The 2027 MXGB Youth Championship is set to introduce a new EMX-inspired race format, with 46 riders per class, Saturday sprint races and longer Sunday motos among the planned changes for next season.
Feature Image courtesy of Matthew Rudd Photography
The Junior 65cc, Small Wheel 85cc, Big Wheel 85cc and MXY2 classes will adopt the revised two-day format, which is designed to give young British riders experience of a racing structure similar to that used in the European Motocross Championship.
The organisers also hope the changes will provide a fairer opportunity for riders who are unable to miss school or attend additional practice sessions at championship venues.
Explaining the thinking behind the changes, MXGB Youth’s Julie Hambridge said: “We believe this format evens it out for those younger riders that do not have the ability to miss schooling or attend practice sessions at the venues where we will be hosting the 2027 championship and also gives them a chance of learning the EMX Format of racing”
New MXGB Youth Race Format for 2027
The Junior 65cc, Small Wheel 85cc, Big Wheel 85cc and MXY2 classes will feature 46 riders per class, with the following programme planned:
Saturday
- Start practice
- Longer free practice
- Qualifying for starting positions
- Sprint race
Sunday
- Longer practice session
- Two longer races
The organisers have confirmed that starts will be from Mesh grids.
The format is intended to give riders experience of the EMX-style race programme as they progress through the British youth motocross ranks.
Changes for Women’s, Clubman and Amateur Classes
The Women’s/Women’s Youth, Clubman MX1, Clubman MX2 and newly introduced Amateur class will also feature 46 riders per class, with start practice, free practice and four races across the weekend.
The new Amateur class is intended to act as a feeder category for the British Adult MX Championship.
Julie explained: “The Women’s / Women’s Youth, Clubman MX1, Clubman MX2 and the new Amateur Class (which will be the feeder class for the British Adults) will consist of start practice, free practice and 4 races over the weekend, again 46 riders per class, so Qualifying will mean just that. Whilst they all race, the last 6 will start after the main group of 40.”
This means all 46 riders are expected to race, with the final six starting after the main group of 40.
Podium presentations will take place after each class’s final race on Sunday, with the aim of allowing riders and teams to leave the venue sooner and reducing pressure on the surrounding road network.
2027 MXGB Youth Championship Provisional Dates
The championship will feature five rounds in 2027, with the provisional dates as follows:
| Round | Date |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | 13–14 March 2027 |
| Round 2 | 24–25 April 2027 |
| Round 3 | 29–30 May 2027 |
| Round 4 | 14–15 August 2027 |
| Round 5 | 2–3 October 2027 |
Venues are still to be announced, and the provisional calendar remains subject to changes to the wider MXGB schedule.
MXGB Youth Series Director Colin Hambridge previously said: “We’re also delighted to confirm that for 2027 the 65cc, 85cc and MXY2 classes will adopt a race format inspired by the current EMX structure. This is a fantastic step forward for our youth programme, creating an even more professional and competitive environment while helping young riders gain valuable experience that mirrors the pathway to European-level competition.”
The organisers have confirmed that work is still ongoing to finalise the details of the revised race format ahead of the 2027 season.
