ArenaCross racing rolls into 1st Mariner Arena

BALTIMORE - ArenaCross racing roars into Baltimore’s 1st Mariner Arena this weekend. It’s an event filled with high octane drivers on a man-made battleground. There are 18,000 square feet of motocross excitement and dirt.

“There’s a lot of action and a lot of crashing. There’s a lot of hard close racing,” said rider Tyler Bowers. The racers will navigate whoops, walls, and massive mounds of clay style dirt piled three stories high.

“The racing is so close. There’s not a whole lot of room to pass to sometimes you have to get a little rough,” said Tyler. "A lot of guys go in the corner and only one comes out.”

If you think you have what it takes to get on the track, Tyler has some advice for the beginner.

“First thing, you have to get a bike. You get on a bike…always wear your helmet first.”

How to Become a Motocross Racer

Get a bike – Sounds simple, but you really should research year, make and model details. Talk with semi-professional racers and ask them what they suggest  for your needs.

Wear protective gear – Helmets are essential, but here’s a Motorcycle.com list of additional items to protect riders: goggles, jerseys, pants and gloves, body armor, knee and elbow guards, boots

Learn from professional riders – Tyler says take advantage of the armature racer workshops that allow you a chance to ride alongside the professionals. This is a good time to ask them how to improve your skills.

Practice – It’s the only way you’ll get better.

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