Sports nestled into the extreme category are often known for their tumultuous upbringings and mysterious histories. The story often goes something like this: someone uses some kind of board or bike in an alternative fashion while across the nation (or world) another group of rebellious enthusiasts are doing something similar.
After years of perfecting the style and routine, publicity begins to grow. Environmentalists try to prevent the races from occurring and eventually, decades in, acceptance begins to develop and a widespread unification of those practicing the sport occurs. Unfortunately, in these situations, there typically isn't a stellar historian standing by to record the evolution of the sport. Hindsight is indeed 20/20.
And motocross is no exception to the story. In fact, the history may be even more discreet than other sports in the category such as snowboarding and downhill cycling. Up until recently, much debate was present over whether motocross evolved in
France or
Britain . This debate sparked an intense rivalry and a great deal of contention, but nonetheless, it was eventually determined that
Britain holds the claim to motocross' birthplace. But under a different name: scrambling.
Scrambling is dated to March 29, 1924–the date of the first official Southern Scott Scramble. In the early 1920s, prior to the name change, events such as the Scott Trial in
Britain were organized that judged a motorbike rider's ability to maneuver through difficult sections of a course. However, scrambling changed the event into a 2.5 mile cross-country, motorcycle race. Now speed would be the only factor in determining the winner. There were 80 competitors in the first event. Forty finished and all started the race at different time intervals. Each competitor was timed individually. At this point, the way in which races began and were timed is the one major difference between scrambling and modern motocross.
Eventually, the French got wind of the scrambling races, and interest was sparked. With said interest brewing, the French hopped on board adding their own twists to the event. They altered courses by shortening laps and adding obstacles in addition to the most obvious change–the new moniker: moto-cross. The fresh name unified the art of motorcycle riding and the sport of cross country racing, and by default was easier to comprehend than scrambling.
And thus, motocross, as the
United States knows it, was born. But it would take years for the sport to jump ship and unify internationally speaking. In 1924, the American Motorcyclist Association was founded adding a sense of legitimacy to the sport by protecting riders' rights and sanctioning racing grounds. But racing was different in both
America and abroad. Essentially, while the sport was growing immensely abroad, it was in a slight state of decline in the states.
In 1933, the executive secretary of the AMA suggested implementing new rules in hopes of strengthening the sport in
America by increasing participation.
Soon, new guidelines were established and expansion began. The AMA created a new class of competitors, Class C, which allowed the inclusion of motorcycle dealers. Class A included large-scale motorcycle companies and Class B included supply
and accessory companies. Essentially Class C allowed the little guy into competition with AMA acknowledgement and adjusted valve requirements to 750cc for side valves and 500cc for overhead valves.
Today, decades later and even after the total suspension of motocross racing during World War II, the sport is strong and growing. And while the largest international competitions are still based abroad, the United States has become a key player in the game. And participation is by no means lacking.
"The History of the AMA." American Motorcyclist Association. 2006.
Youngblood, Ed. "The Birth of Motocross, 1924 through 1939." The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. 2005.
American Motorcyclist Association. 2006.
Statnekov, Daniel. "Pioneers of Amerian Motorcycle Racing." American Vintage Racing Motorcycles. 15 November 1996.
