Getting a little one started in racing?

[marc11]

My little guy is 6 now and has been riding his KDX50 since he was 2.5, the training wheels came off when he was 5.  He rides well, doesn't crash often (once in a while) has good bike and brake control, knows the basics, even puts his foot down around turns when the bike starts to slide, all pretty cool.

I would love to get him on the track with other PeeWee's.  Has anyone done this?  I know the AMA has sactioned events, looking for tips, direction and good parenting advice.

He is not adverse to competition, he plays soccer, basketball and starts T-Ball in the spring, while not overly aggressive he does know the point of playing sports and sportsmanship (as well as a 6 year old could/should).

[Johnny Monsoon]

I've been wondering this myself... My boys are older, and they both have an interest in bikes.  The older one almost 12 now, is more of an explorer.  He'd be the guy headed to the tip of South America just to experience the ride.  My younger one, 7, is the more likely of the two to get into racing.

On one hand, we have to compete in life, and that's a great way to introduce them to that.  On the other, there's a lot of potential for dissapointment based solely on those who have, and those who have not.  My boy's bikes won't ever be the hopped up monsters that some parents put their kids on; and as such, will always be slower (given equal riding skills).  Sure, that teaches them something, but I'm not sure I want to introduce them to that just yet.  They're still happy with shoes at Target.

[marc11]

Yes, those are some good points.  My son is not (yet) into having the latest and greatest of anything.  He has no concept of brands and even the smallest things make him happy.  

But I am thinking the idea of being on the track with other riders, win or lose, may be fun.  Sure he will be disapointed if he doesn't win, but there are many lessons to be learned in that too.  And the victories would be even nicer when they come.

The nice thing about the Jr classes the AMA has is that the bikes must be all stock and the class arrangements are set such that someone cannont race the Honda 50 against a KDX50 or PW50, since stock to stock, the Honda will kick its ass.  

Not sure I will do it, I am going to take him to a local riding area that has a track for kids under 7, where the parents ride the track with the kids.  He loves "racing" me in the backyard, but he tends to cheat

[DNA]

My father in law raced in the 70's and he got his son (my bro in law) racing early.  As a result, my wife grew up at dirt tracks on the weekends.  Although they were never very competitive, it was a huge part of their life growing up. I did similar stuff with my dad on skies.  I never won- but I cherish the time he spent helping me compete.

This is the organization they were in - and it continues to be very popular to day.  Several of my friends are involved with their kids as well.

I start looking at this site and then look for something in your region?
http://www.mamamx.com/

[Mr Sunshine]

He loves "racing" me in the backyard, but he tends to cheat

Sounds like he is ready for the big time.  Do anything you can get away with to win.

I would contact my local racing clubs (dirt or street).  They'll know what's available in your area to get started with.

One of the local track day operators has a son who is racing.  He was running those pocket bikes and then he stepped up to something bigger this past year.  He was the national champion this past year in his class.  Anyhow he told me he spent something like $58,000 on his son's racing this past year alone.  Damum!

[black hills]

Motocross or flattrack should be relatively inexpensive and fun. Stop by the local track and check it out. The pee-wees are great fun and most likely you will meet some great people. Any more they usually have a "non-comp" class that will be perfect for those new to racing.

[stk0308]

Don't forget hare scrambles.  Basicly competitive trail riding.  If their going to be going anywhere near a tree make sure to get them bark busters.