Every different sport has a language of their own. If you don't participate in the sport, you are left wondering what on earth they are talking about. You can't engage in conversation because to you, it's as though the sport enthusiasts are talking Greek. Snocross is no different. I'm a former Snocross racer on both the regional and national circuit. I'm a female with impeccable English speaking skills. Let me help you decipher our Snocross language so that, perhaps if you're ever at a Snocross race or in the Snocross pits, you'll understand a bit of what the racers are saying to each other.

"Whoa, Dude, you got some WICKED AIR."

Translation: Snocross is all about snowmobiles high flyin' it up in the air. The most air is achieved over doubles, triples, and the huge tabletop jump. This means that the racer really, really was high in the air going over a particular jump.

"Careful, there's a KICKER under there."

Translation: A kicker is a small bump developing under the race course. It usually will get worse as the races progress. You can not see the kickers and these bumps will catch you off guard. When you hit a kicker, the back end of your sled (snowmobile) will buck (imagine a horse bucking here) and if you're not ready for it, will send you over the handlebars.

"Grab my sled and bring it to the line."

Translation: Go get my snowmobile and bring it up to the start line. As in, my race is up next, hurry!

"That WHOOP section is nasty."

Translation: Snocross is set on a course like a Motocross course. In Motocross, this section would be referred to as the "moguls." In Snocross, we call it a "whoop" section and it's a section of the course that has various size jumps one right after the other. Your timing has to be dead on going through this part of the race course.

"Find a good LINE and stick with it."

Translation: There are various "lines" on a race course. A good line is the fastest line. The course will change each lap from the racers getting on and off the gas at different times. Therefore, no lap is exactly the same as the last. You may find a great line to run on lap one, but by lap five, it may be the worst line to run. When racing, you are constantly moving around the track to find the perfect line. A good line means speed and consistency which in turn, usually means a win.

"I have to get TECH'D."

Translation: There are many rules and regulations to follow with yourself and your sled racing Snocross. To get "tech'd" means you will go through a technical inspection from the officials. All sleds have to run through tech before starting the day. Even before entering the course for practice. The officials look through your sled for mechanical issues and also check the racer out as well. They make sure the racer and sled are following all rules and safety regulations of the sanction.

Now you can be a bit familiar with the lingo used racing Snocross. The next time you're at an event, keep an open ear. You may even want to jump in on the conversation (no pun intended).

Learn more about this author, Dana Michalski.
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