ALL-NEW EAST COAST “SMX” (STADIUMCROSS) SERIES

Having staged the hugely successful East Coast MX series for more than a decade now, Race Pace Promotions has recently announced plans to stage a three-round East Coast SMX (Stadiumcross) between mid-October and mid-November at Nowra Motoplex on the NSW south coast.

We sat down for a quick chat with Race Pace Promotions’ Michel Constantinou to get an insight into the impetus behind his expansion into stadiumcross events…

TM: Give us some background to your East Coast Stadiumcross series, or “SMX”, Michel.
MC: When we started the East Coast MX series in 2012, I never expected it to be so popular and evolve over the last 11 seasons into the events they are today. I have always had the ambition to run stadiumcross as well some day, but the opportunity only came about this year; after I was granted permission to run more events. Also, the enthusiasm and willingness of Tyson, Nowra Motoplex’s Manager, to work with me on these East Coast Stadiumcross events has helped make it a reality. It’s awesome to have someone with a shared passion for the sport. Hopefully, the riders support the series so that we can continue to do it again in 2023 and for years to come.

Why stadiumcross?
Supercross is considered by most as the pinnacle of the sport, but for a long time there has been a massive gap between motocross and supercross. I believe there’s a real need for stadiumcross because it acts as a stepping-stone from motocross to supercross. A stadiumcross series will help develop riders at state level and give them the confidence to one day compete in supercross. Also, I think stadiumcross has generated a lot of interest through other major events, such as Coffs Stadiumcross and now the National Arenacross Series in Victoria.

In other words, it’s little less intimidating for riders, right?
Exactly. Compared to 40 gates at a normal motocross race day, stadiumcross has limited gate numbers and qualifying races, which makes the racing more fun and actioned-packed. What makes stadiumcross such a great event is that riders of all ages can have a go – from the little Nippers right up to the old men who just can’t let go of their handlebars. Coupled with the tighter arena-sized track, it makes for great spectating and a day/night meeting under lights just adds to the excitement. People will experience all that first-hand if they come along the inaugural East Coast SMX at Nowra Motoplex on October 15.

2022 EAST COAST SMX – RACE CALENDAR

• Rd 1: October 15, 2022
• Rd 2: October 29, 2022
• Rd 3: November 12, 2022

CLASSES OF COMPETITION

Morning Program…

• 4-u9 50cc Nippers
• 7-u9 50cc Division 2
• 10-u12 65cc
• MX1 Clubman
• MX2 Clubman
• +35 Vets & Senior Women (these classes will be run together, but scored separately).

Afternoon Program…

• 4-u9 50cc Nippers
• 7-u10 65cc
• 9-u12 85cc – 150cc 4-stroke (Standard Wheel)
• 12-u16 85cc – 150cc 4-stroke (Standard/Big Wheel)
• 13-u16 100cc – 125cc 2-stroke
• 13-u16 128cc 2-stroke – 250cc 4-stroke
• MX1 Pro
• MX2 Pro
• MX3

RACE FORMAT

Similar to the AMA SX’s format for all classes with more than 20 entries:

• Riders will be split into two heat races.
• The top eight finishers in each heat race will qualify straight to the final.
• The remaining riders will go to the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ), where only the top four finishers will qualify for the final.
• The final will then determine the finishing positions of the class with points allocated (as per Manual of Motorcycle Sport).

For all classes with less than 20 entries:

• There will be three finals with cumulative points over the three races and then re-scored according to the overall finishing positions (as per the Manual of Motorcycle Sport_.

FOR MORE INFO…

For more information about everything from race schedules to supp regs to series sponsors to event/series entries (which are now open), check out the East Coast SMX’s channels:

Website: https://www.eastcoastmx.com.au/smx/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EastCoastSMX

Instagram: east_coast_smx

Email: info@eastcoastmx.com.au