Supercross is a
motorcycle racingMotorcycle sport is a broad field that encompasses all sporting aspects of motorcycling. The disciplines are not all "races" or timed-speed events, as several disciplines test a competitor's various riding skills.-Motorcycle racing:...
sport involving off-road motorcycles on an artificially-made dirt tracks consisting of steep jumps and obstacles.
ProfessionalA professional is a member of a vocation founded upon specialised educational training.The word professional traditionally means a person who has obtained a degree in a professional field...
supercross
contestA contest is an event in which two or more individuals or teams engage in competition against each other, often for a prize or similar incentive.Contest may also refer to:Literature* Contest , by Matthew ReillyPlaces...
races are held almost exclusively within professional
baseballBaseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The goal is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot square, or diamond...
and
footballFootball is the name of several similar team sports, all of which involve kicking a ball with the foot in an attempt to score a goal. The most popular of these sports worldwide is association football, more commonly known as just "football" or "soccer"...
stadiums.
Supercross was derived from the sport of
MotocrossMotocross is a form of motorcycle sport or all-terrain vehicle racing held on enclosed off road circuits. Motocross is derived from the French, and traces its origins to British scrambling competitions...
. While Motocross and Supercross are similar in many respects, there are significant differences as well.
Supercross is a
motorcycle racingMotorcycle sport is a broad field that encompasses all sporting aspects of motorcycling. The disciplines are not all "races" or timed-speed events, as several disciplines test a competitor's various riding skills.-Motorcycle racing:...
sport involving off-road motorcycles on an artificially-made dirt tracks consisting of steep jumps and obstacles.
ProfessionalA professional is a member of a vocation founded upon specialised educational training.The word professional traditionally means a person who has obtained a degree in a professional field...
supercross
contestA contest is an event in which two or more individuals or teams engage in competition against each other, often for a prize or similar incentive.Contest may also refer to:Literature* Contest , by Matthew ReillyPlaces...
races are held almost exclusively within professional
baseballBaseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The goal is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot square, or diamond...
and
footballFootball is the name of several similar team sports, all of which involve kicking a ball with the foot in an attempt to score a goal. The most popular of these sports worldwide is association football, more commonly known as just "football" or "soccer"...
stadiums.
History
Supercross was derived from the sport of
MotocrossMotocross is a form of motorcycle sport or all-terrain vehicle racing held on enclosed off road circuits. Motocross is derived from the French, and traces its origins to British scrambling competitions...
. While Motocross and Supercross are similar in many respects, there are significant differences as well. For example, the Supercross races are heavily advertised and televised motorsports events held within major cities.Also supercross tracks are more technical, not as fast as motocross but with a much higher difficulty level, further adding to the injury risk factor.
The sport Supercross is tailored to the TV spectator , as result of wide spread television coverage, as its target market. The term "Supercross" was coined as the event name for the first organized Motocross race that was successfully held inside a stadium in the United States. In 1972, racing promoter Michael Goodwin staged what he called the "Super Bowl of Motocross" inside the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. This event was won by
Marty TripesMarty Tripes was a leading AMA motocross and Supercross rider of the 1970s and early 1980s. He is remembered for winning the Super Bowl of Motocross at the Los Angeles Coliseum in July 1972, just a few weeks after turning 16...
at the age of 16. That initial contest featured many of the top Motocross riders of the time. It was such a commercial success that it spawned many imitators, and the term "Supercross" was coined to identify the similar to Motocross stadium cycling events. Modern Supercross races are sanctioned and governed by motorcycle associations. The main being either the
American Motorcyclist AssociationThe American Motorcyclist Association is an American not-for-profit organization of more than 300,000 motorcyclists that organizes numerous motorcycling activities and campaigns for motorcyclists' legal rights...
who is the oldest and most prestigous cycle racing organization (in America), or the
THQTHQ Inc. is a worldwide international American developer and publisher of video games. Founded in 1989, the company develops products for video game consoles, handheld game systems, as well as for personal computers and wireless devices.The company publishes internally created and externally...
series of Supercross
Championship- Title match system :In this system, a competitor has to challenge the current champion to win the championship. This form of championship is used in wrestling, boxing, and other combat sports.- Tournament system :...
events that are in part the work of
Clear ChannelIn the Bahamas, Canada, Mexico, and the United States, a clear-channel station is an AM radio station which is given extraordinary protection from interference to its nighttime signal...
, who in 2004 contributed expertise in filming on-track gate event competition for
SupercrossSupercross is a 2005 action/drama film directed by Steve Boyum and starring Steve Howey and Mike Vogel. The movie is a mixture of youthful relationships set in the intense world of professional Supercross.-Film Production:...
