Is Offroad Gaining on MX?

EastFlorida
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Merritt Island, FL US
Edited Date/Time 3/4/2016 6:50pm
I know MX has the TV deal going on and is "main stream". However, I know that local Hare Scrambles races draw 600+ every race compared to MX around 200-300. This does NOT include the major amature MX races, but in general, is this the future?

I raced MX back in the early 80's but I must say I much prefer the atmosphere and fun I am now experiencing racing GNCC and local Hare Scrambles.

While the TV exposure is not there for the general public, those buying "race bikes" seem to be more focused on this form of competition compared to MX.

What does this say about our sport? Viewership VS participation? I switched to KTM because they build a bike that suits my current riding style. Yamaha has recently updated their product line to compete with KTM.

There is a big distinction on what sells VS what is on TV.

Where does our sport of riding/racing dirt bikes go from here?

I imagine if the GNCC series can get better video coverage of their events we may see a slow change in preference of coverage...

Thoughts?
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Xeno
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San Clemente, CA US
2/9/2016 7:21pm
I really, really wish the off-road viewership would grow. But unfortunately, most Americans (including some top racers) have ADD and are not able to watch (or race) a race that lasts more than 30 minutes.
MxKing809
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Big Sand Whoops, MI US
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2/9/2016 7:39pm
I prefer GNCC style harescrambles, but the woods are so tight in Michigan every off road race is 18" single track for 70 miles.... I'm over that shit.

I think there are a lot of guys like me, in that MX while appealing, is too dangerous and risky. I love it and always will, but I constantly think about what would happen "if". I still race MX, but I purposely have a 125 so I won't push my limits on our SX style MX tracks here.

If we had a scramble-cross type series I would be all over it.
JRT812
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Cottontown, TN US
2/9/2016 7:40pm
^ I agree. Off-road is where it is at as far bang for buck. Websites like off-road viking, racerx, or even gncc do a great job giving tidbits of the race, but I wish there were more availability to live coverage.
Tim507
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Oregon City, OR US
2/9/2016 7:43pm
Sprint Enduro.... Short course, fast moving... camera placement has a chance, family orientation - this might have a chance properly promoted

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EastFlorida
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Merritt Island, FL US
2/9/2016 7:45pm
Tim507 wrote:
Sprint Enduro.... Short course, fast moving... camera placement has a chance, family orientation - this might have a chance properly promoted
We are having our first sprint enduro during bike week this year. We moved the famous Alligator Enduro to this past weekend to accommodate the change. I hope we have a good showing as I think this may be a popular option for the future.
mxdude105
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MD US
2/9/2016 7:46pm
MxKing809 wrote:
I prefer GNCC style harescrambles, but the woods are so tight in Michigan every off road race is 18" single track for 70 miles.... I'm over...
I prefer GNCC style harescrambles, but the woods are so tight in Michigan every off road race is 18" single track for 70 miles.... I'm over that shit.

I think there are a lot of guys like me, in that MX while appealing, is too dangerous and risky. I love it and always will, but I constantly think about what would happen "if". I still race MX, but I purposely have a 125 so I won't push my limits on our SX style MX tracks here.

If we had a scramble-cross type series I would be all over it.
I agree. I stick with the 125 for moto not just because it's fun but also because it keeps the speeds down. I've been riding trails much more often lately and definitely enjoy it as a somewhat safer alternative to MX. Unfortunately there are very limited trail/XC opportunities in my corner of the country, but hopefully that will change with time. A scramble course with a few mild/moderate jumps thrown in would be my preferred race environment.
EastFlorida
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2/9/2016 7:50pm
MxKing809 wrote:
I prefer GNCC style harescrambles, but the woods are so tight in Michigan every off road race is 18" single track for 70 miles.... I'm over...
I prefer GNCC style harescrambles, but the woods are so tight in Michigan every off road race is 18" single track for 70 miles.... I'm over that shit.

I think there are a lot of guys like me, in that MX while appealing, is too dangerous and risky. I love it and always will, but I constantly think about what would happen "if". I still race MX, but I purposely have a 125 so I won't push my limits on our SX style MX tracks here.

