The History of Supercross Motorcycle Racing

The history of motorcycle racing can be traced backso that it is a triumph even to reach the finishing line let
just about as far as when the first two motorcyclesalone win the race.
were sold. In those early days of motorcycle racing,Supercross motorcycle racing is really a variant of
people just raced down a stretch of road or along amotorcross, although motorcross is held in the
beach; whatever was available in fact. In deed therecountryside. With supercross they have brought the
were not many proper roads to speak of either, not incountryside into the arena. Because of this, it is difficult
the modern sense of the word.to put an exact date on the origin of supercross. It just
So people just made the best of dirt tracks. As timekind of evolved bit by bit.
went on and the dirt clogged some engines, racesMotorcross began to bring in the viewers in the
were held on asphalt and proper race tracks wereSeventies, but canny business people noticed that it
created by business people. It is comical when youwas difficult to charge fans for standing on the
think about it, because the sport of motorcycle racingroadside, which is why they brought supercross into
has almost turned full circle, in many aspects.the stadium. The first time the term Supercross was
All the styles of motorcycle racing that have existedused was in the Los Angeles Coliseum, when a
are still being raced somewhere in the world. Flat trackpromoter said that that racing event was like a cross
racing is still popular, but the riders and the producersbetween motorcross and the Superbowl. The term
and ultimately, the fans wanted more thrills and fastersupercross was coined and stuck.
races, so supercross motorcycle racing came intoSupercross motorcycle racing teams are similar in
being.many ways to the NASCAR racing teams in that they
Supercross motorcycle racing is off-road racing, butare large teams that travel the country putting on
the off-road terrain is man-made. This way 'natural'shows or races in various stadia, often the very same
obstacles such as tight bends, small hills and evenones that a NASCAR team has just left. However,
ponds can be put in, taken out and moved about at willamateur supercross also exists, although mostly just
in order to vary the course. It has made motorcycleon a local level. Most, but certainly not all local
racing much more exciting, bringing cross countrysupercross courses are outdoors.
racing to the arena where it can be watched andUsually, these supercross races will be held either once
filmed more easily.a week or once a fortnight.. Television has increased
The aim, as with all races, is to finish first, but withthe popularity of both professional and amateur
supercross racing, there are a lot of competitors insupercross and has provided money to make the
each race and the course is very challenging. So muchsport much more extravagant.