.
While growing consistently since the '70s, in the early part of the 21st Century Supercross' popularity really took off. In the United States, Supercross races today are the second most popular form of motorsport (behind
NASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947-48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
racing). The American Motorcyclist Association awards three Supercross Championship Champs each year. They are Supercross Champion which until 2006 was referred to as 250 class, Supercross Lites East (which was the 125 East) Champion, and Supercross Lites West Champion. World Supercross Champions are named by other racing organizations around the world. Supercross racing classifications were governed by the displacement of the motorcycle's engine until 2006. In the past, Championships have been awarded in 125cc (also known as "MX2"), 250cc ("MX1"), and 500cc displacement levels (also known as "MX3"). The 250cc Champion has always been generally considered to be the most prestigious.
Competition
The AMA series begins in late December and continues until mid-May. It consists of 17 rounds in the Supercross Class, and 8 rounds in Supercross Lites West Class in December and 8 rounds in the Supercross Lites East Class in February, which the final round has the East-West Shootout in May, and 17 major tracks all over the continental
United StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Each has two Heat Races in both classes. Supercross class has 8 laps, and Supercross Lites class has 6 laps, each has 20 riders in both classes, and the top 9 riders will finish and moves on straight to the Main Event. Other riders will go to the Last Chance Qualifier. In the Last Chance Qualifier, Each has 22 riders in both classes. Riders in the Supercross Class that failed in any two Heat Races will race 6 laps, where the final two riders finish and moves on to the Main Event, while in the Supercross Lites Class, riders that failed in any two heat races will race 4 laps, where the final four riders finish and moves on to the Main Event. In the Supercross Class, riders in the top 10 in points who have failed to qualify in any two Heat Races and the LCQ will use a Provisional for the Main Event. In the Main Event, there will be 22 riders for 15 laps in the Supercross Lites Class, and 20 riders for 20 laps in the Supercross Class. In both classes after the Main Event the winner will receive 25 AMA points. If there's
rainRain is liquid precipitation, as opposed to other kinds of precipitation such as snow, hail and sleet. On Earth, it is the condensation of atmospheric water vapor into drops heavy enough to fall, often making it to the surface...
in the forecast, the riders will be racing in the
mudMud is a liquid or semi-liquid mixture of water and some combination of soil, silt, and clay. Ancient mud deposits harden over geological time to form sedimentary rock such as siltstone or solid, mudrock lutites. When geological deposits of mud are formed in estuaries the resultant layers are...
, and the Main Event will be reduced to 10 laps in the Supercross Lites class, and 15 laps in the Supercross class.
Arenacross
AX stands for Arenacross. Supercross is not the same as the even newer sport of "Arenacross," which consists essentially of Supercross-style courses that are downsized even further and placed into smaller venues such as
ice hockeyIce Hockey is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use sticks to direct a puck into the opposing team's goal. It is a fast-paced and physical sport...
and
basketballBasketball is a team sport in which two teams of 5 players try to score points against one another by placing a ball through a
10 foot high hoop under organized rules...
stadiums. The popularity of Arenacross is growing however, since smaller cities that do not have large football and baseball stadiums can host Arenacross races. Arenacross held its first open in 2006 which achieved high attendance counts.
The AMA is using AMA Toyota Arenacross series as a way for riders to transition from amateur racing to supercross.
Many supercross privateers race arenacross. Some of the top racers of arenacross include:
- Darcy Lange(Kaw)
- Tyler Bowers(Hon)
- Brock Sellards(Hon)
- John Dowd (Suz)
- Kevin Johnson (Yam)
World Supercross Championship winners by year
Conceived in 2003; merged with AMA series in 2008
| Year |
Supercross Class
(formerly 250cc) |
| 2009 |
James Stewart Jr. James Stewart Jr., known as James "Bubba" Stewart, is a professional motocross racer competing in supercross. He is known for being the first African-American to have success at the very top level of any major motorsports association....
|
| 2008 |
Chad Reed Chad Reed is an Australian motocross and supercross racer. He is considered the best international racer to race in the AMA Motocross, and AMA Supercross. Originating from Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, he was touted from a young age as being capable of competing at the sports most elite level...
|
| 2007 |
James Stewart Jr. James Stewart Jr., known as James "Bubba" Stewart, is a professional motocross racer competing in supercross. He is known for being the first African-American to have success at the very top level of any major motorsports association....
