AMA Motocross Championship
The AMA Motocross Championship, officially known as the Pro Motocross Championship, is the premier professional motocross racing series in the United States, sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and managed by MX Sports Pro Racing. Established in 1972, it features an 11-round season contested on rugged, natural-terrain tracks from mid-May through late August, where riders compete in high-stakes motos that test endurance, skill, and bike-handling on jumps, berms, and hills.[1][2][3] The series is structured around two main classes: the 250 Class for lightweight 150-250cc two-stroke or 250cc four-stroke motorcycles, emphasizing agility and emerging talent, and the 450 Class for heavier 251-450cc machines, showcasing the sport's elite athletes in its most demanding format. Each round typically includes two motos per class, each lasting 30 minutes plus two laps, with riders' finishing positions from both motos combined to determine overall winners and championship points. The series is complemented by the separate Women's Motocross Championship (WMX) for female competitors on 122-250cc bikes. The season's physically grueling nature—often held in extreme heat and on technically challenging courses—distinguishes it as the world's top outdoor motocross series.[1][4][5] Motocross as a discipline traces its roots to Europe in the 1950s, evolving from scrambles and trials events, before exploding in popularity in the U.S. during the late 1960s through influential international series like the Trans-AMA. The AMA formalized the national professional championship in 1972 with its inaugural round at Road Atlanta, initially featuring 250cc and 500cc classes that later evolved with the addition of a 125cc division in 1974 and engine displacement updates to reflect modern technology. Over five decades, the series has crowned icons like Ricky Carmichael, who dominated the 450 Class with 7 titles (2000-2006) as part of his 10 total AMA Motocross championships, Jeremy McGrath, a 250 Class legend with 1 championship (1995), and contemporary stars such as Eli Tomac, a prominent 450 Class rider, and Jett Lawrence and Haiden Deegan (2025 450 and 250 Class champions, respectively).[2][6][1][7][8] As the outdoor counterpart to the stadium-based AMA Supercross Championship, Pro Motocross rounds contribute directly to the broader SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX), a unified points system launched in 2023 that culminates in playoff events to crown annual off-road champions across both disciplines. This integration has elevated the series' global profile, drawing top international riders and broadcast partnerships, while emphasizing safety advancements like improved track design and rider gear standards enforced by the AMA. The championship remains a cornerstone of American motorsports, fostering talent pipelines from amateur levels and influencing motocross culture worldwide.[9][2][10]Overview
Competition Format
The AMA Pro Motocross Championship features a standardized race format designed to test riders' endurance and skill on challenging outdoor courses. Each round of the championship includes two races per class, known as motos, with each moto lasting approximately 30 minutes plus two additional laps to ensure a consistent distance regardless of pace.[11] This structure allows for high-intensity competition while accommodating the physical demands of outdoor racing.[12] Races take place on natural terrain tracks, typically 1 to 2 miles in length, that incorporate a diverse array of obstacles to simulate real-world riding conditions. These tracks feature elements such as jumps of varying heights and lengths, deep ruts formed by tire tracks, and whoops sections consisting of closely spaced bumps that require precise throttle control and body positioning.[11] The use of natural dirt and soil means the track surface evolves throughout the day, becoming looser or more rutted after multiple motos, which adds an element of unpredictability and strategy to the event.[13] The overall winner of a round is determined by a rider's combined performance across both motos, with the lowest total points tally securing the victory. Points are awarded per moto based on finishing position, where first place receives 25 points, second place 22 points, third place 20 points, decreasing to 1 point for 21st place; ties are broken by the greatest number of moto wins, then second-place finishes, third-place finishes, and so on, with the best finish in the last moto of the season as the final tiebreaker.