World Supercross 2025: The Do’s and Don’ts

Whether you’re heading to Argentina, Canada, Australia, Sweden, or South Africa, knowing the essentials will make your experience smoother and way more fun.

The FIM World Supercross Format in a Nutshell

Each event follows the same format. Opening ceremony, practice into Superpole and then the three Main Events to proclaim the winner and podiums of the SX1 (motorcycles up to 450cc engine capacity) and SX2 (up to 250cc capacity) classes. 

There are seven teams (each fielding two riders per class, so four in total and are obliged to replace those racers in the case of injury), even electric bikes (Stark Future Factory Racing) and 16 riders battling on track for the world championship (and a few more as high-profile ‘wildcards’). 

No rider can enter both SX1 and SX2. How old do the riders have to be? Well, in SX2 it’s 15 years, and SX1 is 16. The upper age limit is 50!

Rider & Team Rules

• Equipment must meet FIM technical standards.
• Gloves and helmets are mandatory, and names/numbers must be visible on jerseys.
• Team staff attire: collared shirts, no sandals, sleeveless shirts, or cut-off jeans.
• Track access is restricted 72 hours prior (except official media/press activities).
• Onboard cameras may be used with organiser approval.

Podium & Media Duties:

• Top 3 finishers must attend the podium ceremony and press conference.
• Riders may be asked for up to 3 hours of promotion before the event.

The Bikes

• Wildcards get only one bike.
• Bikes must pass technical inspection (weight, noise, performance).
• Noise limit: 114 decibels (1dB leeway post-race).
• Bike swaps are not allowed during races.

Track Essentials

• Minimum track width: 6m
• Start straight: 30–80m
• The timekeeping and lap scoring services must be in view of the finish bridge and a counter / display panel indicating the number of laps during the races should be installed on the finish bridge and be visible to the rider

Racing Rules & Penalties

Race Officials:

• Race Direction is formed by an FIM Delegate, the FIM Race Director, the Clerk of the Course who impose the rules and deal with indiscretions. As well as the FIM Race Director and Clerk of the Course (who is responsible for administration and the timetable of the event, penalties and other matters), other staff include a FIM Chief Flag Steward (who ensures that flag marshals duties are carried out in accordance with the FIM Regulations), a FIM Technical Director (technical verifications), a Chief Timekeeper, a Sustainability Steward (to make sure the FIM Environmental Code for noise and emissions is respected) and a Chief Medical Officer (overseer of facilities, other medical staff and treatment).

Key Race Rules:

• No outside assistance: This means no radio communication with the team and no stopping on track to consult with staff about lines and strategy. If they crash then a marshal can help the rider lift the bike and move it to a safe spot but they cannot help restart the motorcycle or make any repairs or adjustments: these must be made by the rider.
• Track cutting: Riders will be obliged to return the positions he gained and will also be penalised one extra position.
• Leaving stadium floor during race: A rider would face disqualification from the event.
• Start rules: Riders can use start ‘blocks’ (painted only in black or silver) to place their feet but they are not – nor anybody from their team – allowed to tamper with the ground just outside of the gate. This included flattening or watering the dirt. If a rider has a technical problem on the sighting lap and cannot get their bike back to the gate then his race is already over.

Flags Explained:

Race Stops:

• <2 laps: full restart
• <70% complete: restart remaining laps
• 70% complete: final classification stands

Points System

• Race 1 & 2: Top 10 finishers earn points 10 → 1
• Race 3 (Main Event):

• Race 3 decides ties; championship tie-breakers go to:
  1. Higher finishes across rounds
  2. Last round points
• Manufacturer points: only best-placed rider per brand counts

Fan Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Dress for the weather
• Arrive early and soak in the atmosphere
• Take note of your favorite riders’ names & numbers
• Respect environmental rules – use provided bins for litter – the teams do the same for their disguarded oil, tyres, batteries

Don’t:

• Ride the track yourself!
• Ignore flags or marshals, or security
• Enter the track – this is a high speed arena!
• Skip podium ceremonies – stay to the end, unless you’ve really got to dash away!

The Bottom Line

World Supercross 2025 is as much about precision, safety, and spectacle as it is about the racing itself. Know the rules, cheer responsibly, and enjoy some of the most intense, high-flying Supercross action in the world.