Image: MXN.

Williams Event Management (WEM) has revealed in the latest issue of Inside Dirt that the Motul MX Nationals MXD championship will be reduced to eight rounds next year, which indicates the title will be decided at Port Macquarie’s eighth round in New South Wales.

In previous years the MXD class has concluded its championship at Coolum’s finale alongside the alternative categories, making it one of larger changes to the MX Nationals in the new year.

It is understood the decision to reduce the MXD rounds to eight is to allow graduating MXD riders the opportunity for wildcard appearances at the final two rounds of the series, assisting them in the transition to either MX2 or MX1 for the following year.

A host of support classes will return for 2017, including 125 and 250 junior categories, the 85 Cup, Amateur Cup, along with Vets and Womens at Coolum’s 10th round.

A new addition to the series next year will be the 125 Gold Cup, which will be open to senior riders for rounds three, seven and eight of the championship.

2017 Motul MX Nationals calendar:
Rd1 – 2 April – Wonthaggi, VIC (MX1, MX2, MXD, 125 Juniors)
Rd2 – 23 April – Appin, NSW (MX1, MX2, MXD, 250 Juniors)
Rd3 – 7 May – Conondale, QLD (MX1, MX2, MXD, 125 Gold Cup Seniors)
Rd4 – 21 May – Horsham, VIC (MX1, MX2, MXD, 250 Juniors)
Rd5 – 28 May – Murray Bridge, SA (MX1, MX2, MXD, 125 Juniors)
Rd6 – 2 July – Nowra, NSW (MX1, MX2, MXD, 85 Cup 9-12 years)
Rd7 – 16 July – Shepparton, VIC (MX1, MX2, MXD, 125 Gold Cup Seniors)
Rd8 – 30 July – Port Macquarie, NSW (MX1, MX2, MXD, 125 Gold Cup Seniors)
Rd9 – 13 August – Toowoomba, QLD (MX1, MX2, 250 Juniors, Amateur Cup)
Rd10 – 19-20 August – Coolum, QLD (MX1, MX2, Vets 30 plus, Vets 40 plus, Womens, Amateur Cup, SXS)