2027 MX - No More Grates?

Good. Anything that adds more skill to starting and makes it harder to just set up a 'perfect' map will make starts more interesting and create more separation as the riders hit the first corner 

And ban the start devices while you're at it ...

Awesome. I'm all for improvement and new idea's in this sport, but the grates are something I really don't like

Yes please. Grates takeaway the qualifying advantage and imo although possibly level the playing field off the start it gives an unfair advantage to factory teams who can dial in a map to a condition with no variables ( the grate) and also, as everyone knows without the variability in launch everyone ends up at turn 1 so much closer together resulting in more crashes. 

Motocross should always start on dirt

I reckon whatever is easiest for the track crew / club to maintain! 

My understanding was prepping the gate was part of the procedure (and skillset required) for being a good starter before grates came in and took that all away

And ban the foot stools too (if thats what they are called?)

I learned how to prep a gate by watching Jimmy Povolny at a regional in 2014. He had an absolute system and it changed the way I prep my own gate. 

It’s a lost art. 

100%, I never started on a grate but hated a concrete start pad. 

I think this is one of those rare moments in history where something is so obvious all of Vital actually agrees. No more grates. No more holeshot devices either while you're at it (we've seen them cause accidents when they fail to release). I wish it were possible to get rid of start maps too but I know they have no way of policing that so at least the grates and holeshot devices. 

So… back to concrete pads?

hope not

and all of Vital said..............AMEN.

I want open face helmets and grass starts. Get off my lawn.

Fuckyeah

With start maps, holeshot devices, etc. how much of a difference will it make? I know they are trying to limit the first turn pile ups by spreading the field out, but not sure this will make much difference. 

A. Fucking. Men. Really hoping this happens. 

No grates, no holeshot devices, no starting blocks.

Maps stay because that is much harder to enforce.  Without the previous three they are much less effective anyway.

This should also apply to SX in addition to MX.

They gotta do something about the first turns, this is startcross. How many first turn crashes have taken out a championship contender? Moto used to be 45+2, 3 minute laptimes, dirt start, no start devices. Either change the start or update the number of gates.

I disagree with that. Gives an advantage to taller riders. 

?

If you look at the grate issue rationally you'll see that the grate just pushes "the problem" out just past the gate anyway. At least when the problem is behind the gate, you can mitigate it a bit with your boots.  

There are a lot of areas where we tall riders are at a disadvantage, but we don't get special accommodations

With no hole shot device and no blocks, some of us can’t touch the ground…. 

Dig the rut behind the gate deeper. 

Awesome. I like that they have tried something, and find it doesn't work and revert. Don't be anchored to a decision. 

I think starting blocks are OK if they are small, which I believe was limited to 4" in 2026. Those peg height blocks were ridiculous, but smart of the teams to take advantage of the lack of rules while they existed. 

I can't see clawing back start devices. Would be nice but don't see it happening. 

I don’t mind being the lone hold out. It’s not that I have any particular love for the grates, but I am concerned about adding difficulty to maintaining the starting line. At least concrete made it easier to present a uniform launch surface to racers.

I disagree, a problem with momentum is much less of a problem. Plus the other side of the gate will be different for every spot

A unified start line is the problem. The issue isn’t too fast into turn 1 the issue is everyone getting there at the same time

Good, it's about time.  I never liked the grates indoors or out.