Saturday, October 11, 2008
Significant changes in store with 2009 Motocross schedule
LAS VEGAS – MX Sports is pleased to announce the first round of significant improvements that are in store for the 2009 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF. MX Sports has been promoting and managing Motocross and off-road racing events since 1972 and is taking the necessary steps to ensure that American Motocross continues to generate fans and sponsors, while maintaining the position of the leading Motocross series in the world with the best riders and tracks.
In conjunction with the announcement of the 2009 schedule and the move to Saturday races and a single-day program, MX Sports is please to confirm the following additional changes:
2009 Television
The first major announcement is that a minimum of three rounds of the series will be broadcast live on Speed TV. The rounds that are not aired live will be same-day coverage, with the races being shown at 10 p.m. on Saturday nights (7 p.m. on the west coast), while the 250cc class will be shown on the following Tuesdays. In addition, the first set of motos will be broadcast live and free on the internet. The Women’s Motocross Association, which will expand to eight rounds, will also receive Speed TV and live internet coverage.
Class names
Each of the two professional classes will receive a new name, with the goal to better identify the classes to the fans. The classes will be renamed from Lites to simply 250, while the Motocross class will be renamed the 450 class. This name format, a return to the traditions of the sport, allows for easier recognition for the fans while clearly identifying the size of the motorcycle.
Race day format
The format on race day will also see a change as the premier class of 450cc bikes will be the first on track for both motos at each event, followed by the 250cc class. The 2009 AMA Toyota Motocross Championships will incorporate the traditional two-moto format; 30 minutes plus two laps.
#1 Plate required
Previous year champions for each class will be required to run the #1 plate if they are defending their championship.
Open rear number plates
The rear number plates on each side of the motorcycle will be no longer be required to display a colored background with the riders number. Riders and teams may use this space to showcase sponsor logos and their names, while maintaining the traditional numbering system on the front. With the advance of transponders and digital scoring, MX Sports is giving this space over to the riders and teams.
In the crucial areas of event operations, MX Sports is pleased to announce that former AMA Motocross Series Manager Jeff Canfield and AMA Motocross Timing and Scoring Director Conrad Young have joined the MX Sports staff in order to assure that the series runs seamlessly from an operational standpoint. Their professional knowledge and experience will assure that the races operate smoothly.
“Everyone at MX Sports has been working extremely hard in order to assure that the 2009 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship is positioned properly and has the deepest media reach it has ever had,” said Davey Coombs, Vice President of MX Sports. “We will continue our work on the tracks and the show, which remain what they are—the world’s premier motocross series.”
Leading up to the opening round of the 2009 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship, MX Sports will be working closely with the National Promoters Group (NPG) and our industry partners, sponsors, riders and enthusiasts on many other significant operational and event improvements, which will be announced in the near future.
Posted by on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 02:21 P