These huge AX changes are sure to shake things up in 2019

The Arenacross Tour has revealed some significant changes to classes and race format that will bring about a big shakeup for the 2019 series.

For UK Arenacross in 2019 there will be two all-new classes for youth riders who will all enjoy a “factory-racer lifestyle” say organisers ASL while sweeping changes are brought in for both Pro and Pro Lites classes.

24 invited youth riders will be split into two groups with 12 taking on the new Rookie Cup – a one-make series on identical 85cc machinery.

The Rookies Cup provides a massive opportunity with the 12 riders ripping race-ready machines provided for them – along with their kit. Mum and dad will avoid some of the stresses (and we would imagine, the cost) of running a privateer team with an unannounced manufacturer prepping the bikes and the whole operation housed within a professional Rookie Pit at each event.

They simply need to rock up, get kitted up, go out and win!

The other 12 lucky starlets will be given a similar experience in the Arenacross Electric Power Cup – a one-make mini electric-bike class which replaces the Youth 65cc.

The Electric Power Cup is for riders aged seven to 10 years and will follow similar lines to the Rookies Cup but instead of racing traditional 65cc moto machines, the young ‘uns will each get an electric dirt bike. This revolutionary move sets Arenacross apart, says ASL, making it the first-ever series to create an electric-only class in motocross racing. Entries for both the Rookies and Electric Power Cup will be invitation only.

The radical changes for Arenacross in 2019 also impact the Pro and Pro Lites classes with new race-night formats planned.

The premier AX class gets a makeover with two points-scoring Main Events, which will be classed as qualifying races for the evening’s Super Final Main Event. The top six overall scorers from each Main Event will transfer to the Super Final. But there is one more twist for the Super Final…

The Pro Lites class is back for 2019 but in a change to previous years, it will be 18-years-plus. Just like the Pro class, the Pro Lites will have two ‘Main Event’ points-paying qualifying races with an added incentive of the top six overall transferring to the evening’s Super Final where they will get priority start-gate pick as they take on the Pros.

Adding to the tension before the Super Final, the four Pro and Pro Lites placed seventh to 10th in each class will filter through to an eight-rider Head-to-Head eliminator with the winner going through to the Super Final. All non-seeded riders will race in the LCQ (Last Chance Qualifier) in a bid to claim the all-important 14th start position in the Super Final Main Event.

It’s worth pointing out that last year there were 10 gates, so in 2019 if they don’t increase the start gates we’ll see a bunch of top riders starting the Super Final on the second row. It’ll be interesting to see how the Pro riders take that news.

AX 2019 classes and changes tl;dr:

• Pro – points-scoring qualifying races; Main Event 1 and 2, on each night of Arenacross
• LCQ is back – yes! Winner takes last gate in the Super Final
• Pro Lites – 18-years-plus, points-scoring qualifying races; Main Event 1 and 2 with the overall top six securing a spot in the evening’s Super Final Main Event and they’ll get priority start-gate pick
• Head-to-Head – four Pro and Pro Lites placed seventh to 10th in each class will go through to the Head-to-Head eliminator
• Rookies Cup – identical 85cc machinery with provided race-ready machines from one manufacturer
• Electric Power Cup – seven to 10 years – single-make, matching electric bikes

You can book UK Arenacross Tour tickets now with prices from just £12 for a child visitor on Friday evenings and substantial discounts for two-night tickets. Arena doors will open at 6pm, with the opening ceremony kicking off at 7.30pm.