East/West Supercross Lites Format Change
AURORA, Ill. – Feld Motor Sports announced today a major format change to the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, Lites class race from Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas on May 7. Las Vegas will now serve as the season finale for both the Eastern and Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championships before the regions square off in the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Shootout later that evening.
"Traditionally, the final stop of the Monster Energy Supercross championship crowns the World Supercross class champion, and the Lites class competes for the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Shootout," said Todd Jendro, senior director of operations, Feld Motor Sports. "This year the two Lites classes will each compete in their own 15 lap main event with championship points being awarded to their respective region. Once both champions have been awarded their hardware, the top nine finishers from each region’s main event will transfer to the shootout. A last chance qualifier will send two final riders to the much anticipated Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Shootout."
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki Team Owner/Manager Mitch Payton has guided his team to 15 AMA Supercross Lites titles and welcomes the challenges that the new format presents. "The old format was a no-pressure situation that was enjoyable because it gave an opportunity for both champions to race against each other," said Payton. "Now that it is for points, the pressure will be higher to try and win a championship for both coasts on the same day. Whatever happens in the championship races, whether good or bad, the emotions will be present in the shootout race and it will definitely make things interesting."
"I think it will be awesome to see that many champions crowned in one night and for the fans, how great will it be to attend an event where you can see three champions crowned in one night, the World Supercross Champion, both AMA Supercross East and West Lites champions and finally the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Shootout winner," said GEICO Powersports Honda’s Wil Hahn, who will contend for a Lites class championship. "Seeing all the racers unite for one huge night of racing will be awesome!"
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s sophomore hot shoe Dean Wilson hopes to give Mitch Payton another AMA Supercross Lites class championship in Las Vegas. "I think it’s going to put a lot more pressure on the riders for that event," said Wilson. "Normally, the Las Vegas race is a little more relaxed, but the new format will make the night more serious for the teams competing for championships. It could end up being a big night if you win a championship and then the shootout."
AMA Supercross legend Mike LaRocco, who manages the GEICO Powersports Honda team, said: "I like that the Lites title chase will come right down to the last race of the year. It will keep all the teams and riders in supercross mode until the very end of the season. If things play out right, it could equal one heck of a night of great racing action for the fans."
"This will be the first time in the sport’s history that the opportunity to crown three champions will unfold at the season finale," said Dave Prater, director of supercross, Feld Motor Sports. "Fans will have the opportunity to witness three main events as well as the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Shootout. It’s going to be one incredible night of racing."
For more information on the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305.
