AMA Supercross introduces segments.

In the continuing effort to provide in-depth data to riders, teams, officials, fans and media, AMA Pro Racing successfully tested a segment timing system this past weekend at Anaheim III, Round 5 of the 2005 THQ AMA Supercross Series.

The system, similar to that used in the AMA Superbike Championship, records a rider's time through a given section of the track. In this case the track was divided into three segments: Starting line to the whoop section (1), the entirety of the whoop section (2), and the end of the whoop section to the finish line (3).

One benefit of the new segment system is to help teams better analyze bike set-up and make competitive adjustments by isolating distinct sections of a race track. For example, a team can determine how its rider is doing specifically in the whoop section compared to other riders.

"The new segment system tested well at Anaheim III and, once fully implemented, will prove to be a very valuable addition to the Supercross and Motocross series," commented AMA Supercross/Motocross Timing and Scoring Manager Conrad Young. "From an informational standpoint, segment times are an accurate way to determine a rider's specific strengths and whether or not adjustments are needed."

Young also pointed out that the additional timing locations help to serve as a backup and verification to the start/finish timing line.

AMA Pro Racing Director of Timing and Scoring, Ken Rogers said the segment system will be gradually phased into the AMA Supercross series and AMA Motocross Championship, with segmentations varying from track to track depending on the layout.