[14] This system, aligned with the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship since 2024, emphasizes consistency over single-race dominance.[15] A typical event day begins with timed practice sessions for each class, allowing riders to familiarize themselves with the track and determine starting gate positions based on lap times. If rider fields exceed gate capacity, a last-chance qualifier may be used to set the main moto lineup, though most professional entries proceed directly to the races.[13] The two motos are spaced several hours apart, providing time for essential track maintenance, such as watering to control dust or grooming ruts, ensuring safer and fairer conditions for the second race.[11] Safety protocols in outdoor motocross prioritize rider protection amid variable environmental factors. Medical personnel and ambulances are stationed trackside, with red-cross flags signaling hazardous areas like blind corners or large jumps. Weather contingencies, such as heavy rain or lightning within an 8-mile radius, can lead to moto delays, shortenings, or cancellations at the discretion of race officials to mitigate risks from slippery surfaces or track deterioration.[14] These measures, combined with mandatory safety gear inspections, address the unique challenges of evolving natural terrain.[16]Classes and Eligibility
The AMA Motocross Championship features two primary professional classes: the 450 Class and the 250 Class, along with the Women's Motocross Championship (WMX) for female competitors on 125-250cc bikes. The 450 Class serves as the premier division, contested on open-class motorcycles equipped with four-stroke engines of up to 450cc displacement or two-stroke engines of up to 250cc displacement, drawing the sport's top professional riders who compete for the national championship title.[14][17] In contrast, the 250 Class functions as the entry-level professional division, utilizing motorcycles with four-stroke engines up to 250cc or two-stroke engines up to 125cc, acting as a crucial stepping stone for emerging talents aiming to advance to the 450 Class.[14][17] The WMX class, for riders aged 15 and older, uses similar bike specs to the 250 Class and runs shorter motos to highlight women's competition.[1] Eligibility for professional competition requires riders to hold an AMA Pro Racing license, which is obtained by accumulating 60 advancement points through sanctioned Pro-Am events over an 18-month period or by qualifying and competing in the 250 Pro Sport or 450 Pro Sport class at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship in the current or previous year.[18] Riders may also qualify by submitting a competitive race resume demonstrating at least five "A," Expert, or Pro-Am class results within 18 months, accompanied by a letter of recommendation from an AMA official, industry representative, or certified instructor.[18] The minimum age for the 250 Class is 16 years, while the 450 Class requires riders to be at least 18 years old as of the event date, with no upper age limit imposed on either division; starting with the 2026 season, the 250 Class minimum age increases to 17, and both classes to 18 in 2027.[19][20] Technical regulations enforce strict standards to ensure safety and fairness, including engine tuning limits that prohibit modifications beyond stock configurations except for approved performance enhancements like exhaust systems.[16] Weight minimums are set at 194 pounds for 125cc two-stroke and 212 pounds for 250cc four-stroke machines in the 250 Class, and 212 pounds for 250cc two-stroke and 220 pounds for 450cc four-stroke bikes in the 450 Class, measured with an empty fuel tank after races to prevent unsafe weight reductions.[17] Mandatory safety gear includes a full-face helmet meeting Snell M2020, DOT FMVSS 218, ECE 22.06, or equivalent standards; shatterproof goggles or a face shield; leather or abrasion-resistant gloves; boots at least eight inches high with a steel-toed left boot; long-sleeved jersey or leather jacket; and durable pants, with chest and back protectors strongly recommended for all riders.[16] Riders typically progress to professional status through amateur feeder systems, such as the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn Ranch or regional series, where top performers in classes like 250 Pro Sport or 450 Pro Sport earn points and invitations to Pro-Am events, facilitating a structured pathway from amateur to pro ranks.[18][16]History
