bdsfyellowtransAbout us

The Brett Downey Safety Foundation was formed in the loving memory of 11-year-old Brett Downey. Brett lost his life on the morning of August 19th 2004, while participating in motocross, the sport he loved. The Downey family with heavy hearts wanted to do something to help others in the sport. With that very goal, The Brett Downey Safety Foundation was formed.

The mission of the Brett Downey Safety Foundation is to supplement the motocross community by increasing safety awareness of riders, parents, track owners, and promoters to make the sport of motocross as safe as possible, minimizing injuries and helping to preserve all motocross tracks.

Moreover, the Foundation is a non-profit organization lead by a volunteer staff. To learn more about the Foundation please explore our website.

Non-Profit 501c – Tax ID# 74-3131353

Goals for the Foundation:

  • Standardize track guidelines
  • Standardize caution flagger guidelines
  • Educate caution flaggers with our educational program
  • Send a safety ambassador / advisor from the Foundation to all amateur national races to help promoters with all safety needs
  • Send safety ambassador / advisor to local tracks (So. Cal.)
  • Make sure caution flaggers at all national and local events have viewed the Instructional video and reviewed the manual for Caution Flaggers

Standardize track guidelines nationwide

  • Caution Flaggers – Must be onsite at every race and every practice. View and understand the Instruction Manual and Instructional Video For Caution Flaggers.
  • Supervised Practice – An individual onsite to watch the practice sessions and split practice. Practices can be split by minis, which are 50’s, 65’s, 85’s, and 150F”s for 20 minutes and big bikes, which are 125’s, 250’s and 450’s for 30 minutes. The individual will be watching for dangerous sections of the track and/or dangerous situations. They will be able to identify whether the track needs prepping and/or watering.
  • EMT – Must be onsite at every race and every practice.
  • Entrance and Exit Signs – A posted sign for entering the track and exiting the track in a clearly visible position. This allows riders to identify were they can enter and exit the track. The riders are not to enter and exit anywhere on the track, except for posted area.
  • Fenced Track – Track must be fenced to separate the track from the pit area and spectators.
  • Banners – Track must have banners to outline the track. This allows the rider to identify the borders of the track. It will also prevent riders from cutting across the track and entering and exiting were it is not safe.
  • Track Prep – Keep track watered to eliminate dust. Keep track groomed to prevent troubled spots on the track.
  • Safety Gear – Riders must wear the appropriate safety gear at all times. Helmet, Boots, Pants, Jersey (Long Sleeve), Goggles, Gloves, Chest Protector and Neck Collar/Brace.
  • No Minors On The Track – No spectators allowed on the track at anytime race and/or practice.