Raising Cain On Your Dirt Bike

Street riding alone won't help you with your racing ability. There is much to learn before you take to the track, if you want to be competitive.

One of the requirements for dirt bike racing is proper apparel. Each entrant must wear protective long sleeves and long pants. Above the ankle, flat heeled boots are required as well as a full face helmet. Racing gloves are also a must. Now that you're dressed properly, you have just begun and there's much more to know.

Courtesy to all, on the track and off, is demanded. You can be eliminated for use of vulgar, abusive, and foul language at any time at the meet. When passing another racer on the track, you must give him or her a wide birth, and, if you are being passed, you must allow room for safe passage. Of course, no drugs of any kind, including alcohol, are allowed. Coming to a race 'loaded' can impair your judgment and endanger your safety as well as that of the other contestants. Your good sportsmanship can help you win races.

Another important aspect of racing is knowledge of the colored racing flags which must be obeyed. The varied colors can mean: start, one lap to go, caution, disqualification of rider, hold your line, slow and maintain position, oil on track, stop race for emergency, or end of race. We all know the checkered flag, but ignorance of all these flags and disobedience can be cause for disqualification.

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) rulebook, which you can read online, can help you learn the flag messages and inform you of all the rules of racing. You must be knowledgeable if you want to participate and win.

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