Holeshots are an important factor when it comes to motocross. The holeshot determines where a rider has to work from throughout the race. If a rider gets the hole shot then that means they came out of the gate in first. To get a holeshot in motocross, rider’s instincts have to be fast because as soon as the gate drops they have to get on the gas and get out as fast as possible. Getting the holeshot is a big advantage in a race.

A holeshot is where every rider, in that race, line up on a gate. When the race before is over, someone will hold up a card that has the number thirty on it. That means there is thirty seconds before the gate will drop. The man will point his finger and go down the line making sure every rider is ready. When the cardholder is done he will turn it around and the number fifteen will appear. When he turns it sideways that means the gate is about to drop. When the gate drops every rider is going full speed trying to get out of the turn first.

Though the start is important in motocross, it can be dangerous as well. If a gate is filled with thirty riders the situation gets more nerve racking. Every rider is headed into one turn trying to get out first. Being on the gate before a race makes me very nervous because I do not know how the race will turn out. I try to focus hard on what I need to do, and block out every distraction. The gate is the place where I need think on what to do. Everything is running through my head and the butterflies are getting worse and worse. After the first turn I can calm down and work on what lines I need to take to gain time.