FMX Faces Big Shift in 2008 AST Dew Tour

Portland 2007

A few days ago we told you about some competition changes for Skate Park and the AST Dew Tour in 2008 but the most significant change to hit this year’s tour involves FMX. Instead of running five full events in 2008, only three stops (Baltimore, Salt Lake City, Orlando) will be full-fledged competitions. The second and third stops, Cleveland and Portland, will only have an FMX exhibition with a best-trick comp.

The official explanation provided by the AST is that Cleveland and Portland are smaller venues and the change will hopefully “improve the quality of the comps across the season while providing a unique format for the Portland and Cleveland fans.”

For Cleveland, there may be at least one other explanation. