News 19 Jun 2024

SX Global finally launches 2024 WSX championship schedule

Canada, Australia, and Abu Dhabi to feature on calendar this season.

Image: Supplied.

SX Global has finally launched the 2024 World Supercross Championship (WSX) schedule, set to span four rounds across three locations – Canada, Australia, and Abu Dhabi – beginning in late October.

WSX has largely been up in the air following delays to the calendar release, apparent discontent among the existing teams, and the departure of former CEO Adam Bailey, however, SX Global has maintained that a schedule was in the works.

This year’s series is scheduled to drop the gates in Vancouver, Canada, at BC Place on October 26, before traveling to Perth’s HBF Park for rounds two and three on November 23-24 in a double-header weekend. It will conclude at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates on December 4, which is the Wednesday prior to the 2024 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“When the FIM World Supercross Championship set out on its pilot season in 2022, it held a bold vision for the future,” incoming SX Global executive chairman, Andy Edwards, said. “The goal was to take supercross to an international level by bringing it to an engaged, yet underserved global audience, while vying to identify and gain a foothold in new regions and markets with previously untapped potential.

“With races in Vancouver, Perth, and Abu Dhabi, our 2024 season builds upon this promise, but only represents the tip of what we want to achieve with WSX in the long term. We’re looking forward to continuing our journey this year and can’t wait to engage audiences globally with the most exciting racing supercross has to offer.”

A total of 10 founding teams had been licensed to contest WSX upon its introduction in 2022, but widespread rumors continue to suggest that at least 30 percent have abandoned the series. Defending WSX champion Ken Roczen was contracted to continue as part of PMG Suzuki, while current SX2 champion Max Anstie won’t defend after signing a deal with Star Racing in the US.

It’s unclear whether the teams that have been speculated to exit were compensated financially upon departing or if they will be replaced in order to keep the WSX (450) and SX2 (250) roster at 20 riders per category – plus wildcards – ahead of the 2024 season. The quality of riders lining up will also be paramount in order for the series to be a success.

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