Image: Foremost Media.

The MXD category will be replaced by an innovative new MX3 class from 2021, as Motorcycling Australia (MA) overhauls the pathway to professional motocross domestically.

Riders will be able to gain an endorsement to enter MX3 from 14 years of age, which won’t prevent those under 16 from also continuing to race juniors.

MX3 will be for riders aged between 14 to under 18 (as of 1 January that year), however, more accomplished riders will now be able to move into the professional MX2 ranks from 15 years old under strict endorsement procedures. Otherwise, the regular minimum age from MX2 or MX1 remains 16.

“Currently there is very little overlap in the class structure and riders must move even if not willing or ready to, or don’t have the skills to do so,” a statement read. “In addition, where a junior rider is ready to move up a class, they can be held back by age group limitations.

“By creating a new pathway with an overlap in age group classes, riders will have some flexibility to remain in a class or move up a class if they are ready and eligible to do so. The MX3 class also brings Australian motocross more in line with the FIM age groupings.”

Part of the announcement also been confirmed that once a competitor has chosen to move up to senior classes within MX1 or MX2, they can no longer compete in any junior classes or MX3 again.

There have been no adjustments to the current junior categories, which allows juniors between the age of 13 to under 16 years to compete at national championship events in their chosen classes.