After the racing concluded Saturday night at the Arlington Supercross, everyone was wondering what would happen with the post-race review of the potential penalties from both main events. The two situations under review were in the 250SX main event (regarding Jo Shimoda and Pierce Brown and a red light) and the 450SX main event (regarding Eli Tomac, Ken Roczen, and Cooper Webb and a red cross flag). I waited at the AMA truck waiting for an update after the media scrum but was told an official statement was coming on Monday.

Then, yesterday we received a note from the SMX Public Relations Media team that there were no violations noted from the Race Direction crew of AMA officials—which you can read here if you missed it. 

Now, we had the official AMA statement that hit our inbox at 12 p.m. Eastern today.

The following press release is from American Motorcyclist Association (AMA):

Race Direction Communication Regarding Red Cross Flag & Red Light Race Procedures - Arlington Supercross

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Following the 250 & 450 Main Events at Round 7 of the AMA Supercross Championship in Arlington, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is issuing a Race Direction communication regarding on-track red cross flag and red light signals during the event.

250 Class Race Direction Review

During the race, a warning light, also referred to as the single red lead in light, was displayed in accordance with standard race procedures. When the warning light is shown, riders are alerted of a future obstacle being shut down. However, the presence of the warning light alone does not prohibit riders from executing jumps unless accompanied by additional flag signals or directives indicating otherwise.

After a thorough review by Race Direction, it has been confirmed that all 250 riders remained in compliance with the rules. Since the warning light was displayed and no supplementary signals were issued to restrict jumping, riders were permitted to maintain race pace and execute jumps through the section.

As a result, no penalties have been assessed to any riders in the 250 class regarding this situation.

450 Class Race Direction Review

A separate situation occurred during the 450 Main Event involving a red cross flag being displayed at the finish line stand. At the time of the incident, no corresponding red lights or red cross flags were illuminated in the section leading into the jump.

Following a comprehensive review, Race Direction determined there was no blatant violation of the red cross rule. (1.6.14, e.,6) Riders were already committed to the jump without a visible warning light to reasonably signal the restricted condition prior to takeoff.

Given the absence of illuminated red lights and the lack of advanced visual indication before rider commitment, officials concluded that the circumstances did not warrant penalties.

As a result, no penalties have been assessed to any riders in the 450 class regarding this situation.

The AMA and its race officials remain committed to consistent rule enforcement, rider safety, and clear communication under all race conditions, and will carefully review our current lights procedure to ensure it continues to provide the highest level of safety and clarity for all participants. As a result of these scenarios, we've identified opportunities for improvement and have adjusted lighting operations and flagging procedures.

Update: SMX Insider Interview with Mike Pelletier

Check out the SMX Insider interview with Jason Weigandt and Jason Thomas AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier, where they discuss the Arlington Supercross red light/red cross flag incidents.