DISCLAIMER: Motorsports racing is inherently dangerous. There is always a risk of serious injury. Riders should not participate in events or ride unless they have adequate medical insurance to cover a catastrophic injury. Riders and/or their guardians are solely responsible for using adequate equipment. Ride at your own risk.

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FINDING A DEALER AND BUYING A BIKE

Whether you already own a bike or plan on buying a new/used bike you will still have to find a dealer to get parts and service as well as additional advice on getting started. We recommend Pilson Powersports in Mattoon, IL.

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When purchasing your bike, it’s important to purchase the correct machine for AMA racing. The AMA racing classes are designed to match the age of a rider to a machine's engine size. Youth classes are designated by age and machine CC. Adult classes (125cc and up) are either designated by machine CC and age or rider classification/experience.

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If purchasing a bike, use this guide to help pick out the correct machine for AMA Racing.

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• Ages: 4 to 6: 50cc 2-stroke/4-stroke (Max Front Wheel of 10”)

• Ages: 7 to 8: 50cc 2-stroke (Max Front Wheel of 12”)

• Ages: 7 to 11: 65cc 2-stroke

• Ages: 9 to 15: 85cc 2-stroke

• Ages: 12 to 16: 85cc-112cc 2-stroke or 150cc 4-stroke (Max Front Wheel of 19”)

• Ages: 12 & Above: 125cc 2-stroke

• Ages: 14 & Above: 125cc 2-stroke – 250cc 2-stroke/4-stroke

• Ages: 16 & Above: 250cc 2-stroke/4-stroke – 450cc 4-stroke

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SAFETY GEAR

There is a simple rule in motorsports racing: Dress for the crash, not for the ride. Crashes happen. The more gear you have on, the more likely if an accident happens you go home sore rather than injured. In the past decade, the technology in motocross safety gear has grown significantly, allowing racers to feel more comfortable and have more fun.

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• Helmet: This is the single most important piece of protection you will buy. It is mandatory for all participants taking part in practice and competition to wear a full face protective helmet in AMA-sanctioned events. The helmet must be properly fastened, be a good fit, and be in good condition. The helmet must have a chin strap type retention system. When you strap on the helmet, make sure the strap is snug so if you do go down it will not come off easily. The helmet needs to conform to either the recognized standards of Snell M2010/M2015 or DOT. A certification sticker will be on the back of the helmet.

• Goggles: These should always be worn while on a bike. Make sure the lenses are shatterproof. Try on different brands while wearing your helmet to find the best fit (flush to your face) and most comfortable. It’s critical to protect your face and eyes from roost and debris on the track at all times. Using a tear-off system is a great way to clear your vision while on the track during the race.

• Chest Protector: You should learn to ride with these from the beginning because they can take some getting used to later. It is mandatory for all youth participants to wear chest/back protection.  Body armor can help protect your core from an impact injury by spreading the impact over a wider area. It also protects you from roost (hard clods or small rocks thrown up from tires). There is a huge variety available in different colors in both body armor (front and back) and chest-only protectors.

• Clothing: Protective pants made of a durable material and long-sleeve jerseys are required to race. We do recommend buying some sort of kneepads. Kneepads or knee braces are designed to fit under your gear. Gloves are also recommended. Elbow pads are optional, but also a good idea for beginners.

• Boots: To race AMA events, boots must be at least 8 inches high, and a combination of buckles and/or laces are required. When you buy motocross boots, take the time to break them in properly until they are comfortable. Racing with boots that are not properly broken in can restrict movement and restrict your ability to use the foot controls. If you are buying for your child get them a little big, but not too big, to allow for growth. Motocross boots can take a pounding. Cleaning and maintaining your boots can help them last a while.

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JUST FOR PARENTS

Motocross racing is a great sport. It teaches discipline, maturity, the importance of preparation, goal setting and the satisfaction that comes from reaching your goals as well as dealing with the disappointment of working hard but coming up short. Motocross differs from a lot of sports because unlike team sports like baseball, football, soccer, etc. Motocross is an individual sport. This can be helpful in teaching young people personal responsibility.

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As in any sport that involves young people there are parents that sometimes push too hard for success. It is the classic “Little League Parent Syndrome.” However, pushing your child too hard in motorsports can result in your rider and possibly other riders getting injured. Motocross is not as easy as the pro riders make it look. There are skills that will develop only with time and practice.

