Some of the differences between supercross and motocross besides the venue at which they compete include: Distance, Supercross tracks are relatively short inside a stadium, while outdoor tracks can be more than one mile long. Supercross races, or motos are traditionally 10 to 15 minutes long for a main event. Outdoor motocross races are comprised of two motos that can be as long as 30 minutes each. Outdoor races employ more of the existing terrain, i.e. mountains, off-camber corners, water crossing, while supercross, due to its space limitations places more emphasis on rhythm sections, and double-triple jumps.

While motocross was born in Europe its migration to the US in the late 60's brought tremendous growth and popularity to the sport. The first supercross races were held in the early 70's and have helped make the sport one of the most popular forms of motorsport today.