New dirtbike series SX Global plans big purses

SX Global, a new Australia-based dirt bike racing series aiming to rival the U.S.-focused Monster Energy Supercross, today revealed its initial plans, including a 22-rider field and $50M investment. Feld Entertainment, which owns Supercross, decided last year to relinquish the sanction from the FIM, the global motorcycle governing body. The FIM subsequently shopped the sanction to this new Australian group, which is being funded in part by investment firm Mubadala Capital, which will help SX Global in its initial expansion. Former Australian Supercars Exec Chair Tony Cochrane will serve as SX Global President.

SX is touting unprecedented payments and race purses relative to other similar series. The first season will run September-November, with five races before expanding next year. (The Monster Energy Supercross season will be over by September, so no overlap this year). It says it will pay out more than $50M to teams and riders over five years, or $10M annually. It says there will be a $250,000 purse at each event.