Driving on a motorcycle brings a sense of freedom that no other vehicle is usually capable of. However, for adrenaline-seekers, driving on a concrete highway is not always enough. This led to the birth of motocross, a sport that brings a lot of people together on platforms such as GGBet India to support their favorites.
The tracks, combined with the skill of the rider, create an unforgettable experience for everyone watching. However, regardless of how chaotic they may seem, there’s a certain order to that chaos. Designing those tracks is an art on its own, one that balances difficulty, safety, and excitement.
Factors to Consider when Building Tracks
Motocross tracks involve more than putting down some obstacles and throwing dirt around. It’s a work of balance that relies on 3 things:
- Safety: A rider’s protection is ensured by adding elements such as banked turns (berms), bump series (whoops), tabletops, and safe landing zones. This way, they don’t get too crazy.
- Difficulty: Tracks should be safe but still match the rider’s level. Especially with pro races, tracks have diverse jump sizes and other terrain changes (e.g., elevation) that test the rider’s skill.
- Excitement: Tracks should be as safe as possible, but they shouldn’t bore the spectator or rider. As such, adding features such as technical corners and straight paths for high-speed moments mark the identity of the track.
Track designers usually work alongside professional riders and coaches to create these locations. This ensures they meet all criteria.
Famous Tracks Worldwide
Motocross is a very popular activity, which means there are plenty of tracks out there for you to inspect. Some do it for their own enjoyment, perhaps to one day have their own motocross adventure. Others may want to do their research when placing a bet and see whether the racers will thrive on that track.
Regardless, here are some famous locations you can check.
- Glen Helen Raceway
Located in San Bernardino, California, this track is popular for pro events. With its diverse track configuration and challenging terrain, it keeps drivers and spectators alike on their toes.
Depending on the location, this motocross track features steep hills, manmade obstacles, elevation changes, and more. The impressive descents and uphill climbs make it the top spot for events such as the AMA Pro Motocross Championship.
- Lommel Motocross Track
Located in Belgium, some call the track in Lommel the “Ultimate Sandpit of Motocross.” This track was made with deep, loose sand that lets the rider glide while offering great physical and technical challenges.
Many racers either trained or attended tournaments here, with the bottomless change pushing them to their limits (especially when it’s wet).
- Redbud Motocross Track
Found in Michigan, this may look like a looped track from afar, but it’s more than that from up close. This place is iconic because of LaRocco’s Leap, an impressive triple jump that few daredevils choose to take on.
This track is known for holding a Fourth of July race, packed with fireworks, which means that crowds always gather for a day of adventure.
How Racing Strategies Are Affected
Each track has its own defining features, and riders must create their racing strategy based on what’s ahead of them. We may see crazy stunts and wild driving, but they see precise calculations.
Here’s how they gauge the terrain to shape their strategy:
- Terrain: Most terrains have mud, sand, or hard soil, all of which can affect the traction and how you handle the bike. For example, it’s more difficult to maintain speed when you’re riding on loose sand. Riders must adjust their strategy and prep their bike to clear these surfaces successfully.
- Obstacles: The jumps, whoops, and berms are there to make things interesting, but riders can’t just “wing them.” Good technique and precision are needed to ensure they don’t lose momentum or worse, crash. Riders have to master these obstacles if they want to win.
- Weather: Some riders may be experts on dry sand, but rain can cause even the best of daredevils to lose momentum. Even if the track is dry, sandy tracks can affect visibility, slowing them down.
All tracks are designed to test a rider’s adaptability, so each race may need a new approach. This means that motocross is not only a physical sport, but also a strategic one.
