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News: Pro Motocross

Ironman starts the outdoors on July 18.

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Positive news has rolled in from MX Sports Pro Racing, as it has been confirmed that the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series is set to go ahead. The first race is scheduled for July 18 at Ironman, then the series will end on October 10 at Fox Raceway. The official announcement is below.

Press Release

Over the course of the last few weeks, state governments have announced their state-by-state phase-in plans for the resumption of large gatherings, including professional motorsports events. Some states have taken a very restrictive approach to large gatherings (Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, Massachusetts and New York), while others have found a more lenient approach acceptable so long as social distancing guidelines are followed (Indiana, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina etc.). These varying state approaches have created unique challenges for the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, as several of the preeminent venues are situate in restrictive states that may or may not permit large gatherings during the time frame currently planned for the series.

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Feld Entertainment

On May 04 the RLT announced that the series was tentatively set to be held from July 04 through October 03. This would leave only 13 days between the end of supercross and the start of motocross. As many states continue to roll out their phase-in plans, it became clear that a further delay in the start of the season would be the most advantageous for the riders, teams, and the events themselves. The farther the series could push back into the summer the better for all. However, there is a hard start of July 18, this being a live NBC broadcast date – television coverage being paramount for series and team sponsors.

The new plan is to commence the 2020 season on Saturday, July 18 at Ironman Raceway and end on Saturday, October 10 at Fox Raceway. It is the intent to host 10 events and possibly 11 by the end of the season. Series organizers have consulted with OEM partners and have been advised that given the unexpected boost in off-road motorcycle unit sales and parts and accessories over the course of the last month (with many dealerships and after-market companies experiencing record sales), it would be premature to cut the season short at this time.

The better approach would be to give the national tracks time over the course of the summer to see if their states relax their requirements to enable them to hold their national event. We are hopeful that some historical venues may be able to return to the schedule but recognize that others may not. Hence, the schedule will be rolled out on a month-to-month basis as racetracks and state officials continue to develop their plans.

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Feld Entertainment

Besides the Ironman and Fox Raceway dates, the series is prepared to announce a surprise for the 2020 season. For the first time ever a pro national will be held at Loretta Lynn’s on the historical AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship racetrack in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. The national will be held in August and will serve as a sort of homecoming for pro riders who have graduated from these familiar grounds. Though Loretta Lynn’s is not a traditional pro national venue, these are not traditional times and series managers are working hard to schedule nationals at venues in states that are open for business.

In addition to the above, it is the current plan to include the following traditional venues on the schedule: Washougal, WW Ranch and High Point. These venues are located in states that have established clear phase-in guidelines that can be timely met. In addition to Loretta Lynn’s, it is highly likely that two more new venues will be added to the schedule based on the states where they are located. Dates will be rolled out at a later date.

All events, no matter their location, will be conducted with fans with elevated social distancing protocols in compliance with CDC guidelines and as recommended by the Safe-to-Race Task Force. These protocols, currently under development, will be announced at a later date.

Words: Press Release | Lead Image: Feld Entertainment

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Pro Motocross

Track Layout: Loretta Lynn’s

A look at the Tennessee layout.

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Adding Loretta Lynn’s as the opening round of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series sent shockwaves through the paddock, so there will be plenty of raised eyebrows when bikes take to the track for the first time tomorrow morning. Will the track have changed much from the amateur national just last week? There is actually a whole new section, to ensure that the lap times are closer to what is considered the norm. A first look at the new layout is available below. Not long to go now!

Video: American Motocross | Lead Image: Simon Cudby

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Pro Motocross

News: Pro Motocross in 2020

Pro Motocross confirm nine-race series.

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The first bit of positive news this week. Hurrah! The schedule for the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series has been released. There are plenty of races and those will keep on coming once the opener gets underway!

