How to get started in Motocross. |
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Here is some helpful information on getting started in Motocross in South Africa. For any questions you are welcome to e-mail admin@rovermcc.co.za .
Before you look at getting started and buying a bike suited for motocross, it is best to decide which MX class is for you. Based on that, you will know which size bike to buy.
Once you have chosen a motocross class you now need to find a bike. Motocross is a demanding sport, not only on the rider but also on the bike so it is suggested that you stick to bike brands that can handle the demands of Motocross. Buying the wrong bike is a big mistake. Specifically in the 50cc jnr and 50cc pro class , you need to get the right bike for the track. Rather pop in on a weekend before buying and ask around for advice to make sure you make an informed decision. The club in no way is biased toward any brand of bike or clothing and equipment or materials, its purely personal choice.
Protective MX Gear is not only essential but most of it is compulsory. If you participate in motocross, the rules and regulations require that you wear the correct protective gear. Failure to do so can result in exclusion from races. Besides that, the gear offers the obvious necessary protection that is needed when racing motocross.
Before you jump into racing it is a very good idea to get some riding lessons for motocross. If you are a complete beginner , get in touch with the Rover team on admin@rovermcc.co.za to find out more on training. Some guys (and girls) have the knack and others need some coaching. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, the Rover team are all more than willing to help you. Don’t be shy to ask for assistance on even the smallest matter like what track to ride –rather ask than be sorry.
There are various costs in maintaining a MX club and track so there is a cost to membership. Currently the membership and practice fees are as follows for 2016:
Your club fees entitles you to entry and exit and use of amenities. Be sure to sign the indemnity form before practice –this is the booklet where payment is noted each day you practice.
It is very important that you are medically fit to participate in motocross. Signing a medical declaration is part of your licence application and it is important you are aware of any banned substances etc in motocross as well as any other medical conditions that you might be required to get special permission for. Full details on this and more can be found on the Motorsport South Africa web site. Purchase a well stocked 1st aid kit for your car when practicing to care for those cuts and bruises along the way and possible sore leg from the exhaust.
Once you are a registered club member you need to contact the racing governing body (MSA). You now need to take out a racing licence with them. You will not be allowed to race without a licence. Some riders participate in both the WOMZA and MSA National series so you will need to purchase a licence for both affiliations. You may participate in Nationals of both but for Rover club races (unless otherwise specified–eg fun day) , you will need at least an MSA club licence with medical cover. Proof of your licence must be submitted on your 1st race day You can contact Lizelle @ MSA in Cape Town for licencing information on 021 556 1026
Once you have everything you need, it’s time to enter your first race. You will be able to pick races according to the type of licence you registered, so if you have a Club licence, then you can enter Club races, etc. Motocross is one of the biggest sports in the world and it is a great social and family orientated environment. Rover use the web site RaceControl to facilitate the registration process of entering a race day. You need to create an account on Race Control @ www.racecontrol.co.za and then keep an eye out for when entries open for the next club race date. Entries usually open 2 weeks before a race day. All tracks close the Sunday evening a week before a race day , you may NOT ride any track that will be used for a club race. Race Control registration allows the organisers to process the classes and get the required riders in right classes resolved. Entries close 2 days before race day for the paperwork to be concluded. Documentation is around 7am normally on a Race day where you need to bring the forms you would have printed from Race Control. Your proof of licence at the 1st event of the year for record keeping. Scrutineering form is the ticksheet that confirms that you have checked all the various parts of the bike and rider and conform to racing standards. Entry form is the legitimate form that you intend entering a race at Rover. Race Day fees : for 201 the entry fee for a club race is R150 for the 1st family entrant . A late entry fee of R100 will apply after entries close on the website(racecontrol) Each year a Club Championship kicks off for the entire racing season. MX runs throughout the entire year. Scoring work as follows: 1st Place 25 points 2nd Place 22 points 3rd Place 20 points 4th Place 19 points 5th Place 18 points and so forth all the way down If points are tied at the end of a race day between riders , the last race best score decides the rider position. Example : Rider A gets 44 points and Rider B gets 44 points but Rider B finished in a better position on the last race , then Rider B gets the better position finish.
Fuel and Modifications Some affiliations allow certain modifications and some allow certain fuels. BE SURE YOU KNOW THE RULES related to the affiliated governing body before you enter the race. Some mods like carburetor size are also limited for certain CC’s so make sure first, ignorance is no excuse.
Rover tracks are separated into 4 sections
There is a Supercross track straight ahead of you as you go through the gate by the club house. The track is not maintained and used purely to test shocks and for technical skill. We kindly ask that riders do not venture outside the bounds of Rover as we are adjacent to Glendore which is private property. There are enormous machines , dozers & trucks and there have been a few close calls, remember in a big construction vehicle that driver cannot see a small bike , apart from being private property , it is extremely dangerous. We also ask that riders be aware of which track to ride and the right direction , even if you arrive and the track is empty , a newcomer may not see you and accidents happen pretty fast so rather be safe than sorry. NEVER RIDE A TRACK THE WRONG WAY –ITS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER. NEVER RIDE A TRACK NOT INTENDED FOR YOUR CLASS –ITS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER. Always be SAFE and think SAFE. 1st lap of practice on a weekend , rather take it easy , one never knows if something has changed in the week or last time you rode.
So you see the guys around from time to time but you don’t really know who is the right person to speak to : Best is to speak to Yolande Joosten for any info or advice on responsibilities To be added to the Rover mailing list , please send a request to admin@rovermcc.co.za Club President Lloyd Brown MX Chairman Neville Townsend Enduro Chairman Emile le Grange
Regards Rover Team |
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