Motorsport
FIM World Supercross explained: Format, classes, scoring and everything you need to know
Watch FIM World Supercross for free on DAZN
The FIM World Supercross Championship brings together many of the world's best riders for a globe-trotting series of high-intensity stadium races, where every lap can make the difference between victory and defeat.
Unlike traditional motocross, World Supercross takes place on purpose-built dirt tracks inside stadiums, with riders navigating steep jumps, rhythm sections, whoops and tight corners on machines capable of producing spectacular speed and close racing.
Whether you're watching for the first time or following the championship throughout the season, here's everything you need to know about FIM World Supercross.
What is the FIM World Supercross Championship?
The FIM World Supercross Championship is the official world championship for stadium supercross, sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
Launched under its current format in 2022, the championship has expanded into a global series, taking elite supercross racing to venues across North America, Europe, South America, Africa and Oceania.
Each round is held inside a stadium on a specially constructed dirt circuit, where riders compete across multiple races rather than a single Grand Prix.
What's the difference between supercross and motocross?
Although both disciplines feature off-road motorcycles, the racing is very different.
Motocross takes place outdoors on longer natural terrain circuits that include hills, changing surfaces and wider layouts.
Supercross, meanwhile, is contested inside stadiums on compact, man-made tracks packed with jumps, rhythm lanes, whoops and technical corners. The tighter layouts produce closer racing, frequent overtaking opportunities and shorter, more intense races.
What are the SX1 and SX2 classes?
World Supercross features two championship categories.
SX1 is the premier class, with riders competing on motorcycles of up to 450cc.
These are the most powerful bikes in the championship and feature many of the biggest names in international supercross.
SX2 is contested on motorcycles of up to 250cc.
While the machines produce less power than those in SX1, the racing is every bit as competitive, with momentum, precision and consistency playing an even greater role.
Each class has its own practice sessions, qualifying, races, podiums and championship standings.
FIM World Supercross Championship 2026 calendar
The 2026 FIM World Supercross Championship is the biggest season in the series' history, expanding to six rounds across five continents between August and December. The championship begins in Calgary, Canada, before visiting Great Britain, Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand as riders battle to become world champion.
| Round |
Date | Event | Venue |
| 1 | August 8 | Canadian Grand Prix | McMahon Stadium, Calgary |
| 2 | October 10 | British Grand Prix | Alexander Stadium, Birmingham |
| 3 | October 24 | Buenos Aires City Grand Prix | Autódromo Oscar y Juan Gálvez, Buenos Aires |
| 4 | November 21 | Australian Grand Prix | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast |
| 5 | TBC | South African Grand Prix | TBC |
| 6 | December 5 | New Zealand Grand Prix | One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch |
How does a World Supercross race weekend work?
Every World Supercross round follows the same format, with riders progressing through practice, qualifying and SuperPole before contesting three races that decide the overall Grand Prix winner.
The day begins with a 10-minute practice session, giving riders the chance to learn the circuit, adapt to changing track conditions and fine-tune their bike setup. This is followed by a 10-minute qualifying session, where the fastest lap times determine the four riders who advance to SuperPole, while also deciding gate selection for the rest of the field.
SuperPole is a one-lap shootout between the four quickest qualifiers. Each rider gets a single flying lap, with the fastest earning pole position and first choice of starting gate—a significant advantage given the short run to the opening corner.
The racing itself is split across three contests: two sprint races followed by a longer Main Event. The sprint races reward explosive starts and aggressive riding, while the Main Event places greater emphasis on consistency and race management as the track deteriorates.
Rather than one race deciding the outcome, points from all three races are combined to determine the overall Grand Prix winner, meaning riders must deliver across the entire event to stand on the top step of the podium.
How are points awarded?
The first two sprint races award points to the top 10 finishers.
| Position | Points |
| 1st | 10 |
| 2nd | 9 |
| 3rd | 8 |
| 4th | 7 |
| 5th | 6 |
| 6th | 5 |
| 7th | 4 |
| 8th | 3 |
| 9th | 2 |
| 10th | 1 |
The Main Event awards points to every rider who finishes inside the top 20, with victory worth 25 points.
| Position | Points |
| 1st | 25 |
| 2nd | 22 |
| 3rd | 20 |
| 4th | 18 |
| 5th | 16 |
| 6th | 15 |
| 7th | 14 |
| 8th | 13 |
| 9th | 12 |
| 10th | 11 |
| 11th | 10 |
| 12th | 9 |
| 13th | 8 |
| 14th | 7 |
| 15th | 6 |
| 16th | 5 |
| 17th | 4 |
| 18th | 3 |
| 19th | 2 |
| 20th | 1 |
The rider with the highest combined points from all three races wins the Grand Prix, while every point earned also contributes towards the season-long championship standings - with the rider scoring the most over the campaign being crowned world champion.
What are wildcard riders?
Alongside the championship's licensed teams, selected wildcard riders can enter individual rounds.
Wildcards do not contest the full season but can still challenge for race wins and podium finishes, adding an unpredictable element to every event and often disrupting the championship battle.
How to watch the FIM World Supercross Championship on DAZN
Fans can watch the FIM World Supercross Championship live on DAZN globally throughout the 2026 season.
To watch:
- Download the DAZN app or visit DAZN.com.
- Sign up for a DAZN account or log in.
- Search for FIM World Supercross.
- Select the live event and start streaming.
