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Sport Features


The start of a Motocross race
The start of a Motocross race

Upfront with motocross

By Mike Gurney
Spectator and photographer Mike Gurney talks about Motocross and what's happening with the local scene.


Motocross fact file

How do I get started in motocross?

It would be advisable to take a good look at some local events. Locally the Wilden club is probably the best place to go on race days.

When do events take place?

Most of the events take place between April and November mostly on a Sunday but many top meetings are now two day affairs over the weekend. You can expect to have at least 3 races in one day.

Is motocross dangerous?

While every effort is made to make all motor sport safe there will be occasions where accidents do sometimes happen.

Do girls compete too?

There is a growing trend for girls to compete especially in the younger divisions of motocross; there are even adult championships for the women. 

What age can you start at?

A lot of youngsters start motocross at age 6.

Motocross today is an off-road sport enjoyed by thousands each weekend and is the modern name for what anyone over the age of 45 would most likely remember as scrambling.

The sport today caters for people (boys and girls) right across the age range from the under 8's on their automatic machinery to the veterans who race in the classic series.

Scott Alldridge
Scott Alldridge

As a spectator sport motocross is up there with the best. One of the highlights of every race is the adrenalin charged start with up to 40 riders fighting it out for that all important first bend. The tracks are man made on undulating terrain with spectacular jumps and banked turns but always designed with the rider’s skill level taken into account.

In the youth events there is an evolution in skill level with youngsters starting out on automatic or 65cc machinery and working there way through the classes as their skill level increases to larger 85cc, 125cc and so on.

The events are organised by small local clubs who come under the umbrella of larger sporting bodies such as the ACU, BSMA BYMX or the locally West Midland formed AMCA.

The local scene

In the Black Country and West Midland region there are many clubs allied to the AMCA who run local events from April through to October.

Ryan Morris
Ryan Morris

Warley Wasps is another club dedicated solely to youth motocross.

One of the most prolific organisers of events locally is Black Country man Tom Arnold who runs Wilden youth and adult motocross club and sets a superb example for how the sport is run today.

Based at their purpose built all weather track near Kidderminster Tom is now staging 12 or more events each year.

On race days two tracks run side by side, the smaller track catering for the novice rider in safety, while the larger track, one of the best in the country which recently staged a British youth championship event, takes care of the more experienced competitors.

Steven Clarke
Steven Clarke

The next series of events begins at the Wilden lane course on September 25th and will see a run of 14 events.

Local lad Steven Clarke the reigning British 85cc big wheel supercross champion has been in devastating early season form in the British youth championships. He currently sits at the top of the standings in the BYMX series after winning the first two events at Wilden and Culham and taking a second placing at Haverigg in Cumbria a few weeks ago.

Other local lads enjoying success in national series this year include Scott Alldridge who is currently sixth in the 65cc BYMX standings and Ryan Morris lying fifth in the BSMA 85cc small wheel championship.

last updated: 23/06/05
Have Your Say
Ever been to a motocross meeting? How did you find it? What do you think? Let us know what you think.
Your name: 
Your comment: 
 
The BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted.

dylan williams
police are moneing a bout people riding dirtbikes around the street but there r no were to ride there motorbike so they should build more mx tracks aaround birmingham plus it can give kids like us age 13 more stuff to do than get in to trouble

Kerry henery
I go to ollerton mx and watch my mate robert threlkeld and reece oglesbyit is ace.i do go to most of the motorcross races every sunday .x.x

Brad F
Usually great; good atmosphere, brilliant racing and just generally a fun day out!

rich
hi there i live in wes mids got a quad 150 lookin 4 tracks any 1 no any where

milky
n e of u dudes know n e where good to ride in south wales tracks or jst good places like mountains or what have you cheers dudes.

motocross madness
if your a real madman go to toms farm in Rhayader mid wales and try out the widow maker

travis pastrana #199
hey guys just browsing thru to see if i could find anuthing on scott ederfeild i heard from eli tomac that he was mega fast and i came across this page just thought i would leave a comment bye bye guyz

