So I have been wanting to start racing ATV's now for some time. I just need to know a few things.

1. Could a 400ex enter as a racing ATV or must it be a 450r?
2. What are the minimum mods on your quad for most races?
3. Could a beginner start off in a 450 class or must I work my way up?

Any info would be great. Thanks a lot guys.

 

First thing I would do is research the organization running the type of local races you are looking at. That will help you get an idea of what machines you can run and the safety equipment needed. As a general rule, you will need a kill switch, helmet, and goggles for pretty much anything. Nerfs and boots may or may not be required but I highly recommend them. The 450 class is the place to start for racing machines, unless you are going to be restricted to a smaller engine due to age. I would not even bother buying a 400EX if you can run a 450R.

 

What part of the country you in? What kind of racing? Desert, MX, etc.???? In some types of racing, I would prefer to run my EX rather than my R!

Take a look at the AMA web site.

 

I live in Southern California. Here there is a lot of MX racing. As of now I own a 400ex but I have been wondering if I should move up to a 450r or if it would be possible to enter the 400.

 

You stuck on MX???? Tons of desert racing going on around here!

 

Depends on what you want to do. If you just want to cruise around in circles and have fun, you will be fine with a 400. If you want to be competive you won't do it on a 400 against 450's. No way, no how.
Like Recon says; if your not hung up on MX you can try other types of racing more suited to your quad. If you want to do only MX, and want to win, then a 450 is about the only way to go.

I don't know. I race cars not quads. Check out some tracks around your area and ask around for some rules.

Sure. But that depends on how good of a rider you are. If you are a poor rider it may be a good thing to work your way up. If your a great rider you can blast out on a 450 from the start.

 

There is only MX that I know of.

 

Well i know hear in the mid us states like michigan and ohio and so on.If your are racing the amateur classes they are usually different classes.Like i know people the race in the 300 to 400 class and race there 400ex quads.You would have to check with your local race clubs or tracks to see if they have classes to suit your quad.or like others said just upgrade to a 450.

 

There is an AMA District 37 or 38 sanctioned desert race (hare scrambles, etc., as well as MX) most every freaking weekend during the cooler months! Why ride around in circles on a groomed track, when you can scream through the desert?

http://www.ama-cycle.org/map.html

District 37 Website

http://amad38.com/