The AMA National motocross schedule will undergo a major overhaul for the 2004 season. According to AMA sources, when the 2004 Supercross season ends on May 1 in Las Vegas there will be a one-week break before the start of the 125/250 Nationals. In the past the Nationals started the very next weekend at Glen Helen (on Mothers Day). If the proposed schedule holds up, Hangtown will be the first National of 2004. This new break will allow the teams more time to prepare for the outdoor series.
WHAT ABOUT GLEN HELEN?
Glen Helen will move to September 12, 2004 and become the finale. The AMA had previously moved the Glen Helen date to May years ago because the last time they held a race at Glen Helen in the dead of summer it was 110 degrees. The AMA says it is not concerned about the potential for 100 degree weather because by that time in the 125/250 series the riders will be acclimated to hot weather.
Does it matter if Glen Helen is first or last on the schedule? Universally acclaimed by the aficionados as the toughest, roughest and most difficult track on the circuit (and equally hated by out-of-shape riders), Glen Helen was always a shock to the system for riders coming from the Supercross season.
If Glen Helen isnt first, many riders will have an easier time making the adjustment to the outdoor series on the smoother Hangtown track.
When Team Yamahas Tim Ferry was asked whether he would like the toughest race to be held first or last in the series, he said, I would prefer that Glen Helen be the final race of the series. That way if the AMA championship race is close, the winner would chosen at the toughest track.
The AMA has yet to release the 2004 schedule or confirm the date changes for Hangtown and Glen Helen. Rumors have it that several other Nationals will have there traditional dates changed (in order to accommodate more travel days for the long haul trip from the west to the east coasts). Stay tuned.
Originally posted by dirt bike dave
I'm much more likely to go in September than on Mother's Day. Yeah, it will be hot, but at least is will be a dry heat ;)
Originally posted by XRpredator
I don't mind the move, but I despise MXA hyping Glen Helen as much as they do as "the toughest track in the series" blah blah. We know Jody designs it, give it a rest whydon'tcha? Get some rocks like Unadilla, then proclaim the toughness.
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