The following is from Feld Entertainment, organizers of the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series:
As the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross an FIM World Championship approaches, heat races, Semi’s, Last Chance Qualifiers and Main Events will transition to a timed format beginning on January 7th with the season opener at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.
Evolution and progression are natural elements of expansion and with the ever-changing landscape of today’s Supercross racing, this adjustment to the racing format will simply give fans more of what they want. Every venue is a different size and shape throughout the Monster Energy Supercross Championship and lap times can vary exponentially from race to race. This new format will make sure that racers like Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac, HRC Honda’s Ken Roczen and defending Monster Energy Supercross Champion, Ryan Dungey get to race in front of their fans for the same amount of time, every time. “We believe this change will bring the fitness element more into play and provide more excitement for our fans,” said Sr. Director of Supercross Operations Dave Prater.
Once the gate slams down, the referee will start the clock. For the 250SX class it will be 15 minutes plus one lap and for the 450SX class it will be 20 minutes plus one lap. That means if defending Champion, Ryan Dungey and Ken Roczen have battled for 20 laps at the finish line but there is still 15 seconds on the clock, they will race two more laps.
There is already a mountain of excitement heading into the 2017 season, and this new announcement should only build the anticipation into what has all of the markings for a championship to remember. With the exception of adding the semi races to the program a few years ago the last time a major change was made to the format was the 1985 season when there were two main events. That particular season is regarded as one of, if not the most exciting in the sport’s history. So, get ready to see more of your favorite Supercross racers than ever before. The changes will add to the drama as we count down to the 2017 season opener at Anaheim. Get ready to start your stopwatches when the gates drop January 7.
Change is here!
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