Getting Started
How do I get started with mini racing?
You've decided that minis are awesome (because they are), and now you want to get started mini racing - fantastic! However, NWMM hosts two different types of events - sprints and team endurance, and the mini racing rules allow a huge number of possibilities for bikes, anything from a 70s-era moped up to a built-to-the-hilt Honda CRF150R or a GP-framed 85cc two stroke. What's the easiest and cheapest ways to get started mini racing? Here's some guidance on how to get started with minis.
Sprint races vs endurance races
NorthWest Mini Moto offers two different race experiences on most weekends: sprint races and endurance races.
Endurance races are team races that last 6+ hours. They are scored by bike, not by rider, and most people think a team is necessary to be competitive. In an endurance race, bikes of all different classes are on the track at the same time, and pit stops are made during racing. Reliability, consistency, and pit stop strategy are very important for an endurance race. Endurance races take place on Saturday. For more information on endurance racing including an overview of endurance race classes and rules, see the Endurance Racing introduction page.
Sprint races are single-rider races that typically last 8-10 laps; they are scored by rider, not by bike or team. In a sprint race, only the class that is racing (and sometimes one other) is on the track at a time. One bike can enter multiple classes, and every class will have a heat race and one or two main event races. The heat races determine where you grid for the mains, and the combination of your two main event scores is where you place. Sprint races take place on Sunday. For more information on sprint races, including an overview of classes and rules, see the Sprint Racing page.
Required gear For All Races
This is a summary of gear requirements - for the full set of gear rules, see Rider Gear Rules or the Rulebook.
Racers must have:
A full-face helmet with eye protection, that meets either Snell 2010+, ECE 22-05, ECE 22-06, BSI 6658-A, or FIM racing homologation standards. New MX DOT helmets from a recognized brand are also OK.
Abrasion-resistant gloves designed for road use (not MX gloves)
Boots that cover the ankle and leave no gap to the bottom of the leathers/pants
Abrasion-resistant pants and jacket that cover the body from wrists and ankles to neck with no gaps.
CE Level 2 or better body armor for the spine, knees, shoulders, and elbows.
It is strongly suggested that you get one- or two-piece leathers. Textile riding gear is acceptable but is easily damaged in a crash. Motocross gear has special requirements, see the rulebook for details. Used/damaged leathers are A-OK as long as they're not falling apart.
Bike Prep
Before you can race any motorcycle, you must get it ready for the track. See the Rules for details, either the PDF or the Bike Prep Rules page. There is NO shortcut for this; read the rules! Most preparation can be done in a single evening with basic tools and safety wire/safety wire pliers.
Transponders
Transponders are required for all racing, either Westhold G3 (MX, Kart, or Car) or AMB/MyLaps. Westhold transponders are available for rent for $15/weekend from NWMM. A limited number of rental transponders are available, and riders without a transponder will not be officially scored. You can also purchase your own transponder from directly from Westhold for less than $150.
taste of racing
NorthWest Mini Moto has a very limited number of Supersport mini motorcycles (Honda XR100s with class-competitive modifications) available for single practice sessions and single sprint races as a part of our "Taste of Racing" program. Contact NWMM directly at nwminimoto@gmail.com if you would like to try riding a mini at one of our races or practice days.
Race checklist
Check the Rules, this is not a definitive list, just a reminder!
Gear - helmet, boots, gloves, abrasion protection (leather or cordura), body armor
Bike - safety wired, lights taped or removed, sliders as needed, no glycol coolant, catch can(s), good tires, no leaks
Entry - Register online before the race, rent or purchase a transponder, call before you haul if you have questions
Prep - Extra gas, extra sliders, extra levers, plenty of water, lunch, shade, COVID-19 PPE
Next steps
Check out the other 101 pages below:
Endurance Racing 101 with NorthWest Mini Moto
Sprint Racing 101 with NorthWest Mini Moto
Read the rules! There's important information in there about bike prep, essential gear, and how to conduct yourself at our races.
Ask questions! Our Facebook group is a great place to find out more about mini racing, ask setup questions, and get more information about events. You can also contact us directly.
GO RACING!