Should I race motocross again?

Question

I am 31 years old and have been out of the racing scene for 3 years due to injury. I still have 3 herniated discs in my back but they are in good enough shape I hope to handle maybe 4 more races.I still have my crf450 which I am also selling cheap, but the main reason I want to race a few more times is to show my two sons. They are always asking about all my old trophies and placard's. I just cannot afford to get hurt I mean I am 31 aren't I a little too old to be considering this?

Answer 1

At 42 I still race and I'm very competive in my classes. I have a seperated shoulder, Herniated disc, just got a new ACL. Have I stopped no. The disc problem is a on going deal, it is tough because I always hurt it and as you know it sucks. MX now a days requires a lot of seat bouncing and thats what causes me the most grief. If your not at a level that requires you to seat bounce a double or something then just take it easy and have fun. Your kids would rather have you as a active father then a dad with a bad back so think about it. My son is 8 likes riding but not racing, the main reason is that he has seen dad hurt way to many times. I still have the competive edge, and it will be hard to stop racing. I will never stop riding.  Trail ride with the kids! you have nothing to prove.  

Answer 2

Man you sould get out their and get back into your zone 31 is old for motocross but look at guys like john dowd you don't want to be like ricky carmicheal and retire but want to come back but always just kinda do a little bit but still love it

Answer 3

you'll be they young guy in your class, but yeah you should trie a few more faces because when your 60 you will wish you raced that last race

Answer 4

yeah rember  you could become famous i am joining  so comon live your dream.

Answer 5

Your certainly not too old to get back into it -

there's no set age for fun and enjoyment !

My partner (aka 'im in-doors) had been out of

racing for 8 years (but not for the same reasons) -

He got straight back into it, as if he'd never even

been away -

It's only now, and a further 15 years on, that he

has once again 'retired' - Like you, we also have

kids and they loved coming along to watch -

That is (was) until they watched their Dad crash -

Best wishes for whatever your choices maybe - x*x -

  

Answer 6

That's a tough call man. I'm older than you and still race competitively but I don't have a back injury. Only you know what shape your back is in. I fully understand that desire to get back out there. I quit racing for several years to pursue a career as a professional musician, but had to come back eventually. Do your two sons ride? Why not just get into some nice easy trail riding with your kids rather than going back to racing?  

Answer 7

If you want to get your kids involved in racing you really don't need to race yourself to be involved.  As you said you have the trophies to prove you had it once upon a time and perhaps with the injuries you have you should use the knowledge in your head to see if your kids  have any interest in the sport.  Helping kids to race is basically a full time job as the work on the bikes never ends (as you would know).  You certainly don't have to prove anything to anyone and just by passing the knowledge you have on and training your own kids they will see that you are a great dad.  

If by chance they are not interested in the sport then you have to let them choose what they want to do.  My husband was a top sailor and represented his state in the youth team in his time.  none of our kids liked sailing and we ended up racing bikes, which now basically has taken over our lives with one son who races nationally.  So you really cannot choose what your kids will want to do only give them the options.

Answer 8

Its tough to come back, but it can be done, the most important question you need to ask yourself is can you afford to get injured again, or the possibility of hurting your back to the point of being paralyzed... these are all points that need careful consideration before making a big decision like the one you are facing now. Backs are a very delicate part of your body!! It only takes one mistake and it could be life changing for you and your family. Good luck, but for me it has always been family first...