Normally D or C class is the newest riders. They then advance through B and finally into A class.
Some riders get advanced by pointing out in their old class as determined by their results the year before. Others will advance themselves as they feel they are ready or looking for a better challenge
Beginner (D)
Novice (C)
Intermediate (B)
Expert / Pro (A)
Old Farts classes:
25+ usually non expert fast guys
30+ A,B,C,D
40+ Junior - just starting out, mid life crisis
40+ Masters - raced along time and can smoke the Junior class.
If your talking about the SX and outdoor nationals then yes. Those races also require a Pro card. An (A) class rider from a your local track just doesn't pull up to the gate and get in. Most local (A) class riders get smoked when they try to qualify at a national their first few times.
The national riders are fast every lap and they don't fart around when your in the way. They will flat out run you over and not think twice about it. These guys race for money to pay their mortgage.
Ryan Clark is a local Pro rider in my town and he destroys the local (A) class. As good as he is, he has a very difficult time making the main event at a SX race. This year he is on a CR450F as number 39. The video below is a couple years old but gives you an idea.
In order to get your Pro license to compete in the SX or Outdoor Nationals a riders must 1) be an A rider at his local level (altho Dungey went directly from B to Pro license using #2 option), 2) win a national title and have Factory interest/backing, or 3) collect 100 Pro-Am points by competing at selected Pro-Am designated races. The points are awarded just as points are at a pro race 1st =25 2nd=22 3rd =20 4th=18 5th =16 6th =15 and on down to 20th=1 point.
As Big red said not every local A class rider could survive at the Pro level but they do stand a much better chance then a C rider
In order to get your Pro license to compete in the SX or Outdoor Nationals a riders must 1) be an A rider at his local level (altho Dungey went directly from B to Pro license using #2 option), 2) win a national title and have Factory interest/backing, or 3) collect 100 Pro-Am points by competing at selected Pro-Am designated races. The points are awarded just as points are at a pro race 1st =25 2nd=22 3rd =20 4th=18 5th =16 6th =15 and on down to 20th=1 point.
As Big red said not every local A class rider could survive at the Pro level but they do stand a much better chance then a C rider