LIVE
Series / Bikes
Bikes

Pro Motocross

Two motos, wide-open dirt, and no place to hide for 30 minutes.

Photo: Nick Fewings / Unsplash

2026 schedule

For the latest Pro Motocross calendar and results, see the official Pro Motocross site.

Pro Motocross is the premier outdoor dirt bike racing series in the United States, sanctioned by the AMA. Riders race on natural-terrain tracks built into hillsides and valleys, with big jumps, deep ruts, and surfaces that change lap after lap. Each round brings the sport's top riders on 450cc and 250cc four-stroke bikes. Fans love it for the speed, the elevation, the close racing off the start gate, and the way a rider's fitness shows over a full moto.

The series grew out of the motocross boom of the late 1960s and early 1970s, when European riders brought the sport to America and U.S. fans and factories jumped in. The AMA national championship took shape in the early 1970s and has been the country's top outdoor title ever since. Classes and bike sizes have changed with the times, from two-strokes to modern four-strokes. The tracks, the crowds, and the summer-weekend atmosphere remain the heart of it.

How it works

  • Each class runs two motos per round. A moto is a timed race plus a couple of extra laps, not a fixed number of laps.
  • Riders pick their gate position in order of qualifying results, so a fast qualifying lap gives them a better start.
  • Points come from finishing positions in both motos. The rider with the best combined result takes the overall round win.
  • Season titles go to the rider with the most points across the whole series, so consistency counts as much as raw speed.

Fan tips

  • Arrive early and walk the track. Elevation and terrain make it look different from every angle, and many spots are great for watching.
  • Bring ear protection, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. These are outdoor dirt venues, and dust and mud can be part of the day.
  • Watch the start from the gate area if you can. The first turn often decides the moto and the sound is hard to forget.
  • If you're following from home, watch both motos in each class. A rider can recover from a rough first moto, and the overall result often comes down to the second.

Legends of Pro Motocross

Books, biographies and collectibles about the series' greats.

FAQ

What is the difference between motocross and Supercross?

Motocross is raced outdoors on natural-terrain tracks, usually over longer, faster layouts. Supercross is held in stadiums on tighter, man-made courses with more technical obstacles. Many riders compete in both, but the skills and rhythm differ.

What are the main classes in Pro Motocross?

The series centers on the 450 class and the 250 class, named for engine size. The 250 class is where many young riders prove themselves before moving up to the 450s. Both classes race at the same events.

How is the overall winner of a round decided?

Riders earn points based on where they finish in each of the two motos, and those points are added together. The rider with the best combined result is the overall winner. If riders tie, the better finish in the last moto typically breaks it.

Can I take kids to a Pro Motocross race?

Yes, many families go and the atmosphere is relaxed and open. Bring hearing protection for young kids, since the bikes are loud. Also pack water and shade, because you may be outside most of the day.