More Than Just a (Motocross) Number

video
play-sharp-fill

Let’s talk numbers, race fans…Supercross and Motocross numbers, that is.

Every fall, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) releases the roster for the upcoming Monster Energy Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross seasons. The 2018 Monster Energy Supercross season is in full swing and the battle has begun for number picks for next season.

Riders don’t simply choose their own numbers. Well, most of them don’t, that is. Instead, they’re assigned a number based on a system that’s been in place since 2000, with some tweaking throughout the years. To someone unfamiliar with Supercross and Motocross, the numbering system is downright confusing, but over the years I’ve come to understand (somewhat) how the process works. But, initially trying to explain it is like trying to explain how to invest in the stock market to an eight year old.

So, grab your notebook and pencil and get ready to be schooled.

Number one

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Every rider covets the #1 plate since it’s assigned to the rider who won the series the previous year, provided he competes in the same class or region. A good example is defending Monster Energy Supercross champion Ryan Dungey, who would have sported the #1 plate in Supercross this year had he not elected to retire. If the defending champ switches classes or regions following the season, he will use his assigned professional number instead of the #1 plate in his new class or region.

Single numbers

Single numbers (i.e. 2-9) are reserved for riders who have won a 250/450 Motocross title and/or a 450 Supercross title. Winners of 250 Supercross titles are not included because those are considered regional. For example, in 2014 GEICO/AMSOIL/Hondarider Jeremy Martin won his first 250 Motocross championship. With available single-digit numbers of 6, 8 and 9, Martin choose #6, which he still holds today.

Career numbers

If Martin hadn’t wanted to choose a single-digit number, he could have picked a career number. There are more than 30 riders with permanent career numbers right now. Winning a national championship is one way to obtain a career number. The other is to finish in the top 10 of combined overall Motocross and Supercross (both 450 and 250) points (i.e. Eli Tomac at #3). Some argue this isn’t fair because 250 West riders don’t compete against 250 East riders, while 450 riders compete against an entire field throughout an entire season.

Another rule? Career numbers cannot be three-digit numbers, unless…

The exceptions to the rule

Currently, one rider – Mike Alessi – has a three-digit number. He had the number before the two-digit limit went into place, meaning it was grandfathered into the numbering system. Also, if #13 is the next number available, riders can refrain from using it if they’re superstitious.

As for the rest of you

Riders who do not fit into any of the above categories, yet still finish in the top 100 of combined points, are assigned a number (i.e. Christian Craig at #32). Numbers are assigned chronologically after single-digit and career numbers are chosen.

So, there you have it. Make sense? Consider this your study guide for the current season (test to be held after the Supercross finale in Las Vegas). Some riders (re)debuted their numbers at the Monster Energy Cup in October, while the rest followed at Monster Energy Supercross.

Next weekend all the Monster Energy Supercross action heads to Oakland, Calif.

We’ll see you there!

Polaris used to test AMSOIL ATV UTV oils pushed to the limits. 280F transmission oil temperature seen here

A must upgrade for Polaris Rangers is our indestructible 100% Synthetic 0W-50 UTV and ATV oil The way a lot of our customers use their ATV’s demand proper lubrication and cooling when most competitor oils sheer out. Why pay more for an oil that isn’t the viscosity you paid for after a few uses? You […]

chevy c10 pickup and CEMA

1968 Chevrolet C10 Pickup Truck Wins GM Design Award for Truck of the Year  Kerry Johnson |Mar 17, 2017 4:30 PM The SEMA Show is the place to see and be seen in the automotive scene. A no-holds-barred display of custom car builds, as well as the latest and greatest in the automobile aftermarket, SEMA really […]

2-cycle oil deposits

Yeah, Why are There several 2-stroke oil mix ratios for chainsaws? John Baker|Jun 20, 2017 8:36 AM Swamp mix. That’s what you call a concoction of two-stroke oil and gas that’s been slopped together with no measuring tools and no regard for engine protection. Your chainsaw or string trimmer could be running on a 50:1 […]

Deposits minimized on turbocharges using AMSOIL

Turbocharger vs Supercharger: What’s the Difference? John Baker | Oct 16, 2020 10:06 AM An engine is nothing more than an air pump. The more air it ingests, the more fuel it can burn. And more fuel equals more power. Sometimes an engine just needs a little boost Engineers have a few methods at their disposal […]

Tires in snow

Are you ready for the Surprises of winter driving? Tips to prepare your vehicle for hazardous roads before winter arrives. _by David Hilgendorf |October 2024 Ice storms are most common when the air temperature is close to freezing and blizzards become more likely as temperatures fall below freezing. Both can reduce visibility and create slippery […]

Motorcycle shock cutaway demonstrating the use of fluid.

Fork Oil – Which do I use? I didn’t realize it went bad John Baker | Aug 22, 2019 10:33 AM A fork oil’s number-one task is to deliver consistency. Consistent dampening despite temperature changes. Consistent rebounds despite different terrain. Consistent performance so you can ride or drive confidently. Consistency. What fluid would provide the […]