Holeshot

Taking the holeshot means leading the pack into the first corner after the start. In motocross and supercross, where passing can be hard, a good start is often half the race, and many series award a small prize for the holeshot. In drag racing the term refers to winning by reacting faster at the start.

A good holeshot depends on gate position, reaction time, clutch control, body position and traction. Many dirt bikes have a holeshot device that locks the fork down at the start to keep the front end low and reduce wheelies.

Practise starts: choose the gear (usually second on bigger bikes), hold steady revs, release the clutch smoothly as the gate drops and shift up early.