Motocross is defined by its intense competitions, which range from individual world championships to prestigious team events and national series. These races, held on enclosed dirt tracks, showcase the pinnacle of off-road motorcycle racing, demanding exceptional skill, endurance, and strategic prowess from riders. From the global stage of the FIM Motocross World Championship to the unique team format of the Motocross of Nations and the prominent
American series, each competition contributes to the sport's vibrant and competitive landscape, drawing fans and participants worldwide.
The FIM Motocross World Championship
The FIM Motocross World Championship stands as the premier international competition for individual riders. Established by the FIM, motorcycling's international governing body, this championship has a storied history. It began in 1952 as an individual European Championship, utilizing a 500cc engine displacement formula. By 1957, its status was elevated to a full World Championship, solidifying its position as the sport's top individual honor. The championship expanded further in 1962 with the introduction of a 250cc world championship, and new rules were adopted, dividing races into two 45-minute heat races, commonly referred to as motos.
Further diversification of the championship occurred in 1975 when the FIM introduced a 125cc world championship. This expansion allowed for competition across different engine sizes, catering to a broader range of motorcycles and rider specializations. Historically, European riders dominated these international competitions throughout the 1970s, with Belgian or Swedish riders frequently winning the Motocross des Nations events during that decade. However, by the 1980s, American riders emerged as formidable contenders, eventually achieving a remarkable winning streak in the Motocross des Nations.
The Motocross of Nations: The "Olympics of Motocross"
Known as the "Olympics of Motocross," the Motocross of Nations (MXON), or by its original French name Motocross des Nations (MXDN), is an annual team motocross race where riders represent their respective countries. This prestigious event has been staged since 1947, with the United Kingdom's team of Bill Nicholson, Fred Rist, and Bob Ray taking home the inaugural Chamberlain Trophy. The event as it stands today is an amalgamation of three separate historical events: the original Motocross des Nations for 500cc motorcycles, the Trophée des Nations for 250cc motorcycles, and the Coupe des Nations for 125cc motorcycles.
Before 1984, these three events were held in different locations on separate weekends. However, they were later combined into a single event, featuring one rider per class. The scoring system for the Motocross of Nations operates on a position basis, where first place is awarded one point, second place two points, and so on. Each class (currently MXGP, MX2, and Open) races twice, each time against one of the other two classes, resulting in a total of three races. The worst score from these three races is dropped, and the team with the lowest combined score ultimately wins. Historically, the United Kingdom dominated the early years of the MXON, but with the rise of motocross in North America from the 1970s, the United States embarked on a famous 13-year winning streak from 1981 to 1993.
American Motocross: The AMA Championships
In the United States, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) plays a central role in organizing and sanctioning major motocross events. The AMA Motocross Championship, commercially known as the Pro Motocross Championship, is the country's major outdoor motocross series. It was founded and sanctioned by the AMA in 1972, initially featuring two classes based on 500cc and 250cc engine displacement formulas. A 125cc class was subsequently added in 1974. As motocross technology advanced, 500cc two-stroke motocross bikes became excessively powerful for the average rider, leading the AMA to discontinue the 500cc class after the 1993 season due to diminishing competitor numbers.
The AMA also oversees the AMA Supercross Championship, a distinct series that evolved from stadium-based motocross races. These stadium events, which began with the first stadium race at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1972, promoted by Mike Goodwin and Terry Tiernan, paved the way for constructed, stadium-based motocross events known as supercross. Unlike AMA Motocross, which features two motos per round, Supercross typically has one points-paying main event per round, preceded by heat races and Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQs) to narrow the field. The 250 class in Supercross is split into East and West divisional rounds, culminating in an All-Star race. From 2023, the AMA Supercross Championship and the MXGP will form the SuperMotocross World Championship, further integrating the global and national racing calendars.
