Our schedule has been updated and posted, but you may notice that there are a still a few “TBD” notes in place where there should be tracks listed. Rest assured, the board is working hard to fill in the gaps as we await a few confirmations from various facilities.
It’s no secret that the landscape of amateur motocross racing is rapidly changing in Southern California. We have lost a quite a few tracks over the past 10 years, which makes things a lot more difficult on smaller racing organizations such as the OTHG. We’ve branched out a bit to areas not traditionally considered “south region” as a way to keep a full schedule, but we also recognize the importance of holding as many races as we can locally and maintain relationships. We will always do the best we can with the options that are available to us.
Another area of concern lately is safety and insurance. You’ve probably read or heard a lot of stories recently. Every track and promoter has been or will soon be affected by a lack of insurance options coupled with rising rates. The OTHG is not immune to this problem. Participating in OTHG events in a safe manner is PARAMOUNT. Every member of the club must follow the By-Laws when racing with us and use common sense when participating in the sport of motocross in general. The board will not tolerate those who break the rules, especially rules that relate to the safety of participants, staff, track workers, etc. On the other side of the coin, the board will continue to work closely with track managers and staff at every event to ensure all necessary safety protocols are followed.
The 2025 By-Laws are still being finalized, but there is a safety related rule update that all should be aware of for this upcoming season of racing:
- 4.0.5 The penalty for non-conforming plates will be a DNS for every moto started until corrected
What does this mean? It means OTHG members’ numbers and backgrounds MUST be correct at all times. There will be no need for protests any longer… If you’re not conforming to the rules you may be automatically penalized. Please see section 4.0 of the By-Laws to refresh your memory on the number plate/background requirements.
(Note: As a point of clarity, this is an enhancement of an already existing rule and it only affects MEMBERS of the club. Non-member/One-Day riders are not bound to the number plate rules.)
Why does having correct number plates matter? It makes it easier to identify who you are and if you belong on the track during practice or a race. OTHG staff and track workers should be able to tell at a glance if you belong on the track at any given moment. We cannot have riders in the wrong practices or races as it can cause confusion and safety concerns.
If you are a brand new member, you have a 2 race buffer to complete your evaluation. Please do not order numbers/backgrounds until your evaluation is complete. We will provide you with either a high-viz vest to wear or red “E” evaluation stickers to place on your number plates in the meantime.
If you ever find yourself in a situation that doesn’t seem right or seems dangerous, please bring it the attention of the nearest OTHG board member or track staff. We will always take you seriously and do our best to rectify any concerns.
On a note of personal responsibility, please do not ride or race a dirtbike if you do not have health insurance. We’ve all been doing this long enough to know it is not IF, it is WHEN you crash.
With all that said, we have no doubt that it is possible to turn things around and put amateur motocross on stronger footing if we keep safety and responsibility in mind. Let’s have a safe and FUN 2025 racing season!