YER
Motocross is brilliant polesworth is an excellent track from YER

christopher evans
i have raced at plenty of motocross meetings and i highly disagree with people complaining about the noise as some of the tracks are miles away from anything and it only takes just 1 complaint for them to close down the track. just stop complaining about the sport and the police to stop chasing us and chase more important things than motocross.

callum
Motocross is the best just like ashley greedy

ricky
it was alright and i left because all of the peoples bikes were to slow for me so i lefy and my bike was the quickest and i won every race even the 1 in devan rigt back

Gwion Prys
Hello my name is Gwion Prys, I am 15 years old and I have a Yamaha YZ125 (125cc) and I ride the bike around my Grandfathers Farm in North Wales. I've built a couple of jumps there with my mates, but I wish there would be a Motocross track around because of the people complaining about the noise!! Thanks! Gwion.

Marcos #101
I THINK THE GOVERMENT SHUD OPEN MORE MX TRACKS CUX THERE ISNT ENOUGH OF THEM !!!!!!! MOTO X 4 LIFE

ROB
MX ROCKS , DOES ANYONE ONE KNOW OF ANY DECENT PRACTICE TRACKS AROUND THE NEATH , PORT TALBOT ,SWANSEA AREA

callum swan (swany)
i hav been riding for two years and iv onle just recuverd after a big crash and naw im on the ball and geting top 10 in the 125 clas on a 85

ben (turbo taylor bud)
i think you should get a bit of christian turbo taylor

paul m
i have a kx125, bin riding for 5years, startd in schoolboy and now race in the amca

James
DUDES? ANY TRACKS IN SOUTH WALES OR NO? I WANT TO GO SOMEWHERE TO RIP UP MY CR150

ryan butchers
i think motocross is a really good sport and every one should give it a go.

louis
hi i have a pit bike 110cc does eny one now eny sutable tracks where i can ride my bike in the midlands area thanks

Ryan Harris
Hello, I Went to join a motocross club but the first day i went the chair man left becouse people kept on blaming him for stuff. Thank You

billy h
need a track in north east so i can rip it up on my drz 400

bily
i have a cogeu 100 suzikie has any one else got one

callum
tommy searl the nicest person i eva met and he s supa fast

james hasberry
mottor cross is the best i have a honda cb125 and my bro has a honda 200

jack humber
i ride kx 65 i want to start racing bit nervous though how do i get started

Thorpy
I won my 1st race at weedon it feels well gd cya

ben L
just started riding so, never been to mx meet.. local place to ride in colnbrook is now being landscaped and fenced off..

clarke
i think its all write and i have been to aerica and ride there so its cool

tom d
ive been 2 one i went on my rm 125 best bike in the world and it wasnt that scary becuase ive been 2 loads

matthew and matthew good
we have been rieding for 7 years wear the best

si morrall
hi i have been riding sincei was eight an i neeed i track in da north west #

laura masters
i have been going to mx meetings all my life i even help at asham wood in frome somerset.

nadine
i would like to start motocross racing but cant find anywhere near me!

si morrall
i was quite scared at first then when i got there and talked to people i enjoyed it

ricky carmichael
hi guys, popping in to say hello cya lads

stace
hey my names stace im 18 been riding scramblers since was bowt 10 but never raced just dosed over sum empty fiels on them and now i am getting into my bikes i would like to start racing but i dont know what i have to do if anyone as any information thanx

scotty bird
mx is da best i ride 4 a hobby DU u no any racing clubs around walsall

scott meredith
been racing 2 years now an loveing it cant wait till 2007 becouse a new start on me new crf

Julie Rondeau
I have a Cr85 and I race it at Canaan New hampshire My first race is this Saturday!!!

