Racing

Desert Park Moto hosts two different sprint race experiences on most race weekends – Asphalt Only on Saturdays and SuperMoto on Sundays. The rules allow a huge number of possibilities for bikes, anything from a 70s-era moped up to a built-to-the-hilt Honda CRF150R or a GP-framed 400cc four stroke. Here’s some guidance on how to get started…

Race Day Structure

Parking

Spectator parking is in the dirt lot just past the entrance gate. Spectator parking is free and does not require an admission fee/wristband. Pit parking is past the second gate (Admission Gate). There is no onsite shade at Desert Park Raceway, and it is suggested that canopies are brought. When you park, make sure you are not blocking any driveways or fire lanes, these are usually marked. There is a PA system that runs the length of the front straight, but some prefer a more spacious location away from the track, be aware that it is the rider’s responsibility to be on time to any events.

Admission Gate

The first thing that you will do when you come into the pit area is to purchase your gate admission. Everybody will sign the required releases when they come on the grounds. This gate admission will sometimes include an armband. You must keep this on until the last time you are leaving and not coming back.

Registration

Rider registration is located at the admission gate entrance. Riders under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or another adult with a notarized statement authorizing them to sign for the minor. There will be no exceptions to this rule! Fill out a registration form and a minor release (if under 18). Be sure to write legibly and then sign the forms. Do not leave sign-up until the staff has told you your riding number is good. If someone else has already registered with the same number, you will be asked to add a piece of tape as a slash or add a No. 1. (For example, the number 6 can be changed to 6/ or a 16.)

Tech Inspection

After registering, all riders/motorcycles will be required to pass a tech inspection to be eligible to ride on track. A sheet of requirements is available here. Once tech inspection is completed, each motorcycle will be given a tech inspection sticker that is to be displayed in an easily seen location.

Walk the Track

In the morning, before racing, or in the evening after track use has concluded, we recommend walking the track. Take the time to look at the different obstacles and identify landmarks that you can use. You’d be surprised how helpful this can be.

Practice

About 30-45 minutes before your practice, start getting dressed. Check the gas in your bike and then warm it up. Ride in first gear to the staging area at the start gate. Do not pull into the staging lane until it is time for your group. Remember to take some deep breaths to help you relax before going out on the track.

Rider’s Meeting

Make sure to attend the rider’s meeting. The Rider’s Meeting will either be before or immediately following the practice. The race director will give you important information, and the race order will be announced. If there are any problems that have come up during practice, they will also be addressed. The race director will go over the scoring type, how many laps in a race, starting procedure and race procedures. Following the rider’s meeting there will usually be a short break. Riders in the first three races need to work their way to the staging area immediately for their race.

Race Format

Races and heats typically last between 6-10 laps; only the class that is racing (and sometimes one other) is on the track at a time. One bike can enter multiple classes, and every class will have one or two heat races and one main event race. The heat races determine where you grid for the mains, and the combination of main event scores is where you place. 

*Please refer to race organization rules for specifics

Pre-grid Staging

Make sure to arrive at the staging area at the starting gate about three motos before your race. The Pre-Grid official will either have you randomly gridded or gridding will be done via registration order. Make sure to stay in order during staging and use this place as a reference for your grid position on track.

Start Procedure

Make sure to watch the races ahead of your class to learn the starting procedure. When you get up to the grid, slow your pace and pull into your grid spot. The Grid Marshall will assist with any confusion, but it is the rider’s responsibility to know their spot from Pre-Grid placement. If you are having problems with your bike, let the Grid Marshall know by waving your hand for attention; you will get 1 minute to correct the problem before being moved off grid. If everyone is ready, the grid marshall will alert the tower and the lights will come on. There will be a slight pause then lights out and the race begins.

Stagger Starts

Sometimes if there are several small classes that can be run on the track at the same time they will be combined in the race but scored separately. If the classes are very small, they can leave the gate at the same time. If there are enough riders, then the classes can be stagger started. Each class will grid with a gap between them. Stagger starts are usually marked on the race order. If you are supposed to start with the second group, and you start with the first, you will be penalized one lap. Don’t get excited and start with the wrong class.

Awards

The location that the awards will be handed out will be announced at the rider’s meeting. Please check the posted results before coming to pick up your awards so that if there is a mistake it can be corrected. No awards will be given out until the protest time for a class has expired.

Crashing

If you go down on your motorcycle and are not hurt, your top concern is to get off the racetrack and out of the way of danger. If your bike is in the middle of the track, move it before trying to restart. Do not wait on the track crew to move your bike or start it for you. The track workers’ priority is to let the other riders know there is a problem and to keep you safe. If you are hurt, stay still. Medic personnel will be on their way.

General Race Rules

Gear

  • All riders must wear a full-face helmet with eye protection that meets either Snell 2010+, ECE 22-05, ECE 22-06, BSI 6658-A, or FIM racing homologation standards. New MX DOT helmets from a recognized brand are also okay.
  • All riders must wear Abrasion-resistant gloves designed for road use (not MX gloves)
  • All riders must wear boots that cover the ankle and leave no gap to the bottom of the leathers/pants.

Pit Riding

Riders are allowed to ride their machines to and from the starting gate at 5 mph. Absolutely no pit racing or burnouts will be tolerated.

Safety Flags

Yellow flags mean there is a problem on the track and you should be in control of your machine and look for the problem so you can avoid it. Watch the flaggers to see if they are directing you to one side of the track. Passing and jumping are not allowed under a yellow flag. If a Red Cross flag is out, then there is a problem on the track that is causing a hazard or a rider is receiving assistance. Riders must ride with caution. No Jumping or passing is allowed through the area where the flag is being displayed. If you jump, pass another rider or endanger or hit a track worker, you will be penalized. Penalties vary from being docking positions to disqualification for more serious violations. This rule is to protect you and your fellow riders and will be strictly enforced. Parents of young riders, please explain this very carefully to them so they will know what the different flags mean.

Track Cutting

Leaving the designated race course is forbidden. A rider must make every effort to stay on the course at all times. If forced off the course, riders are expected to slow down and enter at the next safest point. A rider can be docked positions or disqualified for cutting the course.

Unsportsman-Like Behavior

This includes dirty riding, fighting, profanity, obscene gestures, etc. Violators can be penalized, including disqualification that could include being suspended from events. Riders are responsible for the actions of their pit crew and family. Please make sure to notify the Racing Staff of unsportsmanlike behavior immediately.

Alcohol/Drugs

The use of alcohol and/or drugs by participants while riding will absolutely not be tolerated at events.

TRANSPONDERS

Transponders are required for all racing, and are available for rent for $15/weekend from NNKC. Riders without a transponder will not be officially scored. You can also purchase your own transponder for use at most tracks.

Camping

Camping is allowed at Desert Park Raceway. Be advised that there is no electricity or plumbing at our track.

  • On race nights, curfew is 10pm. Please minimize the use of generators, avoid playing loud music, loud discussions, or any other sort of activity that could disturb camper’s resting.

General Rules

Aside from our race rules, there are a few common rules that apply to all motorcyclists attending Desert Park Raceway:

  • Please Be Respectful and Considerate of those around you. NNKC is a family-friendly environment.
  • Please clean up after yourself. Litter left behind must be cleaned up by volunteer staff.
  • Motorcycles are NOT allowed on-track with Karts at any time.
  • The Supermoto Dirt section is STRICTLY OFF LIMITS except for hosted and insured race events.
  • Track engine size limits are
    • 550cc 4-stroke
    • 250cc 2-stroke