New track for Montreal SX

From Supercross Montreal

MONTREAL, QC -- The 31st edition of Montreal Supercross, scheduled to take place on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Olympic Stadium, will offer thrilling races to the thousands of fans in attendance thanks in part to a spectacular new track, designed to challenge the very best motocross riders.

Unveiled last Thursday, the 2008 course makes new use of the Stadium surface, introduces an impressive tunnel crossing in the centre of the track and features a new starting area which will provide spectators with an unobstructed view, regardless of where they are sitting.

"The MX1, MX2 and ATV races will likely be the most mind-blowing we've seen in a very long time. We've designed a course we are especially proud of, all parts of it are spectacular," explained Pierre Corbeil, executive producer of the event. "It will be very challenging for participants and is sure to guarantee some hotly contested races and, because it uses the entire Stadium surface, every seat in the grandstands will have exceptional sight lines."

The track measures 750 meters (2,500 feet) with 15 turns, including two hairpins, a "Rockers" type washboard zone, multiple jumps, a tunnel and a sand trap. But perhaps the most attention grabbing feature is the position of starting area, which is now located in the centre of the track. Riders will access the starting area through a tunnel.

"For 2008 we decided to completely review the race track configuration. For riders, priority was given to the ease of passing. For spectators, we prioritized sight lines. This year, whether seated in upper or lower decks, north, south or west sections, fans will all enjoy the same amazing event," added the Montréal Supercross executive producer.

"The starting zone was relocated to the centre of the course on the grandstand side. We also reintroduced a sand trap - an obstacle that is much appreciated by fans because it creates uncertainty in competition. Riders all fear the trap. Finally, the finish line is located on an Olympic-sized jump."

Corbeil added that in 2008, "regardless of which seat a spectator is in, he will have a view of the start as well as the all-important first turn taken by the riders. With the new location of the starting area, the jump at the finish line and the intersecting tunnel where riders are tightly bunched, there will be an amazing amount of action in the centre of the stadium."

Adding that Freestyle and autocross haven't been neglected in the installations, "There will be two parallel Freestyle ramps in the centre of the track which will allow side-by-side battles. We've also revised the autocross track, have lengthened it by 50% and will use several of the MotoX track features."