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Midwest VMX On-Line! |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I ride - is there a schedule of events somewhere?We are lucky in the Midwest to have a wide variety of vintage racing available to us.
Back to TopWhat are the rules - where can I find out what bikes are legal to ride ?Check back later! Back to TopDo I have to join anything to ride ?An AMA card is required for most of our events. You can click here to join - or join at one of our events. You'll also have to be a Midwest VMX member. Memberships are $10/year and are available at the events. Back to TopCan you still get parts for those bikes?Yes! There's a whole vintage bike industry out there. Places like AMS, or specialty places like CR racing, Hugh's Bultaco, PVP, Vintage Suzuki, etc. You can find the parts you need - just Google your favorite brand and see what you come up with. Back to TopWhere can I buy a bike?Check back here later! Back to TopWhat if I've never competed before - will I fit in ?Easy answer - YES!!!! Midwest VMX offers multiple skill levels so that everyone feels comfortable riding with people of equal skill levels. All new racers must sign up as an Intermediate level rider, but once we see how well (or not!) you ride, we'll put you in the proper skill level. Remember, just go at your own pace - you won't bother anyone or get in anyone's way. You may get roosted by some of our more enthusiastic racers, but we all understand that we're out there to have fun - and that includes you! Back to TopWhat if I'm an Expert - will I have any competition?Easy answer - YES!!!! Every year, the Midwest produces more than its fair share of vintage national champs, and our Experts are the cream of the crop. Back to TopCan I get all my credentials at my first race?Yes - at most events we can renew your AMA registration, or sell you a new membership. Plus, we can handle your Midwest VMX membership, as well. Back to TopWhat gear do I need?We require the following attire: Boots that cover your ankles, long pants, long sleeved shirt, and a helmet. Riding pants with knee pads, eye protection, body armor (ie. chest protector) and gloves are highly recommended. The safer you are, the happier we all are. Back to TopCan my wife and children race?Yes!. We have a women's class for your wife, or girlfriend - or both. Kids can also race depending on their experience level, and provided you sign a release for them. Back to TopCan I bring my grandfolks to the race? Will they be able to watch me?Yes, you can bring anyone you like to the races. Normally, everyone pays a gate fee ($5-$10 a person per day, usually) to get into the track, and has to sign a liability waiver. Back to TopDo riders ever camp out the night before? I do not have an RV and am embarrassed to use a tent.Many people camp out - and most people don't have RV's. Tents and back-of-the-pickup are more the norm. In fact, we had a guy from the St. Louis MO area who once came up to Denmark WI for the regional MX, and it snowed that night; in the morning, there were some strange movements under the blanket of snow, and out came old Charlie Spann all covered in white - he doesn't even use a tent! If you do decide to camp at the track, be nice to the folks with the RVs - they have coffee pots! Back to TopMust I have number plates on my bike? If so, what number do I put on my bike?Yes, you need number plates and numbers on your bike. Otherwise how are we supposed to score you? If its your very first time, and you don't have an assigned number, we'll give you a break - when you sign up for your class(es) at the event, tell the registration people you don't have a number, and they'll suggest something for you to use or let you use whatever's on your bike as long as it doesn't match anyone else. Back to TopDoes the promoter provide medical insurance?Nope. The promoter has liability insurance to protect himself and the different agencies involved (ie. Midwest VMX, race officials, volunteers), but no medical insurance for riders. That's the rider's responsibility. Good news though - if you are an AMA member, the AMA has very reasonable rates on some racer insurance called ARMOR - to find out more about that, call the AMA at 1-800-AMA-JOIN. Back to TopMy bike is worn, my gear is tattered, and I am ugly... will the other racers send their dogs after me?Nobody will care what you wear - these are just guys who want to have fun riding their old bikes. They're not fashion plates; some are ugly too! And as for the dogs (the 4-legged ones, that is), with the exception of one black and white dog from California who hates 2-strokes, they're good dogs - they won't chase you. Back to TopWhat's the procedure on race day?First, find the race track. Then get in line with the other guys at the signup booth - watch and you shall learn. Basically, everyone fills out an entry form, shows their AMA card (if required) and pays their money. The entry form is different at different places - I would say most often it is a small AMA form that just wants your name, riding number, machine and class and skill level on it. If you don't know how to fill it in, just ask and someone will help you - everyone's had a "first time" at this, so don't be embarrassed. After signup, at some events, you will have to push your bike through technical inspection (tech) - this is usually located at the highest possible point of the race track and usually the farthest point from where your pit is, so you can warm up your muscles pushing your heavy vintage bike up the hill. If there is something at tech that you don't understand - ask! The tech folks will be glad to help you. In addition to making sure your bike meets the specifications for the class it is entered in, the tech geeks are there to make sure your ride is safe, first and foremost. And contrary to popular belief, they are not there to make your life miserable. They want you to compete fairly AND safely. The registration folks will put entrants into race orders, and post them on the wall while you are attending the fabulous riders meeting that all racers are required to attend. This is the time to ask questions - we always have some new faces in the crowd, and no question will go unanswered. And nobody will heckle you - we'll save that for when we know you better! Usually the Coordinator will babble endlessly and bore you with ridiculous garbage about the day's race, any special rules, and other important stuff. While you may think he's an idiot, he means well and wants to make sure you have a great time - and are safe on the track. If you don't like something - tell him. He's there to make you day go as smooth as possible. Read that race order that's stuck on the wall - it tells you what race to show up for. We'll have 6 to 18 races for the "first moto," then take a break, then run those same 6 to18 races again for "second moto." Your final position is based on the sum of your two finishes. Important: show up for the correct race. This can be tricky to assess, so pay attention to any announcements, watch what's going on, and don't be afraid to ask people "what race is this?" Starting procedure: often we run on grass tracks where the start is done with a rubber band - big long rubber band that is stretched in front of everyone then snapped loose to start the race. Sometimes we get a gate start, which is a metal gate that drops backwards (onto your front wheel if you're not careful!). Typically, for either kind of start, the starter stands out in the middle of the starting straight holding a 2-minute board; he points to everyone along the line, looking for a nod from everyone; when everyone's ready, he turns the board to show the number 1, then turns the board sideways - from that point you should expect the band to snap or the gate to drop within 1 to 4 seconds. Try not to get hung up in the gate or rubber band. Very embarrassing and doesn't do much for your finishing position. We usually run 4 to 6 lap motos. In each race, there may be multiple classes running together, but they get scored separately for the final results. So, you race moto 1, take a break (or race your other class moto!), then race moto 2. Then results are tallied, you check to make sure your finish looks right (check within a half hour of each of your motos to be sure things are right), then go to the awards ceremony and collect your prize! Back to Top
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