Arenacross motorcycle racing delivers big excitement in a little package
What do you get when you mix an indoor arena, 1500 cubic yards of clay dirt, motorcycles with daredevil riders and pretty girls displaying signs alerting riders “30 seconds.” You get the thrill of Arenacross racing.
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- In January of most years, the 1st Mariner Arena is transformed, with the use of 1400-1500 cubic yards of dirt and heavy machinery, into an Arenacross track. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
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- In January of most years, the 1st Mariner Arena is transformed, with the use of 1400-1500 cubic yards of dirt and heavy machinery, into an Arenacross track. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
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- The track crew is smoothing out the valleys between the “whoop section” of the Arenacross track built in the 1st Mariner Arena. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
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- Brion Baker waters the dirt, for compaction purposes, on the high jump leading to the finish line at the 1st Mariner Arena’s, Arenacross track built with 1400-1500 cubic feet of dirt. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
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- Arenacross series riders whiz by as they get in practice time at the 1st Mariner Arena before the weekend’s event. Dark room feature on the Arenacross series that was at the 1st Mariner Arena. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
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- A view from motorcycle rider Dave Ginolfi’s helmet camera of the track as he is coming off one of the jumps on the Arenacross track built in the 1st Mariner Arena. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
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- “Knobby” tires are the norm on the Arenacross bikes, as they help the rider get traction in the clay dirt. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
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- Gared Steinke navigates the valley on the Arenacross track set up at the 1st Mariner Arena. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
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- Thick soled, high boots are used by the rider to help in the banked turns, and to give protection in the close pack racing of Arenacross. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
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- Dirt sprays several feet in the banked turns, as the riders accelerate out of the banking. The “knobby” tires offer traction on the clay like dirt used for the track. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
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- Dave Ginolfi takes the banked turn at 1st Mariner Arena in practice for the weekend’s upcoming Arenacross event. The “knobby” tires give the rider traction in ther dirt. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
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- Reigning Arenacross champion, Tyler Bower, takes to the course at 1st Mariner Arena, for some practice time before the weekend’s races. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
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- Gared Steinke completes the high jump by the finish line during early morning practice at the 1st Mariner Arena. The Arenacross event sets up at the arena in January. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)
Arenacross is a cousin to the wildly popular Supercross, which uses larger outdoor stadium venues for their dirt races. Because of the smaller venues, crashes in the turns are more common, which adds to the excitement and the skill required to make it to the finish and of course to stand on the podium.
How does one get started in Arenacross? According to reigning champion Tyler Bowers, get a bike – which sounds simple – but research what model works for you. Talk with racers and ask them what they suggest for your needs and price range.
Wear protective gear. Use a good helmet, goggles, gloves, body armor, knee and elbow guards and high boots. Also Bowers says take advantage of the amateur racer workshops, which allow you a chance to ride with the professionals and of course practice, it’s the only way you’ll get better.
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