AMA Supercross Announces New Championship Plate Rule for 2026
In a significant change to its championship protocol, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has introduced a new rule affecting plate designs in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Championships, set to take effect in 2026. Notably, defending champions will no longer display red plate backgrounds at the opening round of the season.
Traditionally, the reigning champion competed with a #1 plate featuring red backgrounds. However, under the new rule, this will be replaced by white backgrounds until a points leader emerges in the season. For the 2026 Anaheim 1 Supercross, 2025 450SX Champion Cooper Webb will feature the #1 with white backgrounds, while Jett Lawrence, the 2025 450SMX Champion, will sport purple backgrounds with yellow numbers as an acknowledgment of his title.
This change also impacts the 250SX class. If Haiden Deegan, the current 250SX West Division champion, seeks to defend his #1W plate, he will race with a #1 adorned in black backgrounds. Transitioning to the 450SX class, he would instead carry a #38 plate with white backgrounds.
The SMX Playoffs will maintain its existing structure, allowing for the presence of red plate backgrounds, as it is based on seeding derived from points standings.
This modification reflects the AMA’s commitment to evolving the sport and enhancing the competitive nature of Supercross and Motocross events.
