Supercross, The Extreme Sport of Today

Introduction:

In today’s life time there are a lot of extreme sports but the one that is the most extreme is Supercross. Supercross has been growing for the last 30 years. The popular sport has a lot of big names in it, it’s history is clear in that it is successful. But the most clear is the consequences involved

The sport:

A Supercross season starts in late December and finishes at mid-May. It consists of 17 rounds in the Supercross Class, there are 17 major tracks all over America. Each has two Heat Races. Supercross class has 8 laps, It has 20 riders in each race , and the top 9 riders will finish and move straight to the Main Event. Other riders will go to the Last Chance Qualifier. In the Last Chance Qualifier, which consists of 22 riders, get another chance to race in the main event, the first two people move on. In the Supercross Class, riders in the top 10 in points who have failed to qualify in any two Heat Races and the LCQ will use a Short-term for the Main Event. In the Main Event, there is 20 riders for 20 laps in the Supercross Class. After the Main Event the winner will receive 25 AMA points. If it rains the race will not be cancelled instead they have to ride in the mud, The Race is reduced to15 laps.

The main stars that lead the sport today have the biggest influence on the crowd are James Stewart # 7, Chad Reed #22 or #1, Jeremy McGrath # 2, Travis Pastrana #199 and Ryan Villipoto.

Consequences:

When Racing in Supercross You have to be aware of the many consequences involved, such as when you fall off you are more than likely to badly injure yourself or brake a bone, There are also costly consequences such as paying for the bike maintaining it, and if you go professional making it custom to Supercross needs which altogether can cost anywhere from $20,000-100,000, most riders gain sponsors to pay for these costs. The sport is very dangerous you can collide with our riders, obstacles, fall off on the berms, jumps or the woops. Then there is the mental damage that the sport could do to you.

History:

Supercross was imitated from Motocross. Motocross and Supercross are very similar but there are significant differences as well. I.e., the Supercross races are more popular and are advertised more than motorcross. Supercross is also more difficult as it is a tighter track and bigger jumps, such as triples and Doubles and woops, Also making it more dangerous. Where as motorcross is a high speed more tactical race.

Supercross is Modified for TV as it is very largely broadcasted in a lot of countries. The term “Supercross” came from the first Motocross race that was held inside a stadium in the U.S. In 1972, racing promoter Michael Goodwin staged what he called the “Super Bowl of Motocross” inside the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. That initial contest featured many of the top Motocross riders of the time. It was such a commercial success that it spawned many imitators. Modern Supercross races are sanctioned and governed by motorcycle associations. The main being either the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) Who is the oldest running organization, Clear Channel, who in 2004 contributed expertise in filming on-track gate event competition for Supercross.

The sport has been growing since the early 70‘s and continues today. In the United States, Supercross races today are the second most popular form of motorsport (behind NASCAR). The AMA awards three Supercross Championship Champs each year. They are Supercross Champion till the next season. World Supercross Champions are named by other racing organizations around the world. Supercross racing classifications were governed by the displacement of the motorcycle’s engine until 2006. In the past, Championships have been awarded in 125cc (or “MX2″), 250cc (”MX1″), and 500cc (”MX3″), which is no longer a class. The 250cc Champion has always been generally considered to be the most prestigious.

The sport has become very popular.

Conclusion:

Supercross has come along way, and is taking the leading edge. Although there are many consequences it is very popular and very fun.

The sport is by far the most extreme sport today.