Answer Racing Moto Tips | Starting Line Strategies

Answer Racing Moto Tips | Starting Line Strategies

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 week launched its new line of 2020 apparel. With riders like 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!

Every time you line up behind the starting gate, you should have a couple of different race strategies already in front of mind. Of course, a confident racer should assume that he will get the holeshot, but having a back-up plan in case things don’t go perfectly is important. Mike Sleeter shares some insight in this week’s Moto Tip about how to prepare mentally for the drop of the gate.

 “I am a fairly good starter, but there are times when you will get a bad gate pick or spin off the line…no one is perfect,” he says. “It’s very important to have an alternate plan to weed yourself through the first corner; if you will.

“If I get a good start, it is really important to control the first turn…you don’t want to overshoot it and let people past, but at the same time, you don’t want to brake too early and let the pack overtake you. As I leave the gate, I always open up my lane; I will weave left and right a little bit…rub elbows with the guys who are next to me and get them to either back-off or move over. That way, I can control my path to the first turn. The entire time, I keep my eyes focused ahead on the first turn and keep my knees tight against the bike. A lot of amateurs forget the fundamentals of gripping the bike to keep it under control and they will flap their knees outward while they shift. Keep your weight back so the tire can get traction. As you enter the first turn, make sure you have enough space to dive to the inside of the corner, and from there you are home free to the holeshot.”

“Almost more important than getting a clean holeshot is how you manage the start straight and the first corner if you do not get the best jump off the line. Don’t just shut the throttle off and give up; keep the throttle open and keep your eyes open for opportunity. Usually, the chance to make up for a bad start comes in the last 20 feet before the first turn because people shut off. Make the opportunity and dive in there…inside or outside, find a space to gain ground that you lost. Most guys are scared to be up front, believe it or not, so take advantage of their caution in the first corner. The most important thing in a bad-start situation is the second turn. Don’t follow into the second turn! In this photo, I didn’t get the holeshot, but I went hard into the second corner and went around the outside of the leader. The first turn is the most important because that’s where you can lead everyone, but the second turn is also very important because that is where you can make up for a bad start.” 

• Mike Sleeter

What sort of riding and/or bike tips would you like to see? Drop a comment below and we will do our best to consult the panel of Answer Racing experts!