1) Acquire the current year's license application from the CMRC
website (www.cmrcracing.com), your local motorcycle dealership, CMRC regional
director or from the CMRC Head Office (P.O. Box 1466, Stouffville, Ontario L4A
8A3 - tel. (905) 642-5607 fax (905) 642-9394 or email: info@cmrcracing.com.
Fill out the application in full, making sure to neatly fill in all mailing
information, requested racing numbers, and class. Be sure to sign the waiver
on the reverse side (applicants under 18 require a Parent or Legal Guardian to
sign the Minor Waiver). Mail the application along with a $110 cheque or money
order (no cash) to the CMRC Head Office in Stouffville. Once the application
has been received, CMRC will process it and return by mail your racing
license, CMRC rulebook, CMRC stickers, and the respective regional schedule.
All CMRC members receive the bi-monthly magazine "CMRC Motocross &
Off Road Racing Report" included in the $110 annual fee. 2) Join at the
nearest CMRC sanctioned race (for regional schedules see the
"Schedule" section on CMRC's website). If you choose this option,
you will be able to race that day, but will have to compete with a temporary
number. Members under 18 require a Parent or Legal Guardian to sign the Minor
Waiver before being permitted to race. The region will then forward your
application to CMRC's Head Office.
Does
CMRC offer Day Passes?
Yes, CMRC offers Day Passes at
all sanctioned events. The Day Pass fee is $30 for the day. Once an additional
$30 is received by CMRC, you then will become a full member. Day Passes are
available to all Pee Wee, 80cc and Beginner classes. The intention of the Day
Pass is to allow newcomers the opportunity to "try out" racing
without the expense of purchasing a full membership.
How
do I get a racing number?
CMRC does not reserve numbers.
Instead, numbers are assigned once the license application is received. On the
application you will find 5 spaces for requested numbers. Indicate the
number(s) requested and the number will be assigned if available. If all of
your requested numbers are taken, efforts are then made to find the closest
number to your request. Numbers are not assigned at the track. You can call
CMRC's head office to inquire if a number is available, but it won't be
reserved nor assigned until the application is received.
How
do you assign numbers?
There are four groups of
numbers that are utilized for assigning numbers. They are: 50cc, 60cc, 80cc 7
to 12 80cc 13 to 16, Beginner, Junior Intermediate, Pro ATV
If the number in any class in
your group has been assigned, it no longer is available even if the assignee
does not compete in your class.
Amateur numbers range from 11
to 999 in each group. Pro class numbers are assigned from 1-50 determined by
the final standings of the national championships. An Intermediate rider can
have a number from 11-50 providing there is no Pro in that region that has
that nationally assigned number.
What
equipment requirements are there to start racing?
The minimum equipment
requirements to begin racing are a DOT approved helmet or better, goggles,
long sleeve jersey, gloves, long pants, and boots with ankle protection. CMRC
recommends that proper motocross equipment be acquired if you decide to
compete on a regular basis. These pieces of equipment include DOT approved
helmet or better, goggles, motocross jersey with elbow and shoulder padding,
front and back chest protector, motocross gloves with finger padding, kidney
belt, motocross pants with hip and knee pads, and motocross boots with ankle
protection. Knee braces are optional but are highly recommended for riders
that have knee problems or for taking preventative measures.
How
much will it cost when I go to a race?
The first cost you will incur
is gate admission. The fees range from $3 to $10 per person, depending on
their age (gate fees range from region to region). Each person with you is
required to pay gate admission. Your next cost is entry fee. Fees do vary in
each region, but traditionally entry fee is $15 for 50/60 classes, $25 to
enter all other classes, and $20 for any additional class you may enter. You
are allowed to enter a maximum of three classes per day. If there is a
"doubleheader", meaning two races on a weekend on the same track,
you will be required to pay gate fee and entry fee each separate day as if
there were two separate races, unless otherwise posted.
What
do I do when I get to my first race?
