One of the factors that makes the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) unique is the escalating points system across each of the three SMX Finals, placing an increased importance on each event as the post-season continues.

Rider’s initial seed positions were awarded by their combined Monster Energy Supercross and Pro Motocross points-tally, with a starting value of 25 points awarded to the first seed, 22 for second and so on.

For the first playoff event in Charlotte, standard points were awarded, before as many as 50 points are up for grabs at the upcoming Chicagoland event, with a maximum of 75 then on offer at the LA Coliseum finals. Accordingly, the deficit between each position increases per round, which helps ensure the series will go down to the wire.

It allows riders such as Aaron Plessinger – who was seventh overall at playoff one – an opportunity to deliver a clutch performance in the coming rounds, which is of added value for the Red Bull KTM rider. Still, the deficit between first and second, while increased, is just nine points at the finale.

“It would be nice to come out and win everyone of them, but I think consistency is key, just get off to a good start at this one and then capitalize on the double and triple points the next couple of weekends,” Plessinger said. “I don’t know, it is going to be different, it is going to be cool, it’s going to be new and I am ready for it.”

Thanks to Plessinger’s second-place seed entering the post-season, he still ranked a strong P3 in the SMX standings after playoff one, 12 points back from 450SMX red plate-holder Chase Sexton (Team Honda HRC) and equal on points with Jett Lawrence (Team Honda HRC) who was fourth overall last time out.

Meanwhile, in 250SMX, Shimoda holds the red plate but is tied with Haiden Deegan (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) heading into playoff two in Chicago this Friday and Saturday.