The 2027 SMX Championship will introduce several changes, with the SMX League announcing an expanded SMX Next development pathway and a new 109 dB sound limit for professional competition.
The changes are aimed at strengthening the sport’s future, providing a clearer pathway for amateur riders to reach the professional ranks while also addressing noise levels and the long-term sustainability of motocross and supercross venues.
SMX Next Gets Global Pathway
The biggest development for aspiring racers is the expansion of the SMX Next programme, which will bring together Supercross, Pro Motocross and the newly introduced SMX Next Australia series to determine the field for the SMX Next World All-Star Championship.
From 2027, SMX Next will feature at 10 regular-season events, with five races held during Monster Energy Supercross and another five during Pro Motocross. Riders will earn points across both championships, and the top 15 prospects will automatically qualify for the postseason.
The fifth and final SMX Next race in each series will be a Showdown event, with the Supercross Showdown at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on April 3 and the Pro Motocross Showdown at Ironman Raceway on August 27.
Australia will also have a pathway into the international programme through SMX Next Australia, with up to three riders earning postseason qualification based on their combined points from SMX Next races held during the Australian Supercross Championship.
Four additional riders will be selected by invitation, creating a 22-rider field for the SMX Next World All-Stars, which will contest two postseason races at SMX Playoff 1 on September 11 and Playoff 2 on September 18.
The programme will also provide opportunities for amateur riders to qualify through six major American amateur events, including Loretta Lynn’s and Mini O’s, with results from the 2026 events determining places in the 2027 SMX Next season.
The expansion builds on the success of the programme, which has already helped develop riders such as Haiden Deegan and Cole Davies into established names in the SMX World Championship.
New 109 dB Sound Limit for 2027
Alongside the development pathway changes, the SMX League has confirmed a new maximum sound limit of 109 dB for professional competition, reducing the current AMA limit of 112 dB by three decibels.
The new standard will take effect from the opening round of the 2027 championship at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on January 9.
Developed in collaboration with the series manufacturers, AMA Pro Racing and the American Motorcyclist Association, the change is intended to reduce the impact of motorcycle noise beyond the track and help protect access to motocross venues, local riding areas and the communities surrounding them.
All manufacturers competing in SMX League events have committed to producing motorcycles that meet the updated standard, creating a common requirement across the championship.
The SMX League says the reduction is also expected to improve the experience for spectators at events, including better communication within stadiums and venues, while providing a more balanced sound for television audiences.
The new limit will require teams and manufacturers to prepare their machinery ahead of the 2027 season, with technical guidance being provided to help riders and independent teams make the transition.