By definition motocross is a closed circuit, off-road motorsport that takes place on a natural track consisting of man-made obstacles and jumps; the layout itself also makes use of the landscape for elevation changes, terrain and distinctive features.
The FIM Motocross World Championship was established in 1957 for the 500cc category. Since the 1980s three different series were run for 125, 250 and 500cc classes. In 2001 the classifications merged to run with just one calendar. From 2004 the world championship has been separated into principal MX1 (250cc two-strokes and four-strokes up to 450cc) and MX2 (125cc two-strokes and four-strokes up to 250cc) divisions.
A truly spectacular spectator sport, Motocross has grown in popularity over the years. The world championship consists of fifteen rounds visiting thirteen countries. A Grand Prix sees the riders of each class complete two 35 minute and 2 lap motos, with 25 points awarded to the winner and scaling down to one point for 20th place. The standings of both races are combined for an overall result. At the end of the season – that normally runs from April to September – the rider with the highest number of points is crowned as world champion.
More than other forms of motorcycle racing, motocross places higher emphasis on rider skill and fitness than solely outright machine performance. Of course, a well-tuned and fettled machine tailored to the rider’s style is essential for Grand Prix success but technique, conditioning and physical and mental strength is of prime importance.
The range and diversity of world championship circuits (not to mention varying weather conditions) mean that a rider has to be able to adapt to numerous race situations and circumstances; from the deep sand and loam tracks of northern Europe, to the hard-pack of the south, the Enduro-esque course through the trees at Namur to supercross-style jumps and timing sections on some of the more modern courses.
Grand Prix motos traditionally take place on a Sunday with Saturday allocated for timed practice and qualification heats for MX2. Although the riders start the races in one single line the fastest participants from qualification get first pick of positions in the starting gate, giving them an advantage in the often frantic and tight first corners.
Although predominantly a European based championship, for 2009 the Grand Prix series will travel to Brazil and the USA and will stretch from 15 to 16 rounds. A rule change for MX2 was recently announced and from 2010 riders must be under the age of 23 to compete in the class.
At the end of the season there is the traditional ‘Motocross of Nations’, (now reaching its 64th edition with the 2009 event due to be stage in Italy), where the three fastest riders from each country compete under their flag. While this event is not part of the world championship it remains one of the most prestigious meetings of the year that is hugely popular with fans and riders alike, attracting crowds near the 80,000 mark.
spring : http://www.yamaha-racing.com/Racing/mx1/what_is/