Press Release

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (July 16, 2020) – Following extensive efforts by race organizers, local government and health officials, participants, sponsors, and series partners, MX Sports Pro Racing has announced the intention to host a nine-round schedule to complete the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. The season is scheduled to begin on August 15, with the inaugural professional event at famed Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. The next eight rounds will take place at well-known venues ranging from Washougal MX Park in Washington to Spring Creek MX Park in Millville, Minnesota. The 2020 series will also feature the first-ever Pro Motocross “doubleheader” at RedBud MX in Buchanan, Michigan.

The first half of the season will open with five consecutive rounds. Following the debut of the Loretta Lynn’s National, the schedule will then travel to the scenic Pacific Northwest for the Washougal National, on August 22, before heading to the greater Indianapolis area for the Ironman National, on August 29. From there, Michigan’s legendary RedBud MX will give way to the season’s lone off weekend after it hosts a pair of races around the Labor Day holiday, on Saturday, September 5, and Tuesday, September 8. Racing will resume with the Spring Creek National in Minnesota, on September 19, before heading to Florida for the WW Ranch National, on September 26. The penultimate round of the championship will take place in Colorado with the Thunder Valley National, on October 3, before crowning a pair of champions in Southern California at the season-ending Fox Raceway National, on October 10.

All events on the 2020 schedule will adhere to social distancing guidelines and health management protocols. Each round will be conducted in accordance with local and state ordinances, as identified between the event organizer and local officials. The paddock will be closed to the general public, with access limited to properly credentialed parties only and facemasks required at all times.  Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer stands will be placed throughout the venues and personal hygiene education signage will be prominent.

“While we continue to navigate through these challenging and continuously evolving times of the coronavirus pandemic, we are confident that we’ve developed the framework for a high-caliber championship schedule that can be successfully implemented,” said Roy Janson, MX Sports Pro Racing Competition Director. “Although we respect the unpredictability of scheduling any live events during these uncertain times and are sensitive to the hardships many people are going through, we remain committed to making our best effort to host the world’s most prestigious motocross championship. Thanks to the tireless and cooperative efforts of our event organizers, competitors, sponsors and partners, not to mention the ongoing communication alongside local officials, we have an opportunity to prioritize the health and well-being of everyone. We will conduct these events in a safe environment by implementing several policies, all in an effort to control as many variables as possible.”

Select events will feature limited spectator capacity, while others will be conducted exclusively for participants, professional and amateur, with attendance limited to crew members and family. All events will feature an amateur racing component, both before and after the professional race day. Ticketing and amateur race program information will be posted Monday, July 20, on the event websites.

“From the moment we faced our first bout of adversity surrounding the coronavirus we have diligently tried to find a way to make the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship a reality,” said Davey Coombs, President of MX Sports Pro Racing. “Needless to say, it’s been a tumultuous year for everyone, and I think we are on Plan ‘W’ by now. But we’re racers at heart, and our business is founded on bringing together fellow racers for some of the world’s most competitive and high-profile off-road motorcycle events. We know the motocross community is as passionate about this championship as we are, as it’s the lifeblood of the sport, and it’s been our goal to bring everyone, from riders to fans alike, the series they deserve. We’re confident that this schedule will accomplish that, and we look forward to providing the joy and sense of normalcy that American motocross can bring during these incredibly uncertain times.”

Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: KTM/Simon Cudby

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Monster Energy Supercross

Injury Update: Aaron Plessinger

Aaron Plessinger sustains a wrist injury.

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Injuries seem to be piling up across the globe currently, as Aaron Plessinger has announced that he dislocated his wrist in a practice crash at Fox Raceway. Plessinger was practicing ahead of the opening round of 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, which is rumoured to be held in the middle of August. The injury was revealed via the following social-media statement.

Well, unfortunately had a little mishap yesterday and resulted in a dislocated wrist going for surgery today… More updates to come. Was feeling great on the bike but things happen for a reason and I’ll be back strong. Thanks to everyone that helped out yesterday.”

Plessinger, in his second season as a Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing rider, finished eleventh in the premier-class standings in 2020 Monster Energy Supercross. Plessinger will return to the Yamaha outfit next year, in what will be the final year of his contract.

Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: Monster Energy/Octopi

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