For a while now, we have been being told by the powers that be at FELD that the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross series would start back up with round 11 of the 2020 series after the conclusion of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in the Fall, but Steve Matthes from PulpMX sent out a Tweet that said he has heard that SX racing might be back sooner than anyone expected. As you can imagine, that started some wild speculation.
I have since confirmed this news with a rep from FELD that this is in the early planning stages at best and no specifics could be discussed at this time. From the rumors we read and heard, it sounds like we may start with round 11 of 2020 Monster Energy Supercross in mid-May and go through mid-June with all of the final seven rounds of the series taking place at State Farm Stadium [University of Phoenix Stadium] in Glendale Arizona. With them trying to cram seven rounds into four weeks, we are likely to see two races per weekend, but that is just my speculation from what I have been told.
If this is true, FELD is likely realizing it is time to cut their losses and run the races with no spectators. There is just no way around that and whether they race in May or October, they are likely not going to be approved to race with a packed stadium any time in 2020. Arizona’s stay home order is in effect until April 30, but we are assuming large gatherings will likely be banned for quite sometime after that. Rather than flying to Phoenix as I did earlier this year, I think I’ll be renting a Prius and driving my butt the 20 hours from Oregon.
Hopefully, the 2020 Glendale 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 Supercross’ will help us conclude what’s been an amazing championship so far. We will keep you updated as we learn more.
Update 4/21: We were told today that according to FELD, that according to the CDC, there must be a 14-day decline in cases for the races to run in May. So far, we are on day 5 of 14 and the last 4 days in a row have seen a decline in cases. Basically, we are on a 10-day countdown now to get the final 7 rounds of SX in. We are told, temperatures will be checked, masks worn and the people invited will be cut to a minimum. We are crossing our fingers that “Hard Card Press Corps” will be allowed to attend, but we will be happy to have SX back either way.
Click here for the latest 2020 Monster Energy Supercross series updates.
