As previously reported by Racer X’s Steve Matthes, the 2017 Monster Energy Supercross season will feature timed races in both the 250 and 450 Class, Feld Motor Sports announced today.
The 250SX class will feature a 15-minute plus one lap format instead of the typical 15-lap main event. Meanwhile, the 450SX class will be 20 minutes plus one lap instead of 20 laps. One important thing to note: the clock will start once the gate drops.
Heat races, Semis, and Last Chance Qualifiers will also be timed, but the length of each has not been made official.
[Update: Here is a look at the schedule for Anaheim 1. Heats will be five minutes plus one; Semis will be four minutes plus one; and LCQ's will be three minutes plus one.]
“We believe this change will bring the fitness element more into play and provide more excitement for our fans,” said senior director of supercross operations Dave Prater in a statement.
This is the first major format chance since the 1985 season, which featured two main events. Matthes, Jason Weigandt, and Jason Thomas discussed the possible change earlier this week on the Racer X Supercross Preview Show. To view the full episode, click here.
Read more on Supercrosslive.com.
