Monster Energy AMA Supercross is back at Rice-Eccles Stadium this weekend with a new look.
For starters, the motocross extravaganza will be held under the sun instead of stadium lights. The action gets under way Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with qualifying. The opening ceremonies are at 2:30 p.m. and racing gets under way at 3 p.m.
For the first time in a couple of decades, the circuit has also unveiled a new points system for the 2018 season to more evenly allocate points over all 22 finishing positions. While the gap between 1st, 2nd and 3rd has not changed, the new system will ensure that the race to the championship will be more competitive throughout the season since the reward is greater for a better finish.
SUPERCROSS AT RICE-ECCLES<br>When • Qualifying starts Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies are at 2:30 p.m. and racing begins at 3 p.m.<br>Tickets • Available, starting at $20
Semifinal races have also been eliminated in qualifying for the Main Event, adding further pressure to qualify because competitors will have just two shots to earn a spot in the finals. Eliminating the semis will make for longer heat races and last-chance qualifiers.
Along with the format changes, every track this season has its own look and personality that organizers say tells the story of each city’s Supercross history.