History of Motocross Racing
Motocross, a worldwide motorcycle off-road racing competition, began in England shortly after World War I, and was known as "scrambling." The motorcycles are essentially factory-produced street motorcycles used to race on dirt roads and hilly terrain. Motocross helped spur motorcycle technology over the decades, especially in suspension and frame construction. The sport has since become popular worldwide, especially in the United States.
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British Dominance
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Motorcycle makers BSA, Matchless and Norton were among several British builders who supplied racers with motorcycles during the early years of scrambling.
Divisions
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The International Motorcycle Federation created racing divisions in 1952 using engine displacement size to divide competitors and level the playing field.
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Other Makers
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By the late 1950s and early 1960s, Spanish-made Bultaco and Husqvarna of Sweden emerged as popular models rivaling BSA and Matchless in the United States off-road racing circuit.
Stadium Competition
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Motocross racing became so popular in the United States that the first stadium off-road event was held at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1972.
Japanese Influence
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The late 1960s and early 1970s witnessed a move from British and other European-made bikes to Japanese-made Suzukis, Kawasakis and Yamahas as the dominant bikes.
Freestyling
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Disciplined racing made room in the 1980s and 1990s to freestyle, or FMX, riding that demonstrated a rider's aerial acrobatic talent.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit motorcycleusa.com