|
| 2006 |
James Stewart Jr. James Stewart Jr., known as James "Bubba" Stewart, is a professional motocross racer competing in supercross. He is known for being the first African-American to have success at the very top level of any major motorsports association....
|
| 2005 |
Ricky Carmichael Ricky Carmichael is a former professional motocross and supercross racer, now transitioning to a stock car career. While racing pro motocross and supercross, his nickname was G.O.A.T...
|
| 2004 |
Heath Voss Heath Voss is an American professional motocross racer who competes in the AMA national championships. He is best known for winning the 2004 F.I.M. Supercross world championship ....
|
| 2003 |
Chad Reed Chad Reed is an Australian motocross and supercross racer. He is considered the best international racer to race in the AMA Motocross, and AMA Supercross. Originating from Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, he was touted from a young age as being capable of competing at the sports most elite level...
|
Trivia
Ricky Carmichael was the only racer to win both the AMA Championship and World Championship in the same year.
AMA Supercross Championship Winners By Year
Merged with World Supercross Championship in 2008
| Year |
Supercross Class
(formerly 250 cc) |
Supercross Lites West
(formerly 125 cc West) |
Supercross Lites East
(formerly 125 cc East) |
| 2009 The 2009 AMA Supercross season was the thirty-sixth season of the supercross championship. It was also the second season with the World Supercross Championship designation. James Stewart, Jr...
|
James Stewart, Jr. |
Ryan Dungey Ryan Dungey is a professional motocross rider in the AMA motocross national championships. He debuted in professional motocross in 2006. Ryan was picked up by the factory team, Makita Suzuki. In 2007, he won the first race of the Amp'd Mobile East Coast Lites series in Atlanta. Ryan had a streak...
|
Christophe Pourcel http://motocross.transworld.net/files/2009/03/28/pourcel-2.jpgChristophe Pourcel , is a French motocross rider, and winner of the 2006 FIM MX2 World Motocross Championships....
|
| 2008 |
Chad Reed Chad Reed is an Australian motocross and supercross racer. He is considered the best international racer to race in the AMA Motocross, and AMA Supercross. Originating from Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, he was touted from a young age as being capable of competing at the sports most elite level...
|
Jason Lawrence Jason Lawrence is a professional motocross racer competing in the AMA Supercross division and Lucas Oil AMA Outdoor Nationals. He currently lives in Beaumont, California...
|
Trey Canard |
| 2007 |
James Stewart, Jr. |
Ryan Villopoto Ryan Villopoto is a motocross and supercross racer who currently competes in the AMA Supercross series and the AMA Lucas Oil Motocross series...
|
Ben TownleyBen Townley is a professional motocross rider originating from Taupo, New Zealand.After claiming multiple National championships in his native New Zealand, Townley moved to Europe and began campaigning the MX2-GP World Championships...
|
| 2006 |
Ricky Carmichael Ricky Carmichael is a former professional motocross and supercross racer, now transitioning to a stock car career. While racing pro motocross and supercross, his nickname was G.O.A.T...
|
Grant Langston Grant Langston , is a former Grand Prix motocross world champion.Langston began competing in the world championships in 1998, and by 2000, he had won the F.I.M. 125cc world championship as a member of the KTM factory racing team . He moved to the United States in 2001 to compete in the A.M.A...
|
Davi Millsaps |
| 2005 |
Ricky Carmichael Ricky Carmichael is a former professional motocross and supercross racer, now transitioning to a stock car career. While racing pro motocross and supercross, his nickname was G.O.A.T...
|
Ivan Tedesco |
Grant Langston Grant Langston , is a former Grand Prix motocross world champion.Langston began competing in the world championships in 1998, and by 2000, he had won the F.I.M. 125cc world championship as a member of the KTM factory racing team . He moved to the United States in 2001 to compete in the A.M.A...
|
| 2004 |
Chad Reed Chad Reed is an Australian motocross and supercross racer. He is considered the best international racer to race in the AMA Motocross, and AMA Supercross. Originating from Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, he was touted from a young age as being capable of competing at the sports most elite level...
|
Ivan Tedesco |
James Stewart, Jr. |
| 2003 |
Ricky Carmichael Ricky Carmichael is a former professional motocross and supercross racer, now transitioning to a stock car career. While racing pro motocross and supercross, his nickname was G.O.A.T...
|
James Stewart, Jr. |
Branden Jesseman |
| 2002 |
Ricky Carmichael Ricky Carmichael is a former professional motocross and supercross racer, now transitioning to a stock car career. While racing pro motocross and supercross, his nickname was G.O.A.T...
