Upcoming Race: SMX Playoff 1 - Concord, NC
Saturday, September 07, 2024 2:00 PM CST
Concord, NC
From RacerX, "It's SuperMotocrossin’ time! The first round of the SMX World Championship Playoffs are this Saturday in Concord, NC (Charlotte to most of us). After 28 grueling rounds to get here, the preliminary field is set. In only its second year, this new championship has changed the entire landscape. The culmination of the combined season, the significance of the year-long number plate color change, and the 5.5 million dollars at stake are just a few of the notable effects."
"For 2024, everyone will be much more prepared for what’s to come. Last year’s uncertainty was felt far and wide. How would the tracks race? What would the dirt be like for new venues? How would the new points structure play out? We have data to answer those questions now and I would expect less chaos at the opening round. In speaking to riders like RJ Hampshire last season, they completely missed their setup due to their expectation of a SX-like track. It was easy to see the unfamiliarity in Jett Lawrence, too. He had just finished a 22-0 Pro Motocross campaign and was nowhere near that level of excellence in Charlotte. How this looks in year two is anyone’s guess but the riders themselves will be guessing less."
"The zMax Dragway track will similar to last year with it’s split start and long lanes, bookended by an open, faster section. The split start was a big factor last season as most riders will always choose the left hand first corner which allows for better rear braking. Gate position will be critical, too, as Haiden Deegan gambled with a very inside gate in 2023 that didn’t pay dividends. Although the start is again a split, they corner away from each other this year instead of toward each other. The riders will appreciate this, no doubt, as last year’s coming together made the finish line jump a little dicey on the first go-round."
The next stage, year two, begins this weekend. So needless to say, this will be one helluva new & exciting series for fans & fantasy SMX players. As well as a wild new format to play here at MXD360. EVERY moto on the track counts. The points scoring might be different. However, the same 24SX & MX rules apply for this three-round game. Four 250SMX & four 450SMX riders. A $4M dollar budget. Good luck!
Make sure to check out the Fasthouse Injury Report!