Bold shift in Supercross scheduling sparks debate—and here’s why you should care. For 2026, Monster Energy AMA Supercross is swapping out free practice for two 12-minute qualifying sessions, tightening up the race day format and prioritizing track maintenance, rider safety, and on-track competitiveness. The change, confirmed by Mike Muye, Sr. Director of Operations for Supercross, marks a notable departure from 2025’s structure of free sessions and two 10-minute qualifiers. In short: less practice, more purposeful on-track time, and more time spent rebuilding sections like rhythm lanes.
Muye explained that the primary aim is to protect the track and reduce maintenance headaches. By eliminating free practice and reallocating time to two 12-minute qualifiers, crews can dedicate more of the schedule to rebuilding challenging parts—especially the whoops. He acknowledged that whoops are inherently time-consuming to construct and maintain, so limiting traffic there could reduce breakages and crashes. This shift means every session on the track now has qualifying relevance, increasing the stakes and potentially tightening the overall results.
The new format also keeps the night show flexible. With a three-hour broadcast window, organizers can adjust as needed to deliver a smooth main program without sacrificing safety or racing quality.
Safety remains a central pillar. The AMA/Feld team has experimented with the number of whoops to balance challenge and rider protection. While nine whoops per round was a recent standard, 2026 may feature tracks with varying counts, and some courses could include ten or eleven in certain sections. The goal is to preserve the “excitement and skill” that make Supercross compelling while minimizing high-risk crashes.
Beyond the track, there’s talk of in-helmet communications. While not slated for 2026, officials are exploring one-way communication devices to keep riders informed without enabling two-way dialogue during races.
Overall, Muye and Feld Motor Sports emphasize growth, safety, and high-quality racing as they evaluate every facet—from race day logistics and track design to broadcast presentation. This is a deliberate move to streamline competition, improve rider safety, and enhance the viewing experience. What do you think of removing free practice entirely? Do you believe two qualifiers will noticeably change race dynamics, or could it overemphasize one-lap speed over consistency? Share your stance in the comments.
