How to Win in Motocross

Want to get some tips on how to win in motocross like Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Jeremy McGrath or Ryan Dungey? Well, just read on.
Preparation. First and foremost, you need to be mentally and physically prepared to ride on an MX track. What you accomplish is going to be completely in your hands and how much you’re willing to push yourself. The best way to do that is through practicing as much as you can. Keep in mind that it’s going to take patients to get your techniques in check and those will come automatically without thinking about them over time. Your moves will become automatic after you have perfected them over and over again.
Make Yourself One With Your Bike. By making yourself one with your bike, you’re giving yourself the advantage to take on any kind of given situation that may arise. In this way, you’ll get a feel for how your bike is going to respond. Look ahead and anticipate what’s ahead of you.
Focus. Focus on the race and envision yourself reaching that finish line. You need to go into motocross racing by putting complete focus and heart into it. Always try to push through your barriers and do your best. You’ve got to be fully engaged, 100% right at the moment you’re racing. You can’t think about anything else. Put your drive and focus in everywhere on the track. Focus, focus, focus!
Starting Techniques. Make sure your runway has no traction and that you pick a start that’s smooth on the other side of the gate.
Position your body first. Have your hand on the throttle with your middle or index finger on the front brake. Use one or two fingers over the clutch. Lean your body forward towards the bar pad, while keeping both feet down in front of the pegs on the ground so you can balance out your bike. Keep your eye on the gate, elbows up, and as soon as the pin drops, release your clutch, gas it forward while leaning forward; all simultaneously. By leaning forward, your front end will stay down.
Try to get an overgrip on your handles while keeping your elbows up so that you can keep better control of your bike. Pull in your clutch a little if you start to wheelie and don’t let off the throttle. It’s important to keep the throttle steady and keep mid-throttle. Pay attention and keep your bike straight. Be aggressive. The biggest key to starting is confidence!
You can see more of this article in our January/February 2017 issue of ModelsMania