Inception and Early Development
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) founded the AMA Motocross Championship in 1972 as the premier national professional motocross series in the United States, marking the transition from regional Inter-AMAs—events that had featured international competitors, including Europeans—to a dedicated American-sanctioned circuit focused on domestic riders.[2] This inception adapted the European-originated sport of motocross, emphasizing off-road racing on natural terrain dirt tracks, to suit American venues and rider preferences.[21] The series launched with two primary classes: the 250cc division for lighter machines and the 500cc open class for heavier, more powerful bikes, reflecting the engine displacement standards common in early professional motocross.[22] The inaugural 1972 season featured 12 rounds in the 250cc class, commencing on April 16 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia, where the track was designed by rider Gary Bailey.[23] Yamaha-mounted Gary Jones dominated the 250cc standings, securing the first national title with consistent performances across the season, including multiple moto wins that highlighted the growing competitiveness of American riders on Japanese machinery.[21] In the 500cc class, which had a slightly condensed schedule of eight events, Brad Lackey claimed the championship on a Kawasaki, winning five rounds and establishing early dominance in the open division.[22] These victories underscored the series' initial emphasis on adapting rugged European-style courses to U.S. dirt ovals and natural layouts, often challenging riders with variable soil conditions and elevation changes. In 1974, the series added a 125cc class to provide opportunities for lighter-weight riders and smaller-displacement bikes.[6] By 1973, the championship expanded its reach, with the schedule growing to include more cross-country events, fostering broader participation and visibility. Dutch rider Pierre Karsmakers, racing for Yamaha, captured the 500cc title that year, winning seven of 12 nationals and amassing over 2,600 points—a dominant performance that bridged European expertise with American racing.[24] The rise of homegrown talents like Bob "Hurricane" Hannah in the mid-1970s further propelled the sport, as he debuted strongly in 1975 and won his first 250cc crown in 1976 on a Yamaha, symbolizing the surge of U.S. riders challenging international standards.[25] Early development was not without hurdles, including modest initial attendance at outdoor venues due to the sport's novelty in the U.S. and logistical demands of transporting bikes and teams across vast distances.[26] However, the series' growth aligned with a broader motocross popularity boom in the post-1960s era, driven by surging off-road motorcycle sales among Baby Boomers and increased media exposure, which helped transform scattered regional events into a structured national phenomenon.[27]Modern Era and Changes
The AMA Motocross Championship underwent substantial expansion during the 1990s, with the number of rounds growing from 6-8 in the early part of the decade to 12 by the mid-1990s, allowing for broader geographic coverage and heightened competition across the United States.[28] Jeremy McGrath's commanding performance in the 250cc class exemplified this era's excitement, as he secured three straight national titles from 1995 to 1997, captivating fans with his stylish riding and contributing to the sport's rising stardom.[29] Concurrently, increased television coverage on networks like ESPN amplified visibility, drawing mainstream audiences and solidifying motocross as a prominent action sport.[30] In 2007, the series restructured its class designations to align with the ongoing transition toward four-stroke engines, renaming the 125cc division to the 250 Class (encompassing up to 250cc four-strokes or equivalent two-strokes) and the open 250cc division to the 450 Class for greater clarity on engine displacement and bike specifications.