Ask the Editors: How Do I get my Kid Started in Racing?
The very first question you need to answer is what type of ATV racing are you and your youngster interested in pursuing. There is a wide variety of ATV competition throughout the globe including such niches as ice racing, hill climbing, supermoto, mudding, endurance and so on. However most ATV racing falls into the following categories:
Motocross: Close course off-road circuit racing that usually involves natural terrain (such as elevation) and man-made obstacles such as jumps, whoops and rhythm sections.
Cross Country: XC racing works on a beat the clock (timed) method of competing and usually involves tight woods conditions and a variety of natural terrain such as creek crossings, rocks, roots, mud and hills.
Flat Track: Also known as TT, this type of racing involves an oval hard pack track and contains nearly no obstacles or timing sections. It usually uses tires less aggressive than those for used for dedicated offroading and it popularized drifting long before the Fast and Furious movies.
Desert Racing: As the name suggests, this form of competition typically involves sand, wide-open spaces and some of the highest top-speeds in powersports racing. Emphasis on brutal conditions and the limits of human endurance are exploited here.
Once you’ve selected the type of racing, join the ATVA here. As a member of the All-terrain Vehicle Association, you’ll be able to locate events in your area, rules and regs, safety requirements, proper gear requirements etc. Here you can also download the ATVA Amateur Racing Rulebook where you’ll learn which nationally recognized classes you’re eligible to enter and find out how to make your quad legal for competition. To race any AMA or ATVA sanctioned event, you have to be a current member of the ATVA.
Above all, have fun. Racing is a great bonding experience between parents and children and the memories can last a lifetime. Good luck and see you at the track!
