An updated race format for the FIM World Supercross Championship is designed to bring more action and excitement.
SX Global has released details of updates to the FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) race format to be used at all ongoing events. The changes are designed to add even more motocross action and excitement at each event.
The new format suggests shorter races, held more frequently will increase energy and excitement, and reduce downtime between each event.
There will be 3 main event races for each class, with the combined individual results of each main event determining each championship round winner for both the WSX and SX2 classes.
This new format and shorter race durations will increase the level of intensity and unpredictability at each round and makes getting the hole shot all the more critical. The format has been tested at SX Global-produced AUS-X Open events, with positive feedback from riders and fans.
The WSX class will also feature a Superpole round – an individual time trial for the top-10 WSX heat race finishers, to determine the order for the Main Event races.
“In everything we do with the WSX Championship, our aim is to take what’s best about supercross and expand on that with innovative ideas that address areas where the sport can be even better, and this competitive format is a prime example of that,” said Adam Bailey, managing director – Motorsport of SX Global. “As we drive a dynamic global future for supercross, the fan experience has to be central to everything. Having more races ensures fans will enjoy significantly more action from their favorite riders over the course of an event, while shorter race formats increase the overall level of drama and excitement through tighter, action-packed battles and minimal downtime over the course of the evening.”
New WSX Championship round format:
- Qualifying: WSX and SX2 fields will each be split into two separate, 10 minute, timed qualifying sessions, with individual lap times determining the order for each class’ heat races.
- Heat Races: WSX class heat races will determine the order for the Super Pole – a time-trial format exclusive to the WSX class that will determine the order of its Main Event round. The top five finishers in each of the two WSX heat races will earn a spot in the 10-rider Super Pole. The sixth to 11th place finishers in each heat will fill spots 11-22 in the gate pick order for the main event. SX2 class heat races will determine the order for the main event.
- Superpole: Exclusive to the WSX class, the Super Pole round will feature 10 riders – the top-five finishers from the two WSX heat races. Featuring an individual time-trial format, lap times from the Super Pole round will determine the gate pick order of the top 10 for the WSX Main Event races.
- Main Events: Each WSX Championship round will see riders contest three ‘back-to-back’ Main Event races for each class, with only a short 5-minute break between each. The combined individual results determining the winner and podium spots for each Championship Round.
- Championship Points: FIM World Supercross Championship points will be awarded for each of the three Main Event races. Points will follow the traditional supercross format. In addition to the Main Event races, the fastest SX2 qualifier and the winner of the WSX Superpole will be awarded one additional Championship point.
- Practice Sessions: Practice sessions will still take place during afternoons for the enjoyment of fans who arrive earlier.