If we had a scramble-cross type series I would be all over it.
mxdude105 wrote:
I agree. I stick with the 125 for moto not just because it's fun but also because it keeps the speeds down. I've been riding trails...
I agree. I stick with the 125 for moto not just because it's fun but also because it keeps the speeds down. I've been riding trails much more often lately and definitely enjoy it as a somewhat safer alternative to MX. Unfortunately there are very limited trail/XC opportunities in my corner of the country, but hopefully that will change with time. A scramble course with a few mild/moderate jumps thrown in would be my preferred race environment.
I agree! A MX/Hare Scrambles would suit a majority of riders, not just the "hot shoes" racing for a ride as a pro...
KirkChandler
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2/9/2016 8:16pm
The problem is the cost and actual riding you get from racing motocross. Motocross open practice has siphoned off the casual racer because of simple economics.

I raced last weekend, practice 3 laps, Moto 1 5 laps, Moto 2 5 laps

Paid $10 gate fee
Paid $60 entry fee (including $10 transponder rental) ($5 credit card fee)
Paid: $49 AMA yearly fee.
$119 for 13 laps. $9.15 per lap. Not a good deal. I could have rode all day for $25 down the street.
Joe Camel
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Pasadena, CA US
2/9/2016 8:16pm
I dont know anyone who rides tracks more than a few times a year anymore.
user760a
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Shelby, NC US
2/9/2016 8:28pm
I did my first GNCC in 2009 and immediately took to it. I also do some local hare scrambles, some of which draw a ton of riders , too, as off road racing is huge in my area. I do not miss getting up at 5am, driving three hours, paying a fair amount to sign up and then sitting on my ass all day for two quick spring motos. I still ride track days all the time, but there is little chance I will go back to moto racing, ever.
fins227
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Chillicothe, OH US
2/9/2016 8:29pm
The problem is the cost and actual riding you get from racing motocross. Motocross open practice has siphoned off the casual racer because of simple economics...
The problem is the cost and actual riding you get from racing motocross. Motocross open practice has siphoned off the casual racer because of simple economics.

I raced last weekend, practice 3 laps, Moto 1 5 laps, Moto 2 5 laps

Paid $10 gate fee
Paid $60 entry fee (including $10 transponder rental) ($5 credit card fee)
Paid: $49 AMA yearly fee.
$119 for 13 laps. $9.15 per lap. Not a good deal. I could have rode all day for $25 down the street.
Add a district fee to that for some race series.
EastFlorida
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Merritt Island, FL US
2/9/2016 8:44pm
It cost me $50 entry and $10 gate fee to race HS. Not too bad for 2 hrs of seat time racing plus 1 lap (30 mins) practice...
jeffro503
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St Helens, OR US
2/9/2016 8:48pm
I sure would like to try some offroad stuff this year. I've been strictly mx and ax going on for 30yrs now.
BobPA
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2/9/2016 8:50pm
jeffro503 wrote:
I sure would like to try some offroad stuff this year. I've been strictly mx and ax going on for 30yrs now.
You won't regret it...plus it really helps you on a moto track
EastFlorida
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2/9/2016 8:51pm
jeffro503 wrote:
I sure would like to try some offroad stuff this year. I've been strictly mx and ax going on for 30yrs now.
Jeffro,

It'll change your perspective for sure. In general, a more accommodating group willing to help - even those in your class typically...
jeffro503
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2/9/2016 9:01pm
I'm almost embarrassed to say i hardly know anything about it or how the run. I keep an eye on the top guys but really know nothing about the actual competition or how it's ran. Maybe i should look into it a little more.
LungButter
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Yellow Pine, ID US
2/9/2016 9:28pm
jeffro503 wrote:
I'm almost embarrassed to say i hardly know anything about it or how the run. I keep an eye on the top guys but really know...
I'm almost embarrassed to say i hardly know anything about it or how the run. I keep an eye on the top guys but really know nothing about the actual competition or how it's ran. Maybe i should look into it a little more.
Hit up a race over in Goldendale, absolutely epic on certain days.

There are also some great off road races just North of you in WA. Any of them that Team Tortoise puts on at Riverdale would be worth the trip.

Titan1
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Lehi, UT US
2/9/2016 9:41pm
I'd say our off road series is significantly bigger than out local MX series. For what it's worth, though, I think there is two or three different MX series going at the same time (though not on the same weekends), and only one off road series.

