Winning races is not obvious or trivial to anybody. In every race, in every league, even in a local rookies tractors club race - everybody wants to win - but there is only one winner. It is not that all others are losers but still, they didn't win... :)  Humans are competitive and racers even more.

So what is there to do? It is much about talent and luck. Isn't it?

Well, NO! There is so much to do to be a better racer you can't even imagine. On this article I tried to gather some of the most basic and helpful advice for the winning races. I'm not talking about just winning a single race but about winning a series of races (like winning the league for instance). 

So let's get to the point: Motocross, Enduro or even Trial, it doesn't matter - principals are much the same. There are always several aspects you should be aware of :

Riding skills: I'm going to tell you something you really didn't know :) in order to win races you need better riding skills (technical skills) then your competitors. You need to know to control the bike in the air, go through mud or climb rocks with the smallest effort and highest speed.

Psychological:  Racing abilities are affected strongly by mental strength and rider's personality. On one hand you need to know you are better. It doesn't mean you can say to your self "ok, I'm better so I don't have to ride today or go to the gym because I'm better" - No, this is not what I'm saying. You have to feel that even if your riding at 90%, still you are faster then your competitors.  On the other hand - even if you have a bad race and you are last or crashed or got a flat tire NEVER, BUT NEVER QUIT ! it is better to be the last then not to be at the finish line at all.

Lower your expectations: don't expect to win easily, racing is a hard work. Winning is even harder.

Don't listen to the other rider's talks before race starts. focus on what you are going to do and how you are going to do it.

Physical shape: Muscle stamina is the most important factor in physical shape. This will determine your ability to  keep at a racing speed after two hours of enduro riding or after 25 minutes of MX.

Strength: the second factor. Dirt riding require strength. Twice a week in the Gym will do for a start.

Technical: Bike must be fully functioning and well tuned. Make that sure one day before the race.

Shocks - Set them to your weight and kind of riding. Make sure no leaks appear.

Carry basic spare parts like extra spark plug, tube (front can be used both for front and rear if needed) and basic tools. This goes mainly for enduro.

Personal adjustments - adjust all levers positions and angels to your comfort.

Tires - a new pair of tires in every race is mandatory. (beginners) You can also spare a new set of tires races and one for practice. Don't forget to get a new racing tires set when this set reaches  75% .

Apparel - Adjust apparel to the weather. Make sure it daren't restrict movement.

Protection - use all needed protection. wear body armor, elbow pads and knees protectors under (not above shirt and pants).

Clean goggles before race. Use tear offs if possible.

Experience: Gain some experience in the rookies league. You will learn things important for the future about racing and about yourself.

Strategy:

How to plan your race?

What to do if this or that happens?

How fast should I go, when should I go faster/slower?

When do I determine a pits stop?

How much fuel should I take?

All questions above and many others should be answered in the strategy planning part. This should be done before the race and after you saw the track.

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