Motocross and Supercross, both of them, fall under dirt bike racing. However, they are kind of similar but have differences in terms of rules and venues. However, supercross and motocross have a different fanbase. So, let us see what makes the fan divide?
Throughout the article, we will provide a detailed idea about motocross vs supercross, which will definitely enlighten you more about dirt bike racing.
Contents
Motocross vs Supercross: The Basic Differences
Although both of them are dirt bike racing, you might wonder what the difference between motocross and supercross is?
But there are a few significant differences. First of all, Motocross is an outdoor event in which tracks are made on natural terrain that is typically decades old. On the other hand, Supercross tracks are built artificially in the stadiums for the event purpose only and destroyed after the event is complete.
However, supercross needs more technical capability and contains shorter tracks. Usually, an average supercross event has 20 laps with 50 seconds to 1minute lap times. Motocross is less technical, but it requires lots of stamina and strength. The lap time for motocross is 2 minutes and 2 races per event; each event lasts for around 30 minutes.
What is Motocross?
Motocross is a form of dirt bike racing, which is also referred to as off-road motorcycle racing. It usually takes place on muds, gravel, or grass roads. Additionally, the roads consist of bumps and obstacles for the racer. Motocross takes place on outdoor grounds, which are specially made for the racing events.
Read: Who Invented the Dirt Bike?
Where did Motocross Start?
Motocross first started in the UK in 1909. In the beginning, it was a form of quarterly motorcycle trials competitions. Then, another trial started in 1912, which was called the Scottish Six Days Trial. Eventually, these competitions became popular in the UK and Europe, which was branded as Motocross racing later.
Major Motocross Competitions
Over the years, motocross has developed many regular events that have been taking place every year. Besides, there are a lot of local events too. Racers from local events gradually build their skills and join different major events and come to the limelight. Some of the major motocross events are-
- FIM Motocross World Championship
- AMA Motocross Championship
- Motocross des Nations
- British Motocross Championship
What is Supercross?
Supercross is an indoor dirt bike racing competition that evolved from motocross. Usually, it is widely popular as Monster Energy Supercross, which takes place in the USA. It is basically an American motorcycle racing series, which takes place in the first half of every year.
Indoor stadiums are used to organize the racing competition, and man-made tracks consist of jumps and obstacles. Supercross is very popular in the USA, France, and Australia.
When Did Supercross Start?
The first-ever indoor motocross event was held in 1948 at Buffalo Stadium. However, the popularity of motocross raised in the USA in the late 1960s. Later a professional motocross race was added to the Daytona Beach Bike Week in 1971, and in the next year, an indoor motocross racing competition was held.
Later, Supercross was started officially in 1974 in the USA.
Is there any Difference between Supercross and Motocross Bikes?
Since supercross and motocross are held in a different part of the world, most people think that bikes are different. But the truth is supercross and motocross bikes are the same. Both types of competitions feature 250cc and 450cc dirt bikes.
Are motocross and dirt biking the same thing?
The answer is tricky. Motocross is the name of a dirt bike racing competition. So, technically it is not the same if you consider the level of professionalism. On the other hand, if you think of dirt biking in general, both are the same.
Motocross or Motorcross?
You already know motocross, but what about the motorcross? Well, both are the same, and most of the people misspelled the term motocross, which creates confusion to some extent. But the right term and spelling is “Motocross.”
I hope after reading this article, you should now know supercross vs motocross differences.