[31] This change eliminated prior handicapping rules that had separated two-stroke and four-stroke entries, promoting parity as manufacturers shifted production focus.[32] The 2000s and 2010s brought further adaptations, including the continued integration of two-stroke motorcycles within the revised classes to accommodate rider preferences and maintain competitive diversity amid the four-stroke dominance.[33] Safety advancements emerged prominently, with the widespread adoption of foam pits in training facilities to simulate jumps and landings, reducing crash severity during practice, alongside on-track improvements like energy-absorbing barriers.[34] Economic pressures from the 2008 recession temporarily curtailed event numbers and sponsorships, prompting organizers to streamline operations while preserving core racing integrity.[35] Entering the 2020s, the championship aligned with the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship in 2023, creating a unified postseason playoff that bridges AMA Motocross and Supercross for a more cohesive narrative.[27] The season format stabilized at 11 rounds, optimizing logistics and rider recovery amid evolving demands. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 schedule was condensed to 9 rounds held at various locations under enhanced health protocols.[36] Sustainability initiatives gained traction in track design, incorporating eco-friendly practices such as native vegetation restoration and reduced water usage for dust control.[16] Key milestones defined this modern period, including Ricky Carmichael's extraordinary unbeaten streak of 10 consecutive national championships from 1997 to 2006, setting an unparalleled standard for consistency.[37] The series marked its 50th anniversary in 2022 with commemorative events highlighting its legacy.[38]Season Structure
Schedule and Rounds
The AMA Pro Motocross Championship typically features 11 rounds held over the summer months, running from late May to late August to capitalize on optimal outdoor racing conditions across the United States.[39] The 2025 season follows this structure, commencing on May 24 at Fox Raceway in Pala, California, and concluding on August 23 at Budds Creek Motocross Park in Mechanicsville, Maryland.[40] This calendar allows riders to transition directly from the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, which ends in mid-May, providing a short recovery window before the outdoor season begins.[41] Rounds are scheduled one per weekend, primarily on Saturdays, with teams and riders managing mid-week travel between venues to maintain the rigorous pace.[39] The geographic progression starts on the West Coast in California, then moves eastward through states like Colorado, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Washington, New York, Indiana, and Maryland, ensuring a national footprint across more than 10 states and diverse terrains.[40] This east-west traversal avoids overlap with the Supercross offseason, aligning the series as a complementary summer counterpart to the indoor winter-spring events.[42] While the schedule is generally fixed, occasional adjustments occur due to weather or logistical challenges, such as rain delays or track preparations that may shift moto timings within a weekend.[43] The 2025 calendar includes the traditional Hangtown Motocross Classic at Prairie City SVRA in Rancho Cordova, California, as round two on May 31, highlighting the series' commitment to iconic venues.[40] Following the final round, the off-season begins in late August, offering riders extended recovery and preparation time ahead of the next Supercross campaign in January.[39]Scoring System
The scoring system in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship awards points based on finishing positions in each moto, with the top 21 positions receiving graduated points and positions 22 and beyond receiving 0 points.[20] The points scale per moto is standardized across classes as follows:| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 25 |
| 2nd | 22 |
| 3rd | 20 |
| 4th | 18 |
| 5th | 17 |
| 6th | 16 |
| 7th | 15 |
| 8th | 14 |
| 9th | 13 |
| 10th | 12 |
| 11th | 11 |
| 12th | 10 |
| 13th | 9 |
| 14th | 8 |
| 15th | 7 |
| 16th | 6 |
| 17th | 5 |
| 18th | 4 |
| 19th | 3 |
| 20th | 2 |
| 21st | 1 |
