Held on off-road tracks that are enclosed, Motocross is a type of motorbike racing that grew out of trial contests that were held in the UK. It’s an incredibly demanding sport physically and is held throughout the year in all types of weather.
The FIM Grand Prix Motocross World Championship takes place in Europe for the most part although there are some events held in North and South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. The sport has four classes: MX1 for 450cc machines, MX2 for 250cc machines, MX3 for 650cc machines and Women's MX. A competition involves two motos (races) of 35 minutes each plus two laps.
From May to mid-September, the AMA Championship takes place and involves 12 rounds at 12 major tracks across the USA. Motocross is divided into three different classes, namely: the 250 Motocross Class for 0–125 cc 2-stroke or 150–250 cc 4-stroke machines, the 450 Motocross Class for 150–250 cc 2-stroke or 251–450 cc 4-stroke machines and a Women's Class.
Following the end of both the National and World Championship series each year, the Motocross des Nations takes place with three-rider teams – one for each class (MX1, MX2, Open) – represent their nations. Each of the three motos has two classes in competition. While the event’s location changes annually, the US, Belgium and Britain have been the most successful hosts. The main off-road contest in the UK is the Maxxis British Motocross Championship, which consists of MX1 (250cc to 450cc – fourstroke) and MX2 (175cc to 250cc fourstroke bikes). The MXY2 class, a youth class, was included in specified rounds in 2007. In 2009, a veteran’s series with two rounds was introduced but proved to be so popular. The series included three rounds over six races from 2009.