We get asked this question a lot by fans attending a National Motocross event for the first time. Outdoor motocross is exactly that—outdoors. It’s also a long day, so a little preparation goes a long way.
Our first recommendation? Check the weather forecast and keep checking it in the days leading up to the race. Mother Nature can change her mind quickly, so you want to be prepared for anything and everything weather-wise. If you can camp Saturday night or are lucky enough to have Monday off, make it a full weekend. You’ll get to watch the stars of tomorrow compete on Saturday, enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, and experience everything that makes motocross special. The racing is great, and so are the people you’ll meet.
If you’re making it a day trip, here’s our best advice.
Start with the Basics
Before you leave home, throw these items in your vehicle:
- Flip-flops
- A towel
- Bottled water
- Folding chairs
- A cooler with drinks and snacks
Whether you carry them around the track or leave them in your vehicle, you’ll be glad you packed them. After a long day in the sun, there’s nothing better than sitting down, changing your shoes, grabbing a cold drink, and relaxing before the drive home. Trust us on this one.
Make Your Vehicle Your Home Base
National motocross packs a lot into a single day. Between practice sessions, motos, vendor displays, and pit walks, you’ll cover a lot of ground. Use your vehicle as your home base. Many fans set up chairs beside their truck, bring a small table, or even fire up a BBQ between motos. If there’s one challenge with outdoor motocross, it’s that there usually aren’t many shaded seating areas. Plan ahead and bring your own.
The NASCAR crowd has been doing this for years—they know how to tailgate.
Bare Minimum Packing List
If you’re traveling light, bring a backpack with:
- Hand sanitizer
- Snacks
- Wet wipes
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Cash
- Black Sharpie marker
- Phone battery pack
- Small umbrella
Don’t go with less than this. And remember: pack chairs, extra drinks, and a cooler in the car for the end of the day.
Want the full motocross experience?
Bring a small wagon or cart and load it with:
- Hand sanitizer
- Snacks
- Wet wipes
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Cash
- Black Sharpie
- Phone battery pack
- Small umbrella
- Folding chairs
- Cooler with food and drinks
- Air horn (get loud!)
- Large garbage bag (rain jacket, gear cover, emergency fix-all)
With a setup like this, you can claim a great viewing area and settle in for the day.
The Best Tip You’ll Hear All Weekend
Pack a spray bottle filled with water and a roll of paper towels.
Leave the spray bottle in your vehicle—better yet, sitting in the sun all day.
When the racing is over, you’ll have warm water and paper towels waiting for you. It’s perfect for cleaning dust off your face, hands, and arms before the drive home.
Thank us later.
Stay Connected
One of the easiest ways to follow the action is through social media. @triplecrownseries @mxpmag
Schedules, race updates, results, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content are posted throughout the weekend. Follow your favorite riders, teams, and media outlets to stay informed.
If you have plenty of data on your phone or tablet, download the Ryde TV app and watch live coverage throughout the weekend. It can be a great way to keep track of battles happening elsewhere on the track.
Most Importantly—Enjoy the Day
Motocross is one of the few sporting events where you can get up close to the athletes, walk through the pits, and experience the action from multiple viewing areas.
Pack a little smarter, bring a comfortable chair, stay hydrated, and embrace a day in the great outdoors. Load up the cooler, grab your friends, and we’ll see you at the races this summer.
