AMA upholds race results after Arlington red-signal reviews

The American Motorcyclist Association reviewed two red-light/red-cross flag incidents from Round 7 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross in Arlington and concluded that no rules violations occurred, preserving the race results and upholding Race Direction’s rulings.

In the 250SX Main, Race Direction said a single red lead-in warning light had been displayed but that a lead-in warning alone does not prohibit jumping. Officials found no additional flag signals or directives that would have barred riders from jumping, allowed competitors to maintain race pace through the affected section and assessed no penalties; the on-track sequence included Derek Kelley crashing, Jo Shimoda rolling and Pierce Brown jumping a small double and the finish-line jump to pass Shimoda for his first career 250SX victory. A circulated photo that appeared to show Brown jumping on a red indicator was reviewed and did not result in a finding of an infraction.

In the 450SX Main, Race Direction noted a red cross flag visible at the finish stand while no corresponding red lights or advance flags had been illuminated on the approach to the jump and, citing Rule 1.6.14(e), concluded riders were already committed and issued no penalties. The incident involved Honda HRC rider Hunter Lawrence rolling when the red cross flag was displayed and several riders — including Eli Tomac, Ken Roczen and Cooper Webb — appearing to clear the finish. Honda HRC Progressive team manager Lars Lindstrom publicly contested the AMA rulings, saying penalties (including loss of position and five championship points) should have been applied. The Race Direction office in Pickerington, Ohio, published the findings, clarified how different signals are intended to be used and said the AMA will review procedures; it has already adjusted lighting operations and flagging procedures to improve on-track communication and safety and reduce the chance of similar confusion in future rounds.