BEN AUSTIN 123
hi i have been riding for 7 years now i hav won a lot of trophies and i want to go further with my motocross riding but the problem is that i need a track near birmingham were it is not to far to drive peace out ppl

ashley greedy
mx is awsome

colin
my son and i do it for a hobby only problem there is not many traxs local infact none in the manchster area

cameron t-d
i luv motocross and i would do anyfing to to ride my bike so all u motocrossers out der keep on ridin till ya die cuz i will

*****
nothing relevant but i think this type f riding is great and i love u scott ur great to

leon G
I started riding a few years ago and i feel that racing has made me progress further. I enjoy racing for vale mx and newton le willows. RACING IS GREAT!

vince
iam looking for somewhere to ride my cr 250 in south wales (neath) dont mind where just need to ride

mx mad
hi i need a motocross track near walsal and i think that it is great i just got fined Ģ105 for riding on my loacal woods i need a track near dudley or birmingham

tyler hardy
hi people

dave
yes mark yes u r slow or tht kid is quick as

stephen carr
can you tell me iof there are any tracks me & my boy can ride are motor cross on

josh randall
i ride a thumpa 110 and i live in bridgend(wales) and theres no track to rip up im 15 years of age

tim
motocross is jus the best fing eva!! nufin beets motocross

lewis hughes
started racing in winter season on my 65 it was great the meets are good love it

sam
i have a cr 125 06 an its the best bike i have drove in my life.but the only thing is i dont have no where to drive it half of the time

mark
i went to a practice track once and a 6year old boy passed me on an auto!! does that make me slow ??

brent
is there anywhere in birmingham area i can learn to ride and see if i like it before i fork out for a bike

Luke Purser
I would like to start motorcross, can you tell me where to go and what days they happen? I live in Birmingham and am 14 years old. Thanks

liam
were is the nearest practise track for age 9 beginers

Andrew m
hi evey one i htick motocross sport is the best i got a motocross bike last year i strat riding it i a place call the desert which was a relly cool place but then the poica close it down and now i have now where to go but they said they may be opening up and at the mowment i have no where to go i would like the desert to open but that may not i don t no but for the mowment does anyone no if there is an motocross tracks in the east midland near nottingham

colin tom
we both ride rm 125 and were both going pro nxt year see u soon tommy searl

George
Motocross is a good sport, my favourite! The only thing is people want to shut down all the tracks because of the noise. Peolple dont relise how many people enjoy the sport and how big it is getting. KEEP THE TRACKS OPEN!!

brad
ive only just started racing in the 06 season

jake
does anyboady know of any good pratice tracks near walsall

gav
trw at petelee JAKE

Jake
Just got my first bike .Anyone know where i can practice once or twice a week before deciding if i want to join a club?

jon may
steven clarke is an awsom rider keep it up

scot james
steven clarke iz awesome

THOMAS KENNEDY
IM IOOKING FORWQRD TOO RACEING WITH VALE MX IN 06.

tom keys
not a neuth trscks in thanet

shaun
help just got my son his 1st mx bike and need somewere he can use it near wolverhampton

Ryan Cameron
I think that they are cool as long as their is somwhere good and legal to ride them

kurt freegard
hey everyone if u live in the south west come visit the remediesbar mx champs this year...1st meetin is 5th march...i will be rdidng in the expert open class on 450 midwest racing/Thor husaberg so look out for me and cheer me on...trust me you will love the racing down this way!

nathan
if you want a good track to ride around go to bonsal moor its a proper track!

josh
anyone no any scrambler tracks in birmingham

Tom
Not enough tracks in the country. Too many do gooder's.

Billy
Motocross rules i ride a Kx 125 and its awsome. But we need a decent motocross track to ride on!

Ryan Thomas
I think that it was quite good

mush
i am in amca and this season i am goin 2 kick daves ass.com SHABBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

marc
hi there everyone, need help have got my son a 49cc starter bike need help to find clubs&place to ride thanks

lil-lew
i gota rm125 06model it is da best bike iv eva rid in my life u cant beat em dis year

bobby hamblin
it is so cool wat is the best bike to get my mate matt baylis comes to the track

dave
motorcross is a quality sport. im propor gettin in to it. good luk ryan morris!

jordan vaughan
motorcross rules and so does billy mckenzie

Alex
hmmmm? MOTOCROSS theirs nothing like it theres no other sport like it . i ride a suzuki rm 125 2001 im gonna start racing . (where can i find a decent motocross track in south wales) ive ridden monmouthshire track and usk ive heard theres a track in talgarth but where ?

