10 Rules of Motocross Track Etiquette

Brent Schultz
Apr 30
3 min read

Rider safety has been a focus for media and the motocross community lately, with the injuries to Supercross Pro Jerry Robin and the unfortunate turn of events that led to professional rider Joel Evans' death in Australia. Matt Burkeen shared some thoughts we'll break down in a post about Rider and Track safety, which is a good watch and excellent food for thought. His video was additional inspiration to make this post for Practice Day Track Etiquette, finally.

Staying safe starts with personal responsibility on the motocross track.

Motocross Track Etiquette Rules on Practice Days

1. Respect Other Riders

Always be aware of your surroundings and other riders on the track.
Give way to faster riders when you hear them approaching.
Avoid aggressive maneuvers that could endanger others.
GOLDEN RULE: HOLD YOUR LINE. Faster riders will find their way around you. Make it safe for them to pass by, sticking to your line and not making evasive maneuvers to get out of their way.

2. Follow Track Directions

Always ride in the designated direction of the track.
Do not cut across the track or take shortcuts.
GOLDEN RULE: If you want to practice a particular section of the track, use extreme caution and pick a time when riders aren't passing by or quickly approaching to re-enter the track. Get back up to speed on the section of the track quickly. Avoid entering at blind spots for you or riders coming your way.

3. Maintain a Safe Distance

Keep a safe distance from other riders to avoid collisions.
Be particularly cautious during jumps and tight corners.
GOLDEN RULE: Remember it's practice day. You're not racing out there. There's no need to block pass someone or cut them off with racing lines.

4. Signal Your Intentions

Use hand signals to indicate your movements, such as slowing down or when you're not going to do a jump.
GOLDEN RULE: Raise your hand, and if safely possible, get to one side of a jump you won't jump if you hear another rider coming behind you. This is a universal sign that you're not going the speed they're going and that they shouldn't follow you up the jump face.

5. Be Mindful of Track Conditions

Adjust your riding style according to the track surface and weather conditions. Don't go into a corner with three other riders in slippery conditions with ruts and pin it wide open, risking a spin-out or cross-rut in front of other riders, possibly in the same rut or line in a corner. Again, personal responsibility is essential. Accidents happen, but don't be reckless.
Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to track officials.
GOLDEN RULE: If a rider is down, or debris like a bike part is in the track, take a moment to point it out to a flagger or track worker. If it's bad enough, or a downed rider isn't being seen, place yourself where other riders can see you and start waving your hands until track workers can take over flagging.

6. Follow the Rules of the Facility

Adhere to all posted rules and regulations of the motocross facility.
Respect the designated practice and race times.
GOLDEN RULE: Ride with your skill level group. Don't ride multiple practices.

7. Be Courteous in the Pits

Keep the pit area clean and organized.
GOLDEN RULE: Ride at a speed equivalent to a 1st gear idle with low throttle speed. (This doesn't mean you have to be in first gear. I like to be in 2nd gear with nearly no throttle.)
Be respectful to other riders and their equipment.

8. Know When to Exit the Track

If you experience mechanical issues or a fall, exit the track safely and promptly.
Do not linger on the track after a crash; move to a safe area.
GOLDEN RULE: Watch the flags at the finish line or track entrance to understand when you are expected to leave the track.
- The checkered flag is typically waved in practice if practices are split by age/skill.

9. Help Fellow Riders

Assist fellow riders in need, whether they have mechanical issues or have fallen.
GOLDEN RULE: Offer encouragement and support to less experienced riders.

10. Have Fun and Be Safe

Enjoy your time on the track while prioritizing safety for yourself and others.
GOLDEN RULE: Always wear Boots, Helmet, and a chest protector at a minimum.