MotoOnline.com.au breaks down the upcoming 2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals and answers some of the burning questions that we’ve heard being aired by the industry and the fans.

Q: Who are the title favourites?

A: Tough one! The MX1 class is loaded with talent and speed, but the short money is on defending champion Matt Moss to claim back-to-back titles, especially after his impressive showing at the opening six rounds of the American Supercross Championship.

Behind him there are a host of contenders, but if early form is anything to go by, Ford Dale, Billy Mackenzie, Cody Cooper and Jake Moss are all in with a sniff. And there’s Jay Marmont, back aboard his favoured CDR Yamaha. Honestly, there are too many to list!

The MX2 class is looking equally as tight, with nothing separating Josh Cachia, Luke Clout and Kale Makeham. This year will come down to consistency, but the shorter three-moto formats definitely fall in the favour of holeshot master Josh Cachia.

The MXD class is likely to boil down to a two-dog fight between Joel Dinsale and Jack Simpson, however as usual, a host of wildcards tend to rise to the occasion year in, year out.

Image: Simon Makker.

Q: How have the 2014 rule changes been received?

A: Generally positive. For 2014 MX Nationals promoters Williams Event Management (WEM) have again shaken the series up by re-introducing mixed-format racing to half the rounds, while the other half will retain the traditional 30-minute motos.

On top of that, WEM also announced a rule change for the MXD class, where the moment young Charlie turns 19, he must vacate the class and move up to either MX2 or MX1. Basically, this means the MXD will be a true ‘Under 19s’ class.

As always, you’re never going to please everyone and there have been a few outspoken individuals questioning the new formats, but for us, we think it’s a good thing and will strengthen both the racing across all classes, and make the racing more spectator-friendly.

Q: What are mixed formats?

A: Three 20-minute motos. The mixed formats tag came about a few years ago when WEM introduced two back-to-back 15-minute races, then a traditional 30-minute moto at the end of the day.

While the new formats aren’t technically mixed, the name has stuck, although three-moto format is a better way of describing it. At the three-moto format rounds, riders across MX1, MX2 and MXD classes will all race three shorter 20-minute motos. Points will be up for grabs across all races.

Q: So on three-moto format days, there will be more than 100 points up for grabs?

A: As far as we know, that’s correct. We have yet to hear the specifics of Super Pole and if there will still be points awarded to the top five qualifiers.

Image: Simon Makker.

Q: Which rounds will have traditional and which rounds will have three-moto formats?

A: These will be split 50-50. The three-moto format will run at the opening round at Broadford, round five at Wanneroo, round seven at Conondale, round eight at Raymond Terrace, and at the final round at Coolum.

Traditional motos will run at rounds two, three and four at Appin, Wonthaggi and Murray Bridge, plus round six at Swan Hill and round nine at Gladstone.

Q: Why is the MX Nationals heading to Gladstone?

A: For the Jono Porter Memorial. 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of Gladstone’s moto legend Jono Porter, who tragically passed away at the Coolum round of the MX Nationals in 2004. To celebrate the life and legacy of JP, the series will head to his home town for a memorial race. This isn’t a stand-alone event, and all points will count towards the 2014 MX Nationals championship.

Q: Will the 2014 MX Nationals be televised?

A: Unlikely. We haven‘t heard any word about whether the championship will be televised at all. It certainly won’t be shown live, although last year WEM did trial some live-streaming online at various rounds. Obviously this can only take place if reception and technology allows it, but there are plans in place to expand upon that coverage in 2014.