|
Travis Preston |
Chad Reed Chad Reed is an Australian motocross and supercross racer. He is considered the best international racer to race in the AMA Motocross, and AMA Supercross. Originating from Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, he was touted from a young age as being capable of competing at the sports most elite level...
|
| 2001 |
Ricky Carmichael Ricky Carmichael is a former professional motocross and supercross racer, now transitioning to a stock car career. While racing pro motocross and supercross, his nickname was G.O.A.T...
|
Ernesto Fonseca Ernesto Fonseca, also known as "El Lobito" and "The Fonz", was a professional Motocross and Supercross racer from Costa Rica.-Background:Born on September 3 1981 in San José, Costa Rica, Fonseca began riding dirt bikes at the age of 5. At 12 years old, his natural talent had led him to the United...
|
Travis PastranaTravis Alan Pastrana is a motorsports competitor and stunt performer who has won championships and X Games gold medals in several events, including supercross, motocross, freestyle motocross, and rally racing....
|
| 2000 |
Jeremy McGrath Jeremy McGrath is an American motocross and supercross racer who occasionally races in short course off-road racing. He has won numerous national championships.- MX career :...
|
Shae Bentley |
Stephane Roncada |
| 1999 |
Jeremy McGrath Jeremy McGrath is an American motocross and supercross racer who occasionally races in short course off-road racing. He has won numerous national championships.- MX career :...
|
Nathan Ramsey |
Ernesto Fonseca Ernesto Fonseca, also known as "El Lobito" and "The Fonz", was a professional Motocross and Supercross racer from Costa Rica.-Background:Born on September 3 1981 in San José, Costa Rica, Fonseca began riding dirt bikes at the age of 5. At 12 years old, his natural talent had led him to the United...
|
| 1998 |
Jeremy McGrath Jeremy McGrath is an American motocross and supercross racer who occasionally races in short course off-road racing. He has won numerous national championships.- MX career :...
|
John Dowd John Dowd is a professional motocross racer from Chicopee, Massachusetts. Otherwise known as "The Junk Yard Dog." He began racing well into his twenties. Turning pro at age 29. As a result, Dowd has achieved the best results of his career later in life than his typical competitors...
|
Ricky Carmichael Ricky Carmichael is a former professional motocross and supercross racer, now transitioning to a stock car career. While racing pro motocross and supercross, his nickname was G.O.A.T...
|
| 1997 |
Jeff Emig Cam Jeffrey Emig was one of the premier motocross racers of the 1990s with 4 major titles for Yamaha and Kawasaki. His main rival was Jeremy McGrath. Emig won more motocross races than any other competitor in the 1990s with 29 wins and 3 titles...
|
Kevin Windham Kevin Windham , and currently lives in Centreville, Mississippi, is a pro motocross racer. At 17 he received a full factory ride from Team Yamaha...
|
Tim Ferry Tim Ferry is a professional Supercross and Motocross racer born in West Palm Beach, Florida on March 18, 1975. Ferry began his amateur career with Team Green throughout the 80's and early 90's. He turned pro in 1992 and won the 125 East Coast Championship in 1997 riding for Suzuki. He moved up to...
|
| 1996 |
Jeremy McGrath Jeremy McGrath is an American motocross and supercross racer who occasionally races in short course off-road racing. He has won numerous national championships.- MX career :...
|
Kevin Windham Kevin Windham , and currently lives in Centreville, Mississippi, is a pro motocross racer. At 17 he received a full factory ride from Team Yamaha...
|
Mickael Pichon Mickaël Pichon is a French motorcross racer.Pichon took part in the Supercross circuit in the USA from 1995 until 1999. He became World Champion twice in this competition, while racing for Kawasaki. He then came back to Europe and signed a contract with Suzuki to compete in the 250cc motocross...
|
| 1995 |
Jeremy McGrath Jeremy McGrath is an American motocross and supercross racer who occasionally races in short course off-road racing. He has won numerous national championships.- MX career :...
|
Damon Huffman |
Mickael Pichon Mickaël Pichon is a French motorcross racer.Pichon took part in the Supercross circuit in the USA from 1995 until 1999. He became World Champion twice in this competition, while racing for Kawasaki. He then came back to Europe and signed a contract with Suzuki to compete in the 250cc motocross...
|
| 1994 |
Jeremy McGrath Jeremy McGrath is an American motocross and supercross racer who occasionally races in short course off-road racing. He has won numerous national championships.- MX career :...
|
Damon Huffman |
Ezra Lusk |
| 1993 |
Jeremy McGrath Jeremy McGrath is an American motocross and supercross racer who occasionally races in short course off-road racing. He has won numerous national championships.- MX career :...
