what class should i race in?

[Budlite]

Actual cherry picking aside, the beginner classes have the widest spread of rider talent, experience and lap times of all the classes. The next class, Novice or "C" class in AMA is even faster but the spread between riders is less. Wait until this young man see what a real "intermediate" actually is on the track..!!!

[kschilk]

In my opinion, race whatever you're comfortable riding. Trying to adapt to a bike or displacement class is a losing game, a waste of money and time. Pick a powerband that fits your riding style best, whatever size and stroke that may be and then you can apply the bulk of your energy and concentration, to going fast.

Whatever displacement class you end up in, start in C. Don't hope to win or even finish well, don't even try to....I recommend you purposely stay mid to rear of the pack, for the first few motos. Not having previous racing experience, you need to watch and learn...it's gonna' be a li'l different than racin' with your buds. Besides, you don't want to get involved in the inevitable first turn pileup, in your first race...no shame in hangin' back a bit and then making a "Sam's Club pass"....passin' 'em in bulk. No offense to anyone but honestly, you're gonna' be surrounded by a swarm of (mostly) inexperienced, screamin' squids and you need to learn how to ride fast among 30 or more other riders, that couldn't hold a line if ya' superglued it to their hands. Even in the B-class, you'll get a few of them so you'll need to have that experience.

Once you feel confident on the track, get the heck out of there and move to B-class. Yeah, they're generally faster but you'll learn more from chasing them, than you will by spankin' the C-class. I'm sure you'll be amazed at how fast you improve, in the B-class. Plan to use your first season as OJT and save the real racing, for next year. Honestly, it'll make you faster. Be serious about it but never take it too seriously, remember....you're just doin' it for fun and experience, the factories already have their teams picked for this year. Remember....even the guy in last place, finishes way ahead of everyone that didn't enter.

[pjg351]

Originally Posted by Freak

right on, way to many sand baggers out there. I hate that crap.

Spoken like a true swapper!

[elementc]

As you can tell from the question I'm about to ask, I'm a total beginner. With that said...

What is a swapper?

[pjg351]

Originally Posted by elementc

What is a swapper?

someone who takes your line without even knowing it

[ccnut]

Originally Posted by MXtras

I have NEVER seen an individual that has never raced do very well in his/her first few races. The intensity has to be experienced.

With that being said, I strongly suggest getting a bike you are comfortable with and then start going to the local tracks on open practice day as Mr. Freak suggests. His suggestion is spot on.

I have always said - you will learn more in a single moto than you will in weeks of riding by yourself.

I would plan on running 125C to start with, or even D class (beginner) if it's offered. Run a few races until you place in the top 10-15% of the field then move yourself up if they don't do it for you. The C and D classes are dangerous, so be careful - especially in the first few turns of each moto.

Scott

Scott and Freak are dead on here. I've never raced mx either only desert and trails (hare scrambles,enduros) @ MMI3 we went to Red Bud and I ran one practice moto. Intense is not quite the word for it!!! but they are right, just hold your line and try to learn as much as you can.Since that weekend of riding there and at Motomans track we have gotton alot faster and way more comfortable . also been riding more mx than woods lately. Good luck I'm sure you will do fine and fly!!......Jerry

[motopimp]

Originally Posted by Dan151

....but the 125 might be better for me to learn on and eventually get a 250 2 stroke

After having bigger bikes for years, I picked up a 125 to "play" w/for MX. Since having that I believe everybody should('ve) run a 125. I think it teaches some finer points by demanding you carry corner speed, staying in the pb, clutcing...etc., making you faster in the long run. Just my 2¢.