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It is a good idea to step back occasionally and look at racing through your child’s eyes. Remember that the most important thing in racing is to have fun and to spend time with family.

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PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

The best thing that can prepare you for racing is riding. When you go out to ride, don’t just ride in circles all day. There are different things you can do to improve basic riding skills.

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Concentrate on using different controls like the clutch, front and rear brakes, etc., so that you will know your machine’s limits. Using the clutch will help you attack corners harder. Proper use of the brakes will shave seconds off your lap times. While jumping is important in motocross, motocross races are still won and lost in the corners. Practice corners by doing corner drills or figure eights to improve your riding skills with leaning and bike controls, including clutch, brakes and throttle control. This will make you faster and make you a safer rider.

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Motocross is kind of like golf and tennis. Learning proper form early will make it easier in the long run. Keeping the elbows up and learning to stand up on the bike is very important. Learning proper body position will help you save energy and make you a safer rider. Having better control of your machine will allow you to be able to respond easier to what the bike does when it hits ruts, bumps, and holes on the track.

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Working with an experienced riding coach is recommended to master your riding skills.

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READY TO RACE

Let’s start with a list of what you need to bring to the race:

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• AMA Membership Card: AMA-Sanctioned races are the exclusive home of AMA members – you must join the AMA to compete

• Minor Release Waiver: Any minors who are racing must have a minor release card to participate: fill out an annual minor release form here

• Riding Gear: Helmet, boots, pants, jersey, chest protector, goggles, knee pads, etc. – make sure your gear is clean and working properly

• Your Bike and Extra Gas: Make sure your bike is clean and ready to race and that you have an extra can of gas

• Large, Visible Bike Number: The AMA does not assign racing numbers but it’s encouraged to use the last three digits in your AMA number, numbers should be white on a black background or black on a white background

• Cash and Liability Releases: Research the AMA race event you are attending and bring enough money for the gate admission and race sign-up fees and don’t forget any type of releases that you will need to fill out ahead of time, such as the annual minor release form

• Miscellaneous Parts and Tools: It’s good to bring an extra tire tube in case of a flat, spark plug, levers, bike stand, WD40, etc.

• Comfort Items: Snacks, drinks, chairs, paper towels, etc., for your pit area

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RACE DAY: WHAT TO EXPECT

Start the night before by going over your checklist and making sure you have everything organized and ready to go. Try to arrive at the track at least an hour and a half early. Giving you time to park, register, unload your equipment, walk the track and get your gear on before practice starts.

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• Gate Admission: The first thing that you will do when you come into the track is purchase your gate admission (cash only). Everybody will sign the required releases when they enter the park to receive their armband. You must keep this on until the last time you are leaving and not coming back.

• Parking: Where you park is generally personal preference at most events. Some riders look for shade while others prefer to be as close to the track or registration as possible. When you park, make sure you are not blocking any driveways or roads. Some like to be near the PA system so they can hear when you are called to practice or race.

• Transponders: Transponders are required and are used to electronically score you and your bike each time you cross the finish line. Transponders are used in addition to the numbers on your bike. Transponders are available for rental at the track from Liveview Timing and are required prior to registering unless you are using the online pre-registration system.

• Registration: Riders under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or another adult with a notarized statement authorizing them to sign for the minor. There will be no exceptions to this rule! If someone else has already registered with the same number, you will be asked to add a piece of tape as a slash or add a No. 1. (For example, the number 6 can be changed to 6/ or a 16.) You will also be given a practice band or practice sticker that needs to be put on your helmet to practice. The practice order will be posted at registration. The race order is often determined by class entries and will be made up and posted during practice.

• Walk the Track: This will help you relax as well as learn the track. Take the time to look at the different obstacles. Find a high spot and stand and look at the track like you are watching a rider go around it while they are racing. This will help you learn the layout. Take your time.

• Rider’s Meeting: The Rider’s Meeting will be before practice over the PA system and on 88.5 FM. Be sure to pay attention as the race referee will go over the race format, how many laps in a race, starting procedure and race procedures. Following the rider’s meeting or practice there will usually be a prayer and national anthem. Riders in the first three races need to work their way to the staging area immediately for their race.

