Supercross is an American motorcycle racing event, which was founded by American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). It was created in 1974.
AMA Supercross season lasts for 5 months from early January to early May.
It is held in a regular sports stadium on an artificially constructed dirt track. That track contains obstacles, steep jumps, etc.
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AMA Supercross History
Dirt bike racing is popular in motocross racing history. Motocross has changed its format over the years. In 1972 a new format was tested which was dubbed as The Superbowl of Motocross. That event became successful and popular. After that, a new era has started in 1974.
AMA Supercross in the 1970s
In the first three seasons, there had three different winners. Then, in 1977 Bob Hannah won the cup and hold it for the next two seasons in 1978, 1979. That end of the 1970 period.
AMA Supercross in the 1980s
As the years advanced, the Supercross tournament got more competitive. For the first seven years, Supercross found a new winner every year. During the first 8 years, Rick Johnson won two times. Jeff Stanton finished the decade after two consecutive wins in 1979 and 1980.
AMA Supercross in the 1990s
This decade was started by French racer Jean-Michel Bayle. Jeff Stanton won the tournament again in 1992. After that Jeremy McGrath continued his win until 2000 except 1997 one. Jeff Emig took the tournament from Jeremy in 1997 by 15 points difference.
AMA Supercross in the 2000s
Ricky Carmichael won 5 times in that decade. In which, he has 3 consecutive wins from 2001-2003. Chad Reed and James Stewart Jr. won two times each in that decade. Ryan Dungey finished the decade after winning in 2010.
AMA Supercross in the 2010s
From 2010-2017 two-person has ruled the Supercross tournament. Then in 2018, Jason Anderson came as a contender and Cooper Webb won in 2019.
Every there have been 3 winners in three categories. One is awarded for 450cc formerly known as 250cc two-stroke. The other two are given for 250cc in the East and West Division.
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Supercross Calendar
The regular calendar for Supercross is January to May. It starts in early January and the final is in early May. In total there is a 17 round 450cc Class, which is considered the top-rated event. 250cc class consists of 9 rounds both are east and west.
Supercross Race Format
In the last 43 years, Supercross has changed its format several times. The first four years had a three-motos format. Then AMA started testing with various changes. Following is the list of the changes in Supercross format over the years.
First Format: Three Motos
In 1972-1975, Supercross adapted the format from motocross events, which was a three moto format. A winner was determined by the best-combined moto score. They followed the Olympic system. For instance, 3-1-1 will beat 1-2-2.
Second Format: Four Heats of 20
In 1976 Supercross AMA changed three motos systems. The started a new system, which is four 20-man heat races.
Additionally, they included 2 semifinals, one Last Chance and the main event.
Then, riders claimed that they preferred the old system. There were 80 spots available for the event, while the number of applicants where 120. Eventually, AMA had to change the rule again.
Third Format: Dirt Tracks System
The next change came in the 1980s. AMA dived the riders into four 20-man heat, while the top 50% riders get the benefit to move on semis. Two semis consists of 20 rides for each. This system seemed more complicated and riders did not want to race three times in a single night. Dirt Tracks System lasted for only one season.
Fourth Format: Two Heats of 20
After the failure of the Dirt Tracks format, AMA switched to two 20-man heats, 2 semis, and One Last Chance. Including another 20 men, 20 lap main event. To encourage young riders AMA started 125cc championship in both east and west regions in 1985.
Fifth Format: 22-Man Main Event
This is the current event format. 450cc class is two heats, 2 semis, and One Last Chance. AMA also increased the number of riders to 22. But the number of heat race riders stayed at 20.
Learn about Who Invented the Dirt Bike?
Supercross Track
Supercross track is not a regular motorbike track. It has different kinds of obstacles. For example, it consists of whoop, rhythm and triple jumps. It also features some sharp turns. Some of the turns have banked berms and some of them are flat. Around 500 trucks of dirt are needed to complete e supercross track. AMA uses different combinations of soil like, hard, sandy, muddy and rutted.
Supercross Winners List
Following is the list of the winners of last 11 Supercross Championships.
| Year | 450cc Class | 250cc West | 250cc East |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Cooper Webb | Colt Nichols | Justin Cooper |
| 2020 | Eli Tomac | Dylan Ferrandis | Chase Sexton |
| 2019 | Cooper Webb | Dylan Ferrandis | Chase Sexton |
| 2018 | Jason Anderson | Aaron Plessinger | Zach Osborne |
| 2017 | Ryan Dungey | Justin Hill | Zach Osborne |
| 2016 | Ryan Dungey | Cooper Webb | Malcolm Stewart |
| 2015 | Ryan Dungey | Cooper Webb | Marvin Musquin |
| 2014 | Ryan Villopoto | Jason Anderson | Justin Bogle |
| 2013 | Ryan Villopoto | Ken Roczen | Wil Hahn |
| 2012 | Ryan Villopoto | Eli Tomac | Justin Barcia |
| 2011 | Ryan Villopoto | Broc Tickle | Justin Barcia |
| 2010 | Ryan Dungey | Jake Weimer | Christophe Pourcel |
Conclusions
Supercross made the off-road motorcycles racing popular in the USA. Over the past 40 years, a huge fan base has created by Supercross worldwide. As a result other countries also started organizing this even in their regions. Though AMA tried to bring the variations in Supercross format to attract more fans, sometimes they failed but did not lose its appeal.