Canadian Intermediate Rider Advisory

Canadian Intermediate Rider Advisory

Canadian Motosport Racing Corporation (CRMC) instituted a significant rule change affecting Intermediate riders late in 2011 that may have a negative impact on riders wishing to participate in the more competitive AMA B class in the USA in the future.

The new rule will automatically upgrade the top THREE intermediate riders from any of the three intermediate classes at the 2012 CMRC Walton Grand National Amateur National Championship to PRO in 2013 regardless of how many riders are on the gate. Although the CMRC or Walton Transcan is currently not recognized by the AMA, riders should be aware that rules can change at any time.

Riders can now be upgraded to Pro from intermediate by three different sets of criteria. Accumulating 36 move up points, scoring a top twenty overall finish at a CMRC Pro National, or by placing top three at Walton. 

The Walton Transcan is touted by the CMRC as being Canada's largest amateur event, although primarily made up of Ontario racers. Riders may need to take careful consideration in both the Junior and Intermediate classes if they intend on competing at a higher level in the USA before making the jump to the professional ranks.

Undoubtedly making the jump from intermediate to the professional ranks is the largest step a rider will take in their motocross career and should be considered carefully.  Riders as young as 16 years old could be permanently upgraded in Canada to the professional level based on a top three finish at one event, which could drastically affect a young racers future plans an ultimately career.

Intermediate to Professional Considerations

a) Intermediate riders using 250cc 2-strokes may have to purchase all new equipment for the following year as the motorcycle is not eligible in Canadian MX2 professional racing.

b) Intermediate riders making the jump directly to professional racing without time to properly prepare may experience reduced confidence greatly affecting their performance on the track and their future success in the sport.

c) Professional riders have significantly less classes to race at regional events with less competition. (Usually only PRO/AM or Youth)

d) The sport changes from sprint racing (short motos) to endurance racing (long motos) requiring significantly more training and preparation.

e) Financially, Pro racing is significantly more expensive than amateur racing for privateers.

f) Intermediate riders not wishing to make the jump to the Pro ranks can simply not attend the Walton event and continue as intermediate without any disadvantage.

f) USA AMA Pro racing requires riders to apply for a Professional license instead of automatically being upgraded.

The new CMRC rule brought out in August of 2011 just before last years Walton event caught many riders off guard. The rule primarily affects Ontario intermediate riders due to limited participation from other Canadian provinces. Intermediate riders not participating at the Walton event are not affected by this new rule and are subject to the traditional advancement process giving them more time to make the jump to professional racing if desired.

The Walton event as long been a race to win in Canadian amateur motocross, but with new rules that can penalize a rider for winning may change how they look at event and may be enough for first year intermediates to consider staying at home.

Total race entries by province for the 2011 Walton Transcan (Data taken form race results)

Intermediate Class Participation at the 2011 Walton Transcan

For more information click on the link below.

Reference: 2012 CMRC Competition Rule Book

Page 6 Item Ten

10) The top THREE finishers from all Junior and Intermediate classes at the Grand National Amateur  National Championship in Walton, Ontario will be automatically upgraded to a higher class the following  year.