• Practice: About 30-45 minutes before your practice, start getting dressed. Check the gas in your bike and then warm it up. Ride in first gear to the staging area at the start gate. Be sure to pull into the proper staging lane for your group. Remember to take some deep breaths to help you relax before going out on the track. Use the practice session to learn the track and warm-up. Try different lines so you will know what to expect if you need to take them later. Pay attention to the track flags. Be sure to hold your line and not zigzag. Don’t worry about racing with anyone because it’s practice. When you are flagged off the track, slow down to 10 mph as you exit. Ride back to your pit and look your bike over. Refuel and lube the chain. Make sure to eat and drink some fluids to stay hydrated. Go to sign-up and verify the race order.

• Race Staging: Make sure to arrive at the staging area about three motos before your race. The Staging Manager will line you up and gate position will be random by computer selection. Make sure to stay in order during staging and while making your gate selection. No tools may be used to groom your starting area, only hands and feet may be used and nobody is allowed in front of the starting gate.  

• Start Procedure: Make sure to watch the races ahead of your moto to learn the starting procedure. When you get up on the starting gate, leave your bike shut off until the Checkered flag comes out for the class racing, then start your bike and make sure the gas is turned on. The start procedure will use either a "stop light" method or "start card" method.

1. If a STOP LIGHT is used, the procedure is generally as follows: 1. The stop light will go "RED" to get ready. If you are having problems starting your bike, let the card man know by waving your hand so that you will get 2 minutes to correct the problem (this is both staggers). 2. If everyone is ready, the light will turn "YELLOW" and the start will be in progress. 3. There will be a slight pause then the light will turn "GREEN". The gate will fall 2-7 seconds later. If a staggered start is needed, steps 2 and 3 will be repeated for the 2nd stagger.

2. If a START CARD is used, the procedure is generally as follows: 1. The start card will go up with a “2” showing. If you are having problems starting your bike, let the card man know by waving your hand so that you will get 2 minutes to correct the problem (this is for both staggers). 2. If everyone is ready, the card will be turned to "1" and the start will be in progress. 3. There will be a slight pause then the "1" will be turned sideways. The gate will fall 2-7 seconds later. If a staggered start is needed, steps 2 and 3 will be repeated for the 2nd stagger.

• Stagger Starts: Sometimes if there are several small classes that can be run on the track at the same time they will be combined in the race but scored separately. If the classes are very small, they can leave the gate at the same time. If there are enough riders, then the classes can be stagger started. One class will leave the line, the gate will be reset and then the second class leaves. Stagger starts are marked on the race order. If you are supposed to start with the second group, and you start with the first, you will be penalized one lap. Don’t get excited and start with the wrong class.

• Outdoor Motocross: The outdoor events are generally two-moto format events. The motos are added together to determine an overall finishing order, and the awards are handed out based on this overall final. See the AMA Rulebook for tie-breaker procedures and motocross scoring.

• Results: Shortly after your race, the results will be posted on the results board at registration. It is each rider’s responsibility to check the results for errors and notify the AMA Referee or someone in registration. Once the results have been posted for 30 minutes for protest, they will be official unless changed by an AMA Official.

• Awards: Awards are handed out at registration. Please check the posted results before coming to pick up your awards. No awards will be given out until the protest time for a class has expired. The number of awards given out will be posted.

• Crashing: If you go down on your bike and are not hurt, your top concern is to get off the racetrack and out of the way of danger. If your bike is in the middle of the track, move it before trying to restart. Do not wait for the track crew to move your bike or start it for you. The track workers’ priority is to let the other riders know there is a problem and to keep you safe. Medical personnel will also be on their way. At AMA-sanctioned events, an ambulance and medical staff are mandated to be on the grounds for rider safety.

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GENERAL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

Please make sure to always look over the AMA Rulebook and any Supplemental Rules for the event you plan on attending.  These rules and many others are enforced by Lincoln Trail Motosports and other tracks across the USA.

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• Pit Riding: Riders are allowed to ride their machines to and from the starting gate at 10mph. Absolutely no pit racing or burnouts will be tolerated at an AMA-sanctioned event. Helmets must be worn by riders under 18 years of age at all times. No joy riding after dark. FAILURE TO FOLLOW PIT VEHICLE RULES COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF PIT VEHICLE PRIVILEGES OR CONFISCATION OF PIT VEHICLE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEKEND.

