Motocross, some people might not think it is, but it’s a physically demanding sport held in all weather conditions, that you have to physically and mentally train for. Motocross was first started in the United Kingdom from motorcycle trials competitions, such as the Auto-Cycle Club’s first quarterly trial in 1906, and the Scottish Six Days Trial that began in 1909. In the 1930’s the sport grew popular, especially in the United States.

Major competitions are held all over the world, where new motocross champs are named. One of the major competitions is the FIM Grand Prix Motocross World Championship, which is held in Europe, but also includes events in the United States. Competitions consist of two races which are called motos with a duration of 35 minutes plus two laps. The championship generally incorporates over 16 rounds. Another major competition is the AMA Motocross Championship, which begins early May and continues until mid-September. It consists of twelve rounds at twelve major tracks all over the United States. There are three classes: the 250 Motocross Class for 0-125 cc 2-stroke or 150-250 cc 4-stroke machines, the 450 Motocross Class for 150-250 cc 2-stroke or 251-450 cc 4-stroke machines, and a Women’s Class.

There are a few students at Steele who race, and one student decided to share his thoughts and experience with motocross. Kyle Stepka was eight years old when he first got on a motocross bike after getting interested while watching his uncle and cousin race. And as soon as he started, he fell in love with it, and has been doing it ever since. Kyle explains that before a race, working out and lifting weights will help your endurance, but the best kind of training before a race is definitely riding as much as you can. Many people think that there might not be a point to work out and practice, considering some people don’t think it’s a real sport, but Kyle says, “I consider it a sport because I practice it just like a real sport.”

Bikers aren’t only at races to become the winner, but also to hang out with their friends and family and to just have fun. Kyle explains that he met most of his friends through racing and he loves meeting new people at each race. Kyle said, “My favorite thing about racing is probably just meeting new friends and just being with friends.”

There’s a slim chance that a lot of the motocross racers actually make it big and become pros. So Kyle was asked if he ever saw himself going anywhere in his life with motocross in the future. He said, “All I want, is to make it to Loretta Lynns, the biggest amateur race in North America. Besides that, I don’t see myself going anywhere with it besides riding and just having fun.” No matter what kind of sport you’re in, whether it’s cheerleading, football, soccer, or even motocross, you have to have passion for it. You have to love it. And Kyle is definitely a true example of just that.