18. WATCH OTHER RIDERS
"Even if you are not riding, just watching other riders or races on television can help you improve your technique. Pay attention to more than how big they jump: watch their braking points, how they apply the throttle, or even when they sit and stand on their bikes. Paying close attention can teach you a lot." Branden Jesseman

19. GO SLOW TO GO FAST
"It’s an oft-used cliché in racing, but totally true. Sometimes, being more technical and precise through a section will produce faster lap times than charging in wide open and out of control. Trust me I’ve learned the hard way!" Ryan Hughes

20. FRONT BRAKE RUT READY
"I like to keep my finger on the front brake when I am negotiating tricky ruts, because a little front brake can help you in case you start to ride out of it or get cross-rutted. Sometimes, if the rut is really tight or in an off-camber section of the track, dragging the front brake a little bit can help you keep the front tire from riding up the sides and out of the rut." Ernesto Fonseca

21. MENTALLY RIDE THE TRACK
"After practice, or in between motos when you are relaxing and cooling down, close your eyes and ride laps around the track in your head. Think about the lines, the bumps and the jumps. It will keep you sharp." Brock Sellards

22. EAT RIGHT
"I am not a big diet guy like some of my competitors, but from Thursday on I stay away from red meats. Instead, I eat a lot of chicken and pasta. Most of all, I drink a lot of water in the days before the race to get my body properly hydrated. You can’t just go and drink a ton of water the night before; it takes days." David Vuillemin

23. SIGHTING LAP
"I have seen riders unload their bikes, get on the track and ride wide open right from the start. Even if you are a total local at a track, this is a bad idea because there may be new obstacles or bumps that have formed since you were last there. Always take time to see all there is too see." Scott Sheak

24. LOOK AT THE END OF THE RUT
"Deep ruts in corners can be tricky, but one tip that is helpful is looking at the end of the rut. If you stare at the rut right in front of your front tire, you are more likely to lose your balance. Look at the end of the rut, or the exit of the corner, stay loose, and that is where you will go!" Sean Hamblin

25. INSIDE LEG
"When you get your leg out in a turn, keep in mind that it is out there for balance, and just in case you need to take a dab. Don't drag or slide your foot on the ground, because it wil cause you to lose your balance and increases your chances of spraining your ankle or blowing out your knee." Kevin Windham

26. SLIDE THE FRONT BRAKE IN
"I like to position my front brake master cylinder perch closer to the center of the handlebars. This gives me more leverage at the end of the lever. I also run my front brake lever higher than the clutch, because twisting the throttle often has your hand more horizontal." Grant Langston

27. PRACTICE CORNERS
"Anyone who has seen me race outdoors knows that I make up most of my time in corners. Lots of riders spend lots of time practicing jumps because they are fun, but practicing corners is more practical. It’s not as fun or glamorous, but it will pay off on race day. Becoming comfortable and confident in the way your bike slides as you power out of a turn is important if you ever intend on getting aggressive in turns." Ricky Carmichael