THE dirt track is set and the safety barriers are up.

The race-ready dirt track is a picture of calm before the storm.

And by the time you read this, the *scape field beside Orchard Cineleisure will be alive with the roar of racing dirtbikes.

The races today herald the start of the month-long Shine Youth Fest 2007, which celebrates youth activism and expression.

Expect the sound to get even louder as the day progresses - not from racers flirting with noise regulations, but from all the cheering fans.

Why so, you may ask?

How about $3,000 in cash for lucky spectators, free burgers and prizes from Oakley and Acerbis?

UNIQUE RACE

This day-long race is unique as you do not need to race a motorbike to win prizes, say event organisers National Youth Council, and Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.

Their aim is to get as many spectators involved in the activities, and not just by watching.

You can be winners too if you participate in the fringe activities like the Candid Shots photo contest.

All you have to do is arm yourself with a digital camera and snap away.

Don't worry if you're not a professional photographer - you have an equal chance at winning because sometimes newbies offer a fresh perspective.

The best photo in each of the three categories - Action, Race Face and Surprise, Surprise - will be awarded $1,000 and prizes from Oakley.

Or, you can take part in the Dirtbike Graphic Design competition. Up for grabs is a motocross helmet, jerseys and prizes from Oakley.

AUTOGRAPHED PRIZES

Motocross jerseys and a special helmet have already been autographed by Project Superstar finalists Chen Diya, Daren Tan and Chew Sin Huey, and are just waiting to be handed to their new owners.

If you are clueless about motocross, a session at the motocross workshop will let you 'see the light'.

A demonstration race by riders on real enduro and motocross bikes will give you a hint why many youths are addicted to the sport.

If you're unsure if the sport is for you, why not try the mini version of the real race bikes?

Be sure you're dressed in jeans, long-sleeved T-shirt and shoes before riding the motorcycles.

Most of the activities and contests are free - just like the dust clouds you will be engulfed in once races have started.

All the races and activities will begin at 10am.

By 6pm, all contests will end, and the judges will announce the winners from 8.30pm.

For the last week or so, volunteers and the organisers have been busy burning the midnight oil, adding the finishing touch to Motocross Shine 2007.

But their efforts do not end with the start of the race.

To lure the weekend shopping crowd 'walking posters', dressed in full motocross gear, will also be zipping through the heart of Orchard Road today.

So if you're curious about racing, just follow the walking signs and 'pit in' at the *scape field.

You'll know you are in the right spot from the sound of wailing exhaust pipes.