The US Open of Supercross has announced some changes to the 2009 event format under the guise of more action, better viewing and increased competition. The idea is to offer bonus points which can be earned through head-to-head racing and a mechanic’s challenge. Half of this gimmick seem legit, and the other a big load of poopy. Take up arms, dirt bike enthusiasts, it seems as though our off-road promoters have been fraternizing with the geniuses at Daytona Motorsports Group.

Here’s how Feld Motor Sports explains it:

“The head-to-head racing will be comprised of the top 10 finishing riders from timed practice. Racers will be pitted against one another in a head-to-head, one lap race. The winner of each head-to-head race will be awarded one point to their two-night racing totals.

"The MMI Mechanics Challenge will feature the mechanics of the top three finishing riders in each of the three heat races. A total of nine mechanics will transfer to the MMI Mechanics Challenge where their bikes will be placed on their stands behind the starting gate. When the gate drops, the mechanics will race to a pre-designated line near turn one, but before they can start, each mechanic must remove and replace their back wheel. Once the rear wheel has been assembled, the mechanics will dash to turn one. The winning mechanic will earn one point toward their rider’s overall two-night total.”

Do mechanics need to start training now? Start practicing their start-straight sprints? This is motorcycle racing, fellas! If the bike breaks then the mechanic catches hell, and if it wins, maybe a bonus, but their importance and competence is on display every second the bike is in action. If it really comes down to this being a championship-deciding factor I’d have to call BS on the whole thing.

I can appreciate trying to offer something different to make the event unique and add some flair for everyone involved, riders, teams and fans alike, but I’m not a big fan on this one. Head-to-head bonus points = badass. Spanner sprints? I know it’s Vegas, but this isn’t the circus, folks.