I go to the races almost every weekend during race season - my 14 year old son started racing last year. So, this is kinda new to me, as I spent most of last season learning the basics so that he could race - this included learning what to do, what not to do, where the tracks are, bike setup & maintenance, etc. Now, I rode dirtbikes when I was his age, so I know how to ride - plus I have taken my Banshee to the local mx tracks quite a few times, but quads are different.
I shoulda just dug into our district's rulebook a little further and I would have found the answers to most of my questions about these classes (I found it online after I made this post). So, last year I was too busy paying attention to other things concerning my son to be worried about what class I was gonna race this year. Actually, I honestly thought I'd end up racing a 250F in the 125 beginner class, but I'm honestly not sure if I want to ride a thumper. I'm so used to my 'Shee's power, plus 2-strokes are lighter and easier to maintain/repair. Let a thumper's valves go and you are looking at big $$$ for repairs. At least a 2-stroke is cheap and easy, and that's why I bought a leftover CR250R. Sure, it's a big bike with lots of power - as much as my Banshee (with half the weight) -but it's not my first bike. It is the biggest bike I've ever had though. I am intimidated a little bit, but I'm sure I can handle it.
I think that watching the riders in the classes I'm considering is a great idea - but I'm not sure it's feasible, unless I sit the first few races out. Truthfully, this 1st year for me racing is mostly to get used to it - I don't expect to be competative with anyone. I want to be, but I don't expect it. I think I'll go Sr. C or +25B, depending on the advice from some locals. What I really need is some ride time - but there's snow on the ground and it's 15 degrees!!! That indoor track is 2 hours away, so that's kinda tough to do weekly. I'm thinking of renting it for the day - it's expensive, but if I can get some friends to go too, we can split the cost. We'll see.....
And personally, I think giving the thumpers more displacement is crap. A 250 is a 250 - engine type (2 or 4 stroke) shouldn't matter, in my book. I understand that 2 strokes have an advantage, that's why they are better...... :laugh: