Ask The Editors: I Wanna Race My Quad But How??!
Dear ATVC:
I am 14, and I really want to start quad racing like my dad did when he was 16 I just want to know how I can do this. I live in Northwest Ohio, and I have been riding quads for a few years. I don’t know what program to join in order to race, or where the closest one in NW Ohio is. What are the specifics like the types of quads, need gear, and needed mods on the quad. What is the age in which you can start? I really don’t know anything about what I need to do. I can learn things about racing from my dad no problem. Anyone know what I can do? Thanks!
OneShotGlory
The good news is ATV racing, despite an economy that is still struggling to gain its footing, is alive and well. The very first question you need to answer is what type of ATV racing are you interested in pursuing. There is a whole multitude of various forms 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 determine the type of competition that works best for you, visit forums, hit google and talk to other rides in the discipline (preferably those in your area if possible) for tips on proper ATV set-up & prep.
Speaking of your area, here a few links to get you underway in locating a club, organization or track facility in your region who can answer any and all of your questions regarding getting started in competing on your quad. Most tracks will be able to tell you about classes, entry fees, age restrictions, required safety gear and so on. Good luck!
Ohio Track and Trail
Ohio Offroaders Clubs
Ohio Trails Info
