New Hotline: 623-388-2424

The race order is usually posted just about the same time as practice ends. When it’s announced that the moto lineups are posted, go to the lineup boards (inside the signup area to the left) and make sure you are on the list in the class you think you’re supposed to be in. If you’re not, don’t panic; simply go to the signup area and calmly tell the people there your problem, and they’ll get it fixed. The main thing to remember is to stay calm; yelling at any official for any reason (right or wrong) will get you nowhere fast! Also, if the lineup sheets aren’t posted yet, DON’T go to signup and ask when they’ll be done. Trust me on this one!

Make a note of the moto(s) you are in, and take your bike to the staging area usually 2 motos ahead of yours. When the staging official calls your number, you may push your bike to the start line and chose a spot. If you miss being called, you’ll have to take whatever spots are left. This is another good reason to signup early, because in the first moto, your gate position is determined by where on the lineup sheet you are. In the second moto, you will be lined up according to your finish in the first moto. If you aren’t sure where the best places are to line up are, watch which spots on the line are chosen first in the motos before yours.

As soon as the white flag come out, start up your 2-stroke bike – a cold 2-stroke doesn’t make much power and there’s a chance you might do damage to it if it’s cold. 4-strokes don’t need much warmup; in fact, they’ll boil just sitting there idling if you start them too soon. IF you have a 4-stroke, wait until just before the starter starts to walk to the center of the start area to ask everyone if they’re ready. DON’T put it in gear at this time, but wait until the starter gets ready to actually start the race. He will look down the starting line with his hand; if you’re ready just nod, if not, raise your hand (he can hold the race up to 1 minute for you.) If everyone is ready, he’ll put a board with a number (usually 1 or 2) up over his head. DON’T put it in gear yet! After a short time, he’ll either turn the board over (revealing a lower number or 30 meaning seconds); now put your bike in gear! Then he’ll lower the board and as it gets all the way down, he’ll either run into the starting gate lever booth and drop the gate or run to the side and someone else will drop the gate. DON’T watch the starter after he starts to lower the sign; watch the gate. When it moves, GO! You might get off the concrete starting line better by slipping the clutch a little to prevent a big wheelie, but in any event, try to keep the bike straight and head for the first corner. Good luck!

A couple of things to remember. Don’t stop going around the track until you see the checkered flag at the finish line. You will probably see a white flag (meaning one more lap) but if you don’t, it’s no biggie – always keep going until you see the checkered flag. When you do, slow down past the finish line and pull off the track – do NOT go another lap. When the leader finishes, everyone behind him finishes. Remember to ride your bike SLOWLY once you are in the pits.

Your race finishes will be posted on the moto lineup sheets about 15 minutes or so after your moto. Your finishing position is the number of points you receive, and you’ll add the 2 motos together to get a final number of points. The lowest point total is the winner. In the event of ties, the better finish in the second moto gets the spot. We pay 33% trophies (PeeWee’s 100%). After your moto’s second moto results are posted, check and see if there is a star or ‘T’ after your finishing position; if you, you’ve won a trophy. Go to the signup desk/window to get your trophy! If you have a problem with the scoring, again CALMLY go to the signup window and tell them of your concerns about the scoring. You must do this within 30 minutes of the end of the moto, and you should do it in WRITING. Once 30 minutes has passed, the finish is official and will not be changed. Only a person in the race may protest a finish or for any other reason (except for the littlest kids that can’t write).

Just to let you know, most races are run rain or shine, so it’s always a good idea to have several packs of tearoffs and extra lenses, along with a set of hand/lever protectors for your bike with you at all times. If the rain is too intense or the track conditions get dangerous, the event may be delayed, postponed or cancelled. Speedworld News, AMX News and each track’s hotline phone number will let you know what’s happening. It’s also a good idea to call the hotline of that weekend’s track in case there is the possibility of bad weather; the hotlines are always the first thing to be updated whenever there’s a change.

That’s about it. Everyone at Speedworld is happy to answer your questions, but please don’t ask anything of the scoring crew during a moto, as they are very busy at that time.

Good luck, good racing, and welcome to Speedworld – Arizona’s #1 Motocross Track!