Answer Racing Moto Tips | Leading the Pack

Answer Racing Moto Tips | Leading the Pack

Presented by Answer Racing

Welcome to the new Answer Racing Moto Tips feature! Answer Racing has been producing the highest-quality motocross and off-road gear since 1976, and this month launched its new line of 2020 apparel. With riders like Alex Martin, Kyle Peters, Ryan Villopoto, Nick Wey, and Mike Sleeter flying the Answer flag, there is a wealth of knowledge and know-how when it comes to riding a dirt bike efficiently and effectively in the Answer camp. Each week, Answer will bring you some riding tip to help you become better at the sport you love!

Last week, Mike Sleeter shared some insight about the mindset you should be in when lining up behind the starting gate, and about how you should always have a backup plan should you not get the best jump off the starting line. This week, Yoshimura/JGRMX/Suzuki Factory Racing’s Alex Martin offers some advice about actually leading a race. We’ve seen plenty of amateur racers at the Swapmoto Race Series freak out when they grab the holeshot, as the actually don’t know how to handle the pressure of leading the pack. 

“The most important thing is confidence,” says Martin. “On the starting line, you should visualize yourself getting the holeshot and leading the race and winning the race. If you get the holeshot and you start thinking, ‘Oh my gosh I am leading,” you’re already kind of in trouble. I’ve found that I have the most success when I’m out front if I am of the mindset that I am gonna crush these guys. I try to focus on racing the track and focus on my lap times, but half the time I can’t see the pit board anyway. (Laughs) That, or I can’t see straight anyway because I am at 185 heart rate. So, I basically try to just focus on crushing my competitors and picture myself pulling away. I tell myself that I belong there, up front.

“I am a nice guy and I like to be friends with everyone, but once I put my helmet on I am just there to beat everyone. It’s ok to have two 35-minute periods in the day where you are friends with no one. (Laughs)

“I’ve been racing for so long – 10 years at the National level – so I don’t think about doing a lot of things that less experienced riders should. I think for me, it’s all become second nature and sort of like muscle memory. But, when you’re out front or even if you’re not, you should try to concentrate on your breathing and try to stay as loose as you can. If you are a guy who suffers from arm pump, concentrate on having a looser grip and maybe relaxing your hands on the bars when you can. When you go over jumps, relax your hands in the air and take a deep breath. Try to go easy on the throttle and don’t stab at the clutch…be smooth and don’t wear yourself out. Concentrate on your lines and try to ride as efficiently as possible.

“Once you practice doing all those things long enough, they will become second nature for you, and it will allow you to stay calm when you’re out front. And as is the case with anything: the more you do it, the better you will become at it. Leading a race will be routine for you once you become good enough and confident that you belong there.

“Believe in yourself”