|
Jimmy Gadis |
Doug Henry |
| 1992 |
Jeff Stanton Jeff Stanton is a three-time AMA 250cc Motocross and Supercross National Champion, winning the titles in 1989, 1990 and 1992. Stanton rode for Honda for the better part of his career, earning all of his championships with them. Before team Honda, he rode a Yamaha as a privateer...
|
Jeremy McGrath Jeremy McGrath is an American motocross and supercross racer who occasionally races in short course off-road racing. He has won numerous national championships.- MX career :...
|
Brian Swink |
Josh Kidman |
1991 |
Jean-Michel BayleJean-Michel Bayle is a semi-retired French professional motorcycle racer. He was one of the most successful riders of his era, achieving success at the highest levels in both motocross and road racing....
|
Jeremy McGrath Jeremy McGrath is an American motocross and supercross racer who occasionally races in short course off-road racing. He has won numerous national championships.- MX career :...
|
Brian Swink |
| 1990 |
Jeff Stanton Jeff Stanton is a three-time AMA 250cc Motocross and Supercross National Champion, winning the titles in 1989, 1990 and 1992. Stanton rode for Honda for the better part of his career, earning all of his championships with them. Before team Honda, he rode a Yamaha as a privateer...
|
Ty Davis |
Denny Stephenson |
| 1989 |
Jeff Stanton Jeff Stanton is a three-time AMA 250cc Motocross and Supercross National Champion, winning the titles in 1989, 1990 and 1992. Stanton rode for Honda for the better part of his career, earning all of his championships with them. Before team Honda, he rode a Yamaha as a privateer...
|
Jeff Matiasevich |
Damon Bradshaw |
| 1988 |
Rick Johnson Rick Johnson was one of the winningest AMA motocross and Supercross racers of all-time. During the 1980s, he won seven AMA national championships.-Motocross career:...
|
Jeff Matiasevich |
Todd DeHoop |
| 1987 |
Jeff Ward Jeff Ward is the first motocross rider in history to win every major AMA motocross national championship...
|
Willie Surratt |
Ron Tichenor |
| 1986 |
Rick Johnson Rick Johnson was one of the winningest AMA motocross and Supercross racers of all-time. During the 1980s, he won seven AMA national championships.-Motocross career:...
|
Donny Schmit Donny Schmit was an American motocross racer. He was a two-time Motocross World Champion, winning the 125cc title in 1990 and the 250cc championship in 1992.-Career:...
|
Keith Turpin |
| 1985 |
Jeff Ward Jeff Ward is the first motocross rider in history to win every major AMA motocross national championship...
|
Bobby Moore Bobby Moore is an American former Grand Prix motocross world champion.In 1985, Moore won the A.M.A. 125cc Western Supercross title. He moved on to the F.I.M. world championships, finishing second to Donny Schmit in the 1990 125cc championship. In 1992, he again finished second to Schmit, this time...
|
Eddie Warren |
| 1984 |
Johnny O'Mara |
|
|
| 1983 |
David Bailey David Bailey is a broadcaster, motocross school instructor and former professional motocross racer, born December 31, 1961 in San Diego, California. He is the adopted son of Gary "Professor" Bailey, also a former professional motocrosser....
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| 1982 |
Donnie Hansen |
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|
| 1981 |
Mark Barnett Mark Barnett was one of the top American motocross racers in the early 1980s. He won three consecutive AMA 125cc national championships between 1980 and 1982. He was a rider for team America in the 1983 Motocross Des Nations Chamionship.Born in Bridgeview, Illinois, Barnett began racing as an...
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|
| 1980 |
Mike Bell |
|
|
| 1979 |
Bob Hannah Robert "Hurricane" Hannah was one of the most successful motocross racers in American history. He won a total of seven AMA national championships ....
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| 1978 |
Bob Hannah Robert "Hurricane" Hannah was one of the most successful motocross racers in American history. He won a total of seven AMA national championships ....
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| 1977 |
Bob Hannah Robert "Hurricane" Hannah was one of the most successful motocross racers in American history. He won a total of seven AMA national championships ....
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| 1976 |
Jimmy Weinert Mitchell Nelson Weinert was a pioneering motocross and supercross rider in the early years of the sport in the United States. In the 1970s he won 22 AMA Nationals and three AMA championships . In 1973, Weinert became the first American to defeat international-level riders in the Trans-AMA...
|
500 cc Winner |
| 1975 |
Jimmy Ellis |
Steve Stackable |
|
| 1974 |
Pierre Karsmakers |
Gary Semics |
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External links