Time to revisit number rules

Buy him a 2026 Program and tell him to study up. 

Idk Man i don’t think the casual fan is too concerned about who’s who if they’re only popping in a few times a year. I see the concern but I don’t think it’s really a big deal. 

I heard in football they allow 2 people to wear the same number while on the field.  It's super confusing and probably why football isn't more popular.

yeah I used to like explaining that their no. is based on how they did last year but now the permanent numbering system has muddied the water...

It never should have been changed from this.

My challenge/goal every year growing up from the age of like 6 was to learn everyone's new numbers. Still remember most when I see old photos all these years later. I also wouldn't have called myself casual even at a young age as moto was EVERYTHING for me back then.

Try making it a game/challenge for him and maybe he will find some fun in that each year. 

I don’t know man, when I was 6 all the riders got new numbers based on how his they where and it was awesome seeing all the new looks at the opening rounds. I don’t think we where any smarter back then and we figured it out pretty fast. 

When I was a kid I loved seeing all of the new setups every year, including the new numbers. My dad never had to explain anything to me, I would point out to him who was who at the Detroit and Dallas rounds.

@crt32 Let me get this straight. You want the AMA to change how they number the riders because a 6 year old can't understand it? Now read that again slower to yourself.

The permanent numbers allow the riders to solidify their branding and succeed more financially.  I back it.  These dudes put their life on the line and if they can use their permanent number to make more money over the course of their career, they deserve it.

450 riders should have lower numbers than 250

There was a better system a long time ago. But I have bad news for you and your kid about riders keeping their numbers...

Way better system for the "Casual" fans, lower #'s = fast guys, 3 digit #'s = new or not so fast guys.  The "Branding" identity argument is muddy.

 # 7 James Stewart and Seven gear correct ? Nope, Plessinger.

#4, RC, The GOAT ! , Nope, Baggett, eerr wait, Sexton.  #2's been McGrath, Villopoto and Webb, and on and on.  

In college, 2 players can have the same number.  But they can't be on the field at the same time.

I hate the new system and always have. I loved the old system where only the number riders from the previous year rode with the number 1. Everybody else got a number based on there total points for SX and MX. Then the next year it was exciting to see how low your favorite riders numbers got. It clearly indicates how good a season they had the prior year. If your a real fan you can learn the riders new numbers.

What about players from opposing teams? Can they have the same number?

Learning the top 70 or so isn't that hard, but I do have difficulty remembering two-digit numbers higher than that, especially when a rider earns the same number on the same team from a different rider the year prior.

I could go either way on permanents, but this hybrid system is kinda silly. Also, stop counting 250SX points the same as 450SX.

Another thought, how many other sports cater to casual fans over the more die hard loyal fans? 

Doesn't that game* start with a man touching another man in the ass area? 

Same for me Matty.  Actually found it fun and think career numbers are dumb for the reasons Sumdood explained. Down vote away.  Happy Holidays!

I like the permanent numbering system and branding, and I've been watching before and after the change. However, I do agree with OP that maybe there should be some stabilization of the earned numbers year over year. Something like a 3 year hold on a number (i.e. Prado as "70") even if not a permanent number to enable the casual (or forgetful fan like me) to not have to school up each year on every rider without a permanent number. Yes, I can buy a program, I can look it up as #'s change year over year. A multi-year window on number change gives a rider a few years to earn a permanent number. If a rider earns a permanent number and wants to bump someone else (who has the # they want) in the 3 year window who doesn't have a permanent number, that's OK with me. Also, riders like Vialle with permanent number 16, I'd like that as long as he is racing in MXGP or AMA (or WSX??) that perhaps he'd get a 3-5 year hold on the number, so if they come back it's not a reset - more like a homecoming - even if not a US citizen. I'm still OK with the toggling between #1 and career number as mandatory. 

Not sure the ama will change their whole numbering system to appease 6 year olds 

there are zero casual fans… never have been never will be! 

They can’t be on the field at the same time. 

I like that the previous champion needs to run number 1. But id like the top 3 from last season to run 1-3. I think thats more meaningful to the casual fan. You have an idea of who the top dogs should be. 

Kids are quick to remember the new numbers ….. us old guys? Not so quick. 😂

Meanwhile in MXGP it’s just whatever number you want. But I guess that works because there’s only 20 or so guys.