Moto Tip | Ace The Big Race
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Welcome to the new Answer Racing Moto Tips feature! Answer Racing has been producing the highest-quality motocross and off-road gear since 1976, and this month launched its new line of 2020 apparel. With riders like Alex Martin, Ryan Villopoto, Nick Wey, and Mike Sleeter flying the Answer flag, there is a wealth of knowledge and know-how when it comes to riding a dirt bike efficiently and effectively in the Answer camp. Each week, Answer will bring you some riding tips to help you become better at the sport you love! Have a specific skill you’d like to improve? Comment below and we will cover it in a future post!
Loretta’s week. This week hundreds of riders will line up for their motos at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship in Tennessee and with hopes that the months spent training, practicing, prepping, and racing will culminate with a personal best result. The pressure of the event has made some of the best riders in moto fall to pieces, as they forget to handle the heat, the track, or the busy schedule. If you’re at The Ranch this week or have a big race of your own coming up, be sure to give this Moto Tip by Mike Sleeter a read, because his advice will help you remember to go through the motions.
BACK TO THE BASICS
Go through the Moto Tips that we’ve done in the past for advice on how to ride the track, especially articles that discussed ruts (here are pointers for The Perfect Rut and a how-to guide for standing through turns). The track at Loretta’s is extremely tight and really dynamic and always has excellent prep. It ruts up quickly and they are deep, so it’s important to manage the throttle and clutch, look ahead through sections, and use your legs.
It’s important to have a plan of attack for the track and that you know what you want to do. The start is critical and because it funnels to the right, a good start is always key here.
Make sure you stay hydrated and eat properly because the heat and humidity will take it out of you. Now is not the time to deviate from your standard race day prep.
APPEARANCE & ATTITUDE MATTERS
When you go to a big race like Loretta’s, you know that everyone is watching you, either at the race, on a livestream, or in the results. It’s very important you act professionally here throughout the week. Even though it’s an amateur event, it’s prepping you to be a professional racer. Make sure to take care of the little things like always having clean gear, washing your bib when it gets dirty, and having your bike ready because it helps attract the right attention.
Make sure to visit your sponsors that are at the track and tag them in the posts that you do from the race. This is your chance to see them in person and they’ll pay close attention when you’re riding on the track.
Remember, this is a big race. People work their whole lives to get there and it’s something worthy of attention. Thank your families and the people that gave their support and helped you get there.
DOS & DON’TS
Stay out of the creek if you can. I know it’s hot and it looks nice, but it’s dirty and there are sharp rocks and snakes. There’s no sense ruining months of effort for a swim.
Walk the track with your parents or trainer and watch other motos to see how the lines develop.
Try not to run around too much. Any big race like Loretta’s is a fun place to be, but it’s important that you take time to rest, keep your feet up, stay cool, and remain close to camp so that you’re not rushed.
Remember that you’re there to perform your best. There can only be one winner in every class and it’s important that you leave the weekend smiling and having learned something, because you can always go back.
