Why You Ride Better in Practice Than on Race Day (Supercross Edition)

We’re four rounds into both the AMA Supercross and Arenacross world tour season, and you’re seeing it happen—some riders look fast all week in practice, but when the gate drops, they can’t put it together in the main event.

Sound familiar?

This isn’t just a problem at the pro level—it’s the same reason so many amateur riders struggle to turn their practice speed into race results and one of the most common problems I see at the races.

Here’s why it happens.

Your Brain Works Against You Under Pressure

In training, your body moves naturally and instinctively. You’re in flow state—reacting automatically without hesitation.

But on race day?

• You feel pressure.

• You overthink.

• You start riding tight.

The moment you enter a state of fear, tension, or stress, your brain switches to “conscious control” (front brain), making your reactions up to 20 times slower.

If your technique isn’t deeply ingrained in your movement memory, it will fall apart under pressure. That’s why so many riders look fast in training but stiff and hesitant in a race.

This is the same reason we see some guys riding well in Supercross practice during the week, gauging themselves against pros that are at the same facility, but struggling to put it together and get into the main event.

You’re Racing Before You’re Ready

Too many riders chase speed and results before they have a solid foundation.

If your technique, positioning, and control aren’t automatic, racing should only be used as a gauge for development, not your main way of improving.

• Racing too soon exposes all the weaknesses in your technique and creates bad habits.

• You will always revert to survival mode under pressure unless your skills are locked into your subconscious.

This is why some rookie Supercross riders struggle in their first year—they have the speed, but their technical foundation, fitness, or race execution isn’t fully developed yet.

What fixes it? Training with a clear structure and progression—like the best teams do.

Pros Train Under Pressure – You Probably Don’t

Star Racing Yamaha doesn’t just ride during the week—they train under high-pressure conditions that replicate race day.

• Every start is competitive.

• Mistakes have consequences.

• Every lap is executed with purpose.

This is why they ride the same way on race day as they do in training. The pressure isn’t new to them—it’s normal.

Most amateur riders, however, train easy and then expect to perform under pressure.

It doesn’t work that way.

The Bottom Line

Until you:

• Build automatic technique

• Train under real race conditions

• Develop mental resilience to stay in flow state

…your practice speed will never fully translate to race day.

You can’t just ride more to fix it. You need a structured plan that actually prepares you for pressure and you need to be honest with yourself with where your skill gaps are and where you may have blind spots.

This is exactly what I help riders with—whether in person or remotely.

How You Can Train Smarter

• In-Person Coaching – Trackside feedback and race simulation training

• Remote Coaching – Online training with direct support and guided structure

• DIY Online Program – A structured system you can follow at your own pace

I only work with riders who are serious about their progression.

Apply for coaching

No free tips in the DMs. No shortcuts. Just real, structured training for riders who are ready to do the work.