The first suggestion would be
to arrive at the track early. Contact your local promoter or club to find out
what time sign-in begins. Traditionally, registration begins at 7:00am and
ends at 9:00am. Go to the registration area, get an entry form, fill out the
required information, sign the release on the back then take it to sign in. Be
sure to have your current CMRC racing license available to present. If you
don't have a license find the appropriate form, fill in out in complete, sign
the waivers and take it to sign in along with your entry form. When signing
in, present your forms, pay the appropriate fee for the class(es) you have
entered, and sign the release waiver. You are now in! If you are given a
sticker in order to practice, be sure to put it on the front number plate of
your bike or else you will not be permitted to practice. Be sure to attend
rider's meeting at every event for special instructions pertaining to the
track, explanation of flags, practice order, etc. Once rider's meeting has
finished go directly back to your pit area and prepare to practice. Write down
the practice order when at the rider's meeting to avoid any confusion. Have
your mechanic or friend write down the race order when it has been posted so
you will never be late for your moto. Always listen to announcements. They
will usually keep you updated on the class that is on the track, on the line
or in staging.
Do
I have to race every weekend?
No you do not. You can pick and
choose any race or series in which you wish to compete. If you choose to
participate in a series, you acquire points for each moto you race. The moto
results are combined for your overall finish for the day, with the total
points added to your series points (see the "Results" section of
www.cmrcracing.com). If you miss a race you simply do not acquire series
points. All series standings list the rider that has the most accumulated
points then descends to the rider(s) with the fewest points.
Where
can I practice?
Some CMRC sanctioned tracks
hold practice during the week but most do not. Contact your local track to see
if they offer their track for practice. Contact your local motorcycle
dealership. Most dealerships that are involved in motocross are aware of
popular riding areas. Ask new acquaintances from the local race where they
practice. This is the most popular method where you will find tracks that you
never thought existed. Join the local motorcycle club. There are several
motorcycle clubs throughout the country that hold club practice or races
during the week and on weekends.
How
do I advance from one class to the higher rank?
When you compete in a class
where "Upgrade Points" apply, you earn points by finishing overall
in the top four. The points awarded are: 1st 4 points, 2nd - 3 points, 3rd - 2
points, 4th - 1 point. In order to advance to the next class you must
accumulate the following number of points:
Beginner to Junior 12 points
Junior to Intermediate 18 points Intermediate to Pro 36 points
At the end of a series, you
will then be required to advance to the higher class.
I
am 12 years old and want to race in the 80 class. Which one do I ride in?
If you have just turned 12 the
class to enter is the 80cc - 7 to 12 division. If you turn 13 throughout the
season you are allowed to remain in the 7 to 12 division, however, the day you
turn 13 you have the option to remain in the 7 to 12 class or advance to the
13 to 16 division. Once a decision is made, your decision is final. You cannot
compete in both age divisions. It's one or the other.
Are
the 7 to 12 and 13 to 16 classes the only class I can race an 80cc bike?
No, you can also compete in the
Super Mini class. The Super Mini class is open to all 60cc and 80cc
competitors.
I
am 32 years old. What is the best class for me to race in?
At all CMRC sanctioned
motocross races a Veteran class (30 - 39 year olds) is offered. In some
regions, it is split even further in to Vet Junior and Vet Master. If you are
just starting, it is recommended to enter the Vet Junior (or Veteran) class.
Here, you race against competitors that also have to go to work the next day,
and tend to ride with a little more care than younger racers. If you enter a
Vet Junior class, your competitors are within the same age range and have
either Beginner or Junior riding abilities.
I
have a 250cc bike. What classes are available to me?
If you are just starting you
would be classified as a Beginner. With a 250cc bike, you can enter the 250
Beginner and GP Beginner classes. The GP class is open to all Beginners with
the displacement range 100cc to 500cc. If you are 18, you can also compete in
the Youth class (riders 16 to 24 years). If you are 26, you can also compete
in the Plus 25 (25 to 29 years) and Youth classes. If you are 41, you can also
compete in the Plus 40 ( 40 years and older) and Veteran classes.
For more details information,
please view the CMRC online Rule Book.
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