Our off road series has a mix of Hare and Hounds (including three rounds of the NHHA), Hare scrambles, GP's, and a few enduro's. So it's got something for everyone. Pay $50 and you'll get two or three hours of seat time.

Off road isn't for everyone...especially in the West where dust is very common (that's usually the biggest complain from the motocross guys) but I absolutely love it.
mx510
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2/9/2016 10:02pm
jeffro503 wrote:
I'm almost embarrassed to say i hardly know anything about it or how the run. I keep an eye on the top guys but really know...
I'm almost embarrassed to say i hardly know anything about it or how the run. I keep an eye on the top guys but really know nothing about the actual competition or how it's ran. Maybe i should look into it a little more.
Jeffro, hit up the Team Tortoise off road series, it starts up May 15th at Riverdale. You will love it, part mx, part, vet track, part grass track, part single track. My advice would be to try the short course first (its 75 min I believe). The Team Tortoise series runs twice at Riverdale, once at Washougal, once at Straddleline and once at Bellingham. There are mx tracks involved in all of them. Its a GREAT time, you will love it.
2/9/2016 10:03pm
I'm in Utah too, our off road scene is way bigger than MX. I mean, how many MX tracks do we have? How many are AMA sanctioned? There are no "great" tracks in our area neither. I know that Flying Iron horse Ranch is supposed to be amazing but it's closed to the public for now.
Cancerman
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In Hell, FL US
2/9/2016 10:10pm
Most older guys like myself love mx but hate the modern track style (doubles, triples, step up's, step downs), you get it. This scramblecross thing sounds like a great combo things. When I was living in So Cal, I used to love the SRA GPs.
It was like a long moto, without the SX stuff. Part of the track was the mx track at Glen Helen, up and down the hills, etc. That was fun. My local tracks I practice at here in Florida all have big, blind jumps. Total Commitment. I'm too old and tore up to hit the ground that hard.
2/9/2016 10:15pm
see, i love the big jumps and technical sections, it's what separates the good from the goon. Here in Utah a novice rider can keep up with an expert rider on most tracks because our tracks aren't technical and our jumps are weak. Hell, when i see ruts at a track it's a pretty big deal because most tracks in the region get hard and slick.
Desrtracer
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2/10/2016 12:05am
If you are in Southern California come check out the MSR District 37 Big 6 GP Series. We race all over Southern Cal with one round at Buffalo Bills Casino at stateline Nevada and the world famous Adelanto GP in January to start off our year. We have everything from youth to 70 year old class. Races are $40 if you pre enter $50 if you don't. 2nd race is $33/$43 and unclassified is $33. If you buy 3 races you get one free. We have the WCGP with a Pro Purse for the 450, 250 and Women's Pro class. Its a fun, family oriented 8 round series. Check us out at www.big6racing.com
Stickers
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AL US
2/10/2016 6:40am Edited Date/Time 2/10/2016 6:42am
The off-road scene here has definitely passed MX. The season opener for SECCA last fall was almost 300 riders. An average day at local MX could be 200 entries and that's with most riders riding 2 classes. The Youth classes have grown a lot too here lately where 5+ years ago there was not many 85's and down racing woods.

The woods scene has always been pretty good around here.
Uncle Tony
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2/10/2016 6:52am
The J-DAY series here in the northeast is pretty big, and getting bigger turnouts then NESC, it's all about seat time, haven't done one yet but it's coming
Gringoe
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MP
2/10/2016 7:17am
see, i love the big jumps and technical sections, it's what separates the good from the goon. Here in Utah a novice rider can keep up...
see, i love the big jumps and technical sections, it's what separates the good from the goon. Here in Utah a novice rider can keep up with an expert rider on most tracks because our tracks aren't technical and our jumps are weak. Hell, when i see ruts at a track it's a pretty big deal because most tracks in the region get hard and slick.
You race the novice class we get it
Gringoe
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2/10/2016 7:19am
Tim507 wrote:
Sprint Enduro.... Short course, fast moving... camera placement has a chance, family orientation - this might have a chance properly promoted
We are having our first sprint enduro during bike week this year. We moved the famous Alligator Enduro to this past weekend to accommodate the change...
We are having our first sprint enduro during bike week this year. We moved the famous Alligator Enduro to this past weekend to accommodate the change. I hope we have a good showing as I think this may be a popular option for the future.
Info?

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