Buying an ATV For Racing

 ATV Magazines Online & ATV News Articles

 ATV Resources

 Atv Racing For Beginners

 Before buying an ATV for racing, you must decide what type of ATV racing you plan to do. You can’t take an ATV that is set up to race cross country and compete in motocross or a drag series. Well, you can, but you might not be as successful or safe. Each has its own setup.

 If your rider is under the age of 16, you will need to find out what size ATV the child can race. Some race promoters, associations and tracks will not allow anyone under 16 to race a full size quad. Teenagers under 16 usually race mid-sized quads in classes such as a Youth class, Sport Quad Class or “Blaster class” (although there’s not many Blasters still racing). These classes generally allow young teens to race 300-350cc, depending on the association or promoter class rules. The Honda 300EX remains a dominate quad in these youth classes, but everyone has their favorites.

 For younger kids (some start at age three!), ATVs generally range from 50cc to 120cc and are raced in the Mini, Super Mini or Pee Wee classes. Before buying an ATV for any age restricted class, know what type of ATV racing will be done and where, if possible, so you can consider those specific rules before the purchase.

 If you are buying an adult sized ATV for someone over 16 to race, do not make the mistake of buying a 400cc. Although some people still race them, most now start with a 450cc and modify it for faster speed, so you might be left in the dust on a 400.

 Your ATV aftermarket setup, which you will need to be competitive, will be determined by the type of racing you plan to do. For instance, drag racers use wheelie bars and are modified for short, quick drags; cross country ATVs are more narrow than motocross and are set up to ride for hours, whereas a motocross quad is equipped for big air and running berms, not for riding hard more than 20 minutes or so at a time.  

 If you are new to ATV racing and unsure what type is right for you, attend a few races before deciding. Practice and see where you feel the most comfortable _ on the drag strip, in the woods or on an MX track. Talk to people who compete, ask questions about the different kinds of ATV racing, and see what is offered in your local area. This is especially important if you do not plan to race nationally. Most riders and their families welcome newcomers, and will be willing to provide information that may be helpful in deciding the type of ATV racing to try, such as what series are available in your area. They can also tell you what type of quads are more competitive and which ones riders spend more time working on than riding, which is valuable information when buying an ATV for racing.

Part 3: ATV Racing Safety Gear