First, what is a holeshot?

The rider that gets to the first turn in front of everyone else and stays in front through the turn, just got the holeshot.

Where is the holeshot located?

Some people think that the starting line area is called the holeshot. It isn’t. The holeshot is not a place on the track, it’s the result of practice, luck and guts. There is only one rider that gets the holeshot. You can’t “Get third on the holeshot”.

There is no such thing. You can however, be third going into the first turn.

Holeshot tips:

Check out the starting gate and it’s operation. Look for anything you can use to your advantage.

Check out the surface behind and in front of the gate. Practice some starts during practice and make some passes down both sides of the starting line.

If possible, watch the first moto start and make sure you know how the start procedure works. Some tracks use a number board, others just point, there may be lights. The gate could fail and they might have to use an alternative method, such as a flag.

Watch other motos and see where the good starts are coming from, pick your gate accordingly. But, if you don’t get the one you want, keep a positive attitude and you’ll still get at good start if you use good technique.

Be on time for your race. Don’t get rushed and forget something. Make sure you have your goggles on. Don’t forget to turn your gas on and your choke off.

Dirt prep behind the gate varies between riders. Some riders prefer loose dirt, others pack it down. On concrete, some sweep, others don’t. On dirt, you want wheelspin until you clear the gate, on concrete, keep the wheelspin to a minimum.

When starting on dirt, you should shift your weight forward over the bars to keep the front end down. On concrete, try sitting up straight somewhat and not as close to the front of the bike.

Keep your weight forward on the seat (prevents wheelies and allows wheelspin), elbows up, head over the bars. Don’t put your bike in gear until the last possible second. If you are tall enough, both feet on the ground. If you are short, use a block or dirt clod to help balance.

Don’t get closer than 18″ from the gate to avoid hitting it before it falls. Keep your eyes open for any part of the gate that moves. There may be a pin, bar, lever or spring that moves when the gate drops. If it moves, go.

When the gate falls, try to keep control of both the throttle and clutch. Use half throttle and feather the clutch until you start moving, then dump the clutch and use full throttle. With your weight forward, you should get wheelspin. As you clear the gate, begin to move back on the seat for better traction. No need to stand up. Shift up as soon as possible and shift up quickly. Don’t roll the throttle off when shifting gears.

Glance to each side to see where you are in relation to the other riders. If you get a good jump, begin to move over towards the inside. Keep the gas on as long as you can and brake hard with both brakes and begin your turn. Get back on the gas as soon as you can.

The last rider to shut off, usually gets the holeshot. Most starts are left handed, but sometimes you’ll see a right. A hard turn will call for good braking skills and a sweeper first turn will be a test of your throttle and courage. The first turn is a good time to know how to use the front brake and when to downshift. A few practice passes will give you the feel here.

If you get squeezed out, use your brakes wisely and look for an opening. Sometimes you will see what I call the “Window of opportunity”. As you approach the first turn and riders begin to shut off and hit the brakes, an opening will sometimes appear between riders.

If you are not out front and you see a hole between riders, that is your signal to gas it and gas it hard. That is an invitation to go to the front. It won’t happen every time, but you will see it. Just be prepared to react.

The start of a motocross race is one of the most intense and exciting experiences you can have in sports. Practice starts any time you are out riding. Good starts are a product of practice and the power of positive thinking. If you practice starts and believe that you can holeshot from anywhere on the gate, you will.

Remember, the starting line is the best place on the track to pass other riders. That’s the one place they are all sitting still.

Good luck and I’ll see you at the gate.