Image: Simon Cudby.

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will see timed races introduced for 2017, replacing the previous lap-based formats in the 250SX and 450SX categories.

With varying stadium sizes and track lengths, the updated timed format will ensure riders spend the same amount of time on track throughout the 17-round series.

The new timed format will see 250SX competitors race their main event for 15 minutes plus one lap, and the premier 450SX competitors an extended 20 minutes plus one lap.

Feld Entertainment’s senior director of operations, Dave Prater, believes this new format will benefit the series and its fans in multiple ways.

“We believe this change will bring the fitness element more into play and provide more excitement for our fans,” said Prater.

With the exception of the returning semi final races in recent years, this timed update marks the first major change to the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship format since 1985.