Championships and Achievements
List of National Champions
The AMA Motocross National Championship has awarded titles in the 250 class and the premier class (known as the 500 class from 1972 to 2007 and the 450 class thereafter) since the series' inception in 1972. The inaugural season featured Gary Jones as the 250 class champion on a Yamaha and Brad Lackey as the 500 class champion on a Kawasaki.[45] Ricky Carmichael achieved one of the sport's most dominant runs with five consecutive 450 class titles from 2001 to 2005.[46] Riders like James Stewart have excelled across classes, winning the 250 class in 2002 and 2004 before claiming the 450 class title in 2008.[47] Honda holds the record for the most manufacturer championships in AMA Motocross history, with 89 titles across the 250 and 450 classes as of 2025.[48] The following table lists the national champions by year, class, rider, and manufacturer.| Year | 250 Class Champion (Manufacturer) | 450 Class Champion (Manufacturer) |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Gary Jones (Yamaha) | Brad Lackey (Kawasaki) |
| 1973 | Gary Jones (Honda) | Pierre Karsmakers (Yamaha) |
| 1974 | Marty Smith (Honda) | Gary Jones (Yamaha) |
| 1975 | Marty Smith (Honda) | Brad Lackey (Kawasaki) |
| 1976 | Bob Hannah (Yamaha) | Kent Howerton (Husqvarna) |
| 1977 | Broc Glover (Yamaha) | Marty Smith (Honda) |
| 1978 | Bob Hannah (Yamaha) | Rick Burgett (Yamaha) |
| 1979 | Broc Glover (Yamaha) | Danny LaPorte (Suzuki) |
| 1980 | Mark Barnett (Suzuki) | Chuck Sun (Honda) |
| 1981 | Mark Barnett (Suzuki) | Broc Glover (Yamaha) |
| 1982 | Mark Barnett (Suzuki) | Darrell Shultz (Honda) |
| 1983 | David Bailey (Honda) | Broc Glover (Yamaha) |
| 1984 | Rick Johnson (Yamaha) | David Bailey (Honda) |
| 1985 | Ron Lechien (Honda) | Broc Glover (Yamaha) |
| 1986 | Micky Dymond (Honda) | Rick Johnson (Honda) |
| 1987 | Micky Dymond (Honda) | Rick Johnson (Honda) |
| 1988 | George Holland (Honda) | Jeff Ward (Kawasaki) |
| 1989 | Mike Kiedrowski (Honda) | Jeff Stanton (Honda) |
| 1990 | Guy Cooper (Suzuki) | Jeff Stanton (Honda) |
| 1991 | Mike Kiedrowski (Kawasaki) | Jean-Michel Bayle (Honda) |
| 1992 | Jeff Emig (Yamaha) | Jeff Stanton (Honda) |
| 1993 | Doug Henry (Honda) | Mike LaRocco (Kawasaki) |
| 1994 | Doug Henry (Honda) | Mike LaRocco (Kawasaki) |
| 1995 | Steve Lamson (Honda) | Jeff Emig (Kawasaki) |
| 1996 | Steve Lamson (Honda) | Jeff Emig (Kawasaki) |
| 1997 | Ricky Carmichael (Kawasaki) | Jeff Emig (Kawasaki) |
| 1998 | Ricky Carmichael (Kawasaki) | Doug Henry (Yamaha) |
| 1999 | Ricky Carmichael (Kawasaki) | Greg Albertyn (Suzuki) |
| 2000 | Travis Pastrana (Suzuki) | Ricky Carmichael (Kawasaki) |
| 2001 | Mike Brown (Kawasaki) | Ricky Carmichael (Kawasaki) |
| 2002 | James Stewart (Kawasaki) | Ricky Carmichael (Honda) |
| 2003 | Grant Langston (KTM) | Ricky Carmichael (Honda) |
| 2004 | James Stewart (Kawasaki) | Ricky Carmichael (Honda) |
| 2005 | Ivan Tedesco (Kawasaki) | Ricky Carmichael (Suzuki) |
| 2006 | Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki) | Ricky Carmichael (Suzuki) |
| 2007 | Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki) | Grant Langston (Yamaha) |
| 2008 | Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki) | James Stewart (Kawasaki) |
| 2009 | Ryan Dungey (Suzuki) | Chad Reed (Suzuki) |
| 2010 | Trey Canard (Honda) | Ryan Dungey (Suzuki) |
| 2011 | Dean Wilson (Kawasaki) | Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki) |
| 2012 | Blake Baggett (Kawasaki) | Ryan Dungey (KTM) |
| 2013 | Eli Tomac (Honda) | Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki) |
| 2014 | Jeremy Martin (Yamaha) | Ken Roczen (KTM) |
| 2015 | Jeremy Martin (Yamaha) | Ryan Dungey (KTM) |
| 2016 | Cooper Webb (Yamaha) | Ken Roczen (Honda) |
| 2017 | Zach Osborne (Husqvarna) | Eli Tomac (Kawasaki) |
| 2018 | Aaron Plessinger (Yamaha) | Eli Tomac (KTM) |
| 2019 | Dylan Ferrandis (Yamaha) | Eli Tomac (Kawasaki) |
| 2020 | Dylan Ferrandis (Yamaha) | Eli Tomac (Kawasaki) |
| 2021 | Jett Lawrence (Honda) | Dylan Ferrandis (Yamaha) |
| 2022 | Jett Lawrence (Honda) | Eli Tomac (Yamaha) |
| 2023 | Hunter Lawrence (Honda) | Jett Lawrence (Honda) |
| 2024 | Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) | Chase Sexton (KTM) |
| 2025 | Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) | Jett Lawrence (Honda) |