Slaw Dog
Well, shit. With the opening round of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship season just over two weeks away, MX Sports Pro Racing announced today that they have suspended the start of the season indefinitely due to “ongoing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, notably recent spikes of positive cases in a significant number of states.”
The championship was scheduled to being at Ironman in Indiana on July 18 with round two taking place at WW Ranch in Florida on July 25—fans were going to be allowed to attend both rounds. Now, well, we don’t know when the series will begin.
[Update: In a revised press release MX Sports Pro Racing said they “will now look to begin the season in August.”]
“From the moment we were forced to delay the original start of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in May, we have diligently worked towards developing as complete a championship-caliber calendar as possible for both our athletes and our fans,” said Carrie Russell, CEO of MX Sports Pro Racing, in a press release. “In tandem with our event organizers, we have been in constant communication with local officials from the government, health department, and department of public safety for each respective venue to ensure every National is operated in accordance with social distancing measures established by each county and the CDC.
“Following the recent spike in positive cases around the country, a pause is warranted as we evaluate the impact of the stall in state-issued reopening phases and newly implemented travel quarantines,” continued Russell. “Our manufacturers are the lifeblood of American motocross, and we stand by them with our support in times of need. As a result of recent developments, MX Sports Pro Racing needs to take the definitive and proactive step of postponing the start of the season temporarily, which will allow us to work through the current challenges we face.”
In the press release, MX Sports said it will “be in a position to take immediate action when the opportunity arises to confirm events at a future date when the time is right.”
“It is our sole focus to host a successful season that will not only allow us to crown a pair of AMA National Champions, but will also allow our incredibly loyal fanbase to celebrate the return of racing by cheering on their favorite riders,” concluded Russell. “These are extraordinary times that have had a significant impact on our industry, and that has called for us to take unprecedented action on behalf of the well-being of our community. This sport is a family, and we will not be deterred from accomplishing our goal, despite this adversity. We remain steadfast in bringing everyone the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship they deserve. Our event organizers have put in far too much effort, while our broadcast partners, series sponsors, manufacturers, participants, and fans have all shown tremendous patience. We owe it to all of them to bring this season to fruition, and we’ll do everything in our power to make that happen.”
Main image: Pro Motocross