• Safety Flags & Lights: Yellow flags & lights mean there is a problem on the track and you should be in control of your machine and look for the problem so you can avoid it. Watch the flaggers to see if they are directing you to one side of the track. Passing and jumping are not allowed under a yellow flag or light. If a Red Cross flag is out, then there is a problem on the track that is causing a hazard or a rider is receiving assistance. Riders must ride with caution. No Jumping or passing is allowed through the area where the flag is being displayed. If you jump, pass another rider or endanger or hit a track worker, you will be penalized. Penalties vary from being docking positions to disqualification for more serious violations. This rule is to protect you and your fellow riders and will be strictly enforced. Parents of young riders, please explain this very carefully to them so they will know what the different flags mean.

• Track Cutting: Leaving the designated race course is forbidden. A rider must make every effort to stay on the course at all times. If forced off the course, riders are expected to slow down and enter at the next safest point. A rider can be docked positions or disqualified for cutting the course.

• Unsportsman-Like Behavior: This includes dirty riding, fighting, profanity, obscene gestures, etc. Violators can be penalized, including disqualification that could include being suspended from AMA-sanctioned events. Riders are responsible for the actions of their pit crew and family.

• Alcohol/Drugs: The use of alcohol and/or drugs by participants while riding will absolutely not be tolerated at AMA-sanctioned events.

• Refunds: No refunds after practice has started. Be sure to assess yourself, your equipment and the track before entering the staging area. Refunds for mechanical failures are not the tracks responsibility.

• Restricted Areas: No persons or unauthorized vehicles are permitted within the boundaries of the track. Jumping any of the fences could be grounds for disqualification of you or your rider(s).  ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS OR VIDEOGRAPHERS MUST CHECK-IN AT REGISTRATION AND WEAR MEDIA VEST WHEN IN RESTRICTED AREAS.

• Pets: All pets must be on a leash. No vicious or excessively barking pets permitted.

• Track Radio Station: Please keep your radio tuned to FM 88.5 for up-to-date announcements, rider's meeting and information throughout the weekend.

• Wristbands: Wristbands must be worn at all times. You will need your wristband to register, practice, race and while in the park. If leaving the facility, your wristband will be required for re-entry. If lost, you will be required to purchase a new one.

• Garbage: Please bag your garbage and place in the available dumpsters for pick-up. If you need trash bags, you can get them at the front gate or pro shop. Please refrain from dumping gas and oil on the ground.

• Campfires: Reasonable campfires are permitted. 

• First Aid: First Aid is located at the Action Sports EMS Headquarters next to the Classic Track starting gate.

• Security: Security headquarters are located at registration.

• Lost & Found: Lost and found is located at the pro shop.

• Medical Insurance: We do not have Rider Medical Insurance. Riders are responsible for their own medical insurance. Rider medical insurance is available through the AMA’s RAMP Program at (800)-556-7614 or visit www.insurance4ama.com.

• Prohibited Items: No fireworks, weapons, illegal substances, glass containers or any other items that may pose a safety hazard to our guests or competitors are permitted.

• Search Policy: All persons, vehicles and their contents are subject to search at any time. If any fireworks or other prohibited items are found, you may remove them from the property yourself, or we will dispose of them for you. We are not responsible for the safe return of any confiscated items.

• Banners: Do not take banners or signage. Violators will be prosecuted for theft and trespassing.

• Parking: Parking is generally first-come, first-serve. You may not save spots for persons arriving later. If you want to camp with someone, please meet them off-site and arrive together. Camping spaces are no wider than 30’. 

• Quiet Time: Quiet time is 10pm nightly. Our racers need their rest!

• Nearest RV Dump Station: RV dumping is permitted at Love's Travel Stop in Greenup or KOA campground in Casey.

• Water & Air: Water and air fill station can be found next to the pro shop.  Do not hook up pressure washers to water fill stations.

• Ice: Ice can be purchased at the pro shop.

• Propance Gas: Propane is available in Greenup & Casey which are both 4 miles from the track.  On-board RV tanks can be filled at JJET Leasing in Casey.