J4M54
If you are looking for a practice track in the west midlands area try www.j4m54.co.uk

Jonathan Meigh
Just did my first race at peycocks hay and bad choice of first race, muddy, ditchy nd everything. did quite well tho. cant wait till march.

jonny owen
adam evans what class u in, im joining next season 4 the red dragons in youth 125.

sean turner
motocross is the best sport in the world so i just wish people would stop complaining

Travis Pascoley
the meetings are boring but once you get out on the track its imence

jordan ward
i did the 7th round today at wilden had the holeshot twice and had 5th.

azz
moto crossing is the dogs i have a yz250f yamaha

ryan fox
moto cross is mint i am really getting in to i ave a yz 85 03 modle

jamie mcknight
moto cross is mint i love it is a wkd sport

ronny
motorcross is a class sport. im really gettin in to it. Go on ryan

matty fellows
ive been here it is class

Joe Poole
i've been raing 1 seson and its gr8. i came 21st out of 35. If u ride and just practise, definitly try and get into a local club

jordan k
motocross is the best sport ever invented nothing can beat it apart from wehn u crash and split ur leg open like i did

matthew mcmaster
i love motocross its the best wilden lane rocks i havent raced there ive been 2 watch and 2 cheer my mates on they all love it

john
i love motocross because its cool

Ryan Swain
I've been racing for 6 years now and im 14 and getting pritty good. It's the must sport for anyone hoo has some land, just get a cheap bike to start off with and go from there.

Michael MCclurg
Motocross is the best

craig
mx is da best north east motocross club is to

ben washbrook
motorcross it the best sport ever its wicked

stuart french
i have been to a motocross meeting because ive done it before its ace

addi
i live in market draton and motocross is so cool cuz its a trip

Fredrik
Hi. i live in Norway and drive motocross. Thatīs the best!!;)

rich
any ideas where i can go with my bike in birmingham leagly?

grouse
has wilden got thier own internet site if so can anyone e-mail it to me harriesgrs@aol.com thanks

david dunbar
wat kind o bike do u have ryan

jordan wood
my name is jordan wood im currently riding for east kent school boys scrambler club,in my winter chamionship i gained a first place trophy,i have been riding since i was 4, im currently riding in the summer championship, with still 1 meeting to go im currentl winning it.

david dunbar
i am going to start doing the racing it looks good i have a cr100 write back

ryan
exelent

lee
i what to start racing motor cross but i dont know how to do it

darkzy cr85
motocross is da best sport in da world i have a cr85 + a yz125 i am 15

DAVID DUNBAR
I AM JST WRITTING TO SAY WELL DONE TO USE ALL

Steve Fox EMT
Hi Guys, I am the leading emergency medical technician for Tom arnold at Wilden lane and may I say he is an outstanding man with a true passion for the youth motocross arena and a lot of other clubs in the uk could learn a great deal from Tom. He is always safety concious and spends many hours with myself and my team on constant improvements to all the venues we cover together. If you havent been to ride at Wilden then please come down we are like one big happy family and we all look on Tom as the Godfather of the local motocross scene he has so much respect from the parents and riders alike. We are looking forward to a great winter series hopefully without any major incidents and rest assured my emergency pre-hospital team are there to help keep you all safe...goodluck to Tom for this years series(and no he didnt pay me for this,he has no idear i have done this0....ssshhh

simon foster
i recently tried opening a track with friends with the intention to get kids aomewhere to ride .we maintained the track and watered it to stop dust with safety in mind,but the council have shut us down due to noise nuisance.i think the government should change laws concerning tracks open to public

scott elderfeild
ive only just started and ime really bad so i usally come last

ellie
motocross is amazin i race a yz85 in bw85's the best around n i rely enjoy it!

scott elderfield
i thought the track was not as good as exspected and need more photos of me

jonny
does any body no, any places in the midlands where you can take your motocross nike and just practice?

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