Motorcycle Motocross is a competitive sport that features two bikes, similar in design and purpose, which are driven on tracks set up using elevation, cornering, turns and ramps. The aim of the rider is to become the first person to cross the finish line from the front to the back of the track. This is known as the lap. Many countries around the world have their own version of the Motocross Championship, with each level of the championship consisting of its own particular set of track specifications, as well as the various rules and regulations governing the sport.
Grand Prix motorcycle racing is arguably the most popular category of motorcycle road race events held on public road tracks specially sanctioned by the FÉdience Internationale de Motocross (FIM). The first MOTGMP season was held in Japan in 2021 and has since then featured several different nations and has proved extremely popular both as a recreational activity and a real competitive event. Many top races throughout the world feature the MOTGMP title, and include the prestigious Le Mans 24 hour race. In addition there are several other major races including the GP2 race series, the World Touring Car Championship and the WSBK series.
Other countries outside of Japan have also become interested in the sport, with several hosting their own versions of the GP3 and MMC races. Some countries, such as Belgium, also feature a popular stage for the grand prix. With the growth of the internet and online video sharing sites such as YouTube, the number of spectators watching the race action has increased dramatically, providing an entirely new audience for the sport. The wide interest in the sport means that there is a large global audience for MOTOGP and this means that more people than ever before are now able to enjoy it.
A major attraction for riders is the fact that MOTOGP allows them to build their skills in preparation for the big event. During the course of a professional race, it is common for several different riders to go into the pit stall at the same time, so understanding what the mechanics of the cars are doing can be vital. The experience gained by each of these riders during practice will help them to develop better race craft, helping them secure the win in the event of an accident or clash of interests. As well as helping the rider to gain extra skills, the competition can help develop their motorbike riding skills and make them a more complete rider.
As with any form of motorbike racing there are restrictions placed on the use of motorbikes. As well as a ban on non-professional bikes being used in most races, there is also a ban on riders using anything not approved by the organisers. As well as this, many of the classifications within the top class categories of the MOTOGP are based on the age of the rider, meaning that professional riders would have to achieve a certain age in order to take part. This means that only those experienced with fully functioning motorcycles and with the correct safety equipment would be able to take part. This might also restrict the choice of styles for the lower age categories.
The three classes of MOT consist of Super laps, Street courses and Grand Touring Teams. A Super lap is a distance of the bike’s track that is shorter than the full lap, and includes only the most gentle sections. A Street course is the least amount of length possible, which includes everything from the essences of the track to the kerbs and the barriers. The Grand Touring Teams category includes the best riders in the world, who ride teams that have a contract with the MOT for example the DIN Team or the BAR Team Auto Cycling team. In order for a motorcycle to qualify as a Grand Touring Team they must have set minimum performance criteria, which include achieving the best speed and the best fuel efficiency. In addition to this, they must also wear the mandatory full-face helmets.