SMX Playoffs Kick Off with New Format for Young Talent
The opening round of the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Playoffs is set for this weekend at zMAX Dragway, Charlotte Motor Speedway. In a notable departure from previous years, the third class on track will focus solely on the SMX Next World All-Stars, omitting the amateur divisions like the 65 and Supermini classes previously featured.
This year, the SMX Next program comprises a two-round series, with the initial event offering single points and the subsequent round at The Dome in St. Louis awarding double points—mirroring the point distribution for both the 250SMX and 450SMX classes. Importantly, the SMX Next World All-Stars will not participate in the SMX finale in Las Vegas, where the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge will occur instead.
Targeted at elite riders aged 14 and older, the SMX Next World All-Stars class serves as a critical stepping stone for those aspiring to advance into professional racing. This format will allow these competitors to experience the heightened pressure of championship points scaling in a playoff setting, providing invaluable insights into the demands of professional motocross.
As the racing season evolves, eyes will be on how these young riders adapt to the intensifying competitive landscape.
