Motocross is a sport that involves billions of dollars and a large following. For all the packed crowds in big arenas and the tricks and turns involved, the sport has truly had a magnificent development over the years, from its beginnings to the sheer technological innovations of the modern world.
It traces its beginnings to the first installation of a steam engine on a velocipede during the 1860s, and now implements various mechanical innovations to make it safer and more effective. Learn more about how motocross has evolved with these interesting facts from history.
Early years
Motocross in its infancy was a series of events known as motorcycle time trials. This involved the participating riders to beat their times by going around the course repeatedly. Soon enough bikers wanted to race and beat each other’s personal times.
The time trials led to events known as scrambles which were held every week, giving awards for the fastest biker on the track. The first endorsed scramble was held in 1924, and the official name became motocross. The term was derived from the words ‘motorcycle’ and ‘cross country’.
Given the early technology in those days, the races were a bit dangerous. Eventually this led to the development of technological advances to make racing safer. This includes replacing inflexible frames with suspension and the invention of the swing fork rear suspension.
After the Second World War
During the Post-World War II era, motorcycles used by the army were bought by civilians, leading to the renewed popularity of motocross racing. The European Championship Series was then created in 1952, which featured machines with 500 cc engines. A decade later, 250 cc engines were introduced as the new racing division.
New motorbikes were invented with a lighter and more resilient build, and Husqvarna and Greeves began manufacturing 2-stroke engines. These bikes were easier to maintain compared to their more heavyweight, 4-cylinder counterparts. Because of these developments, motocross racing just became faster and lengthier.
Japanese companies such as Suzuki began to get involved in the bike manufacturing business in the 1960s. The very first motocross race to be held in an arena took place in 1972, a decade later, in Los Angeles.
The sport today
These days, motocross is one of the fastest growing sports in the US. For the rest of the world, the racing events are just as popular, made even bigger by corporate sponsorships and big organizations. The established types of motocross racing include freestyle, super cross, super moto and big air.
Over the decades it took for the sport to develop to what it is now, one thing has remained a constant – the races are just as exciting and thrilling for both riders and spectators alike. It can be said that this has been the crucial link between the motocross of the past and that of today. With these insights into how motocross has evolved, a newfound appreciation could be made of the endeavour and its continuing appeal to the generations of today.