Ask The Editors: Help Get My Kids Started In Racing
Dear ATVC:
We went to the local motocross races last night at NCMP. Kids were already wanting to try racing. Seeing other kids racing surely didn’t help that urge.
So, I had never seen ATV’s race, but I had been reading about the different classes, and I saw they had “70-90cc Production ATV” for kids. Rules say “only bolt-ons allowed”.
Since the kids have a Polaris Outlaw and a Predator (both 90 cc), I had originally thought that they could race with maybe a better muffler and maybe tires or something.
But they ones I saw last night didn’t look too “production” to me. I don’t know what brands they were, but they looked lower and wider than any “stock” kid’s sport ATV. Smaller rear tires, bigger fronts. That didn’t make much sense to me, I’d think you’d want bigger rears for traction, but I guess there was a reason or everyone wouldn’t have them.
My question is, would we be wasting our time having the kids race their basically stock ATV’s? Does anyone even do that? If they liked it enough, maybe I’d consider modifying them later, but I don’t see doing all that to begin with.
-Pacfanweb
Welcome to the rough and tumble world of ATV racing… Fortunately many of your concerns with getting the kids out there on the track are unfounded. Let’s begin with the production class. While nuances may vary from one facility to the next, you are right on the money in assuming it refers to relatively stock machinery with bold-on modifications such as pipes, tires, plastics and so on (the major disqualifier here being internal engine modifications/ over-bores, engine swaps and so on).
As far as the ATVs you witnessed on the track that day, we suspect they were indeed stock but not from the major manufacturers you’re familiar with. Do a little research on products like the Apex Pro MXR 90 (shown below) for more information. These are essentially custom built ATVs from smaller factories that are designed specifically for racing performance. Are they necessary to be competitive? Of course not, MX racing is 80% rider though participants seeking the highest plateau of performance often rely upon these (generally much more expensive) machines.
In terms of rear wheel size, your reasoning that bigger wheels should offer more traction is sound and is often the case for XC racing and mud events. For MX and flat-track applications, an ATV’s cornering ability is absolutely fundamental. This is why MX-ready ATVs (regardless of size) boast rear tires with minimal sidewall. Not only are they more stable in a slide but they break loose much easier when given throttle. Racetrack cornering is done from the rear almost like the approach of blowing a donut; a technique known as throttle-steer.
In summary, being prepared is always the hot ticket to competition but take comfort in knowing that the goal of mini racing is to have fun. If your kids are chomping at the bit to get out there and compete, you have all of the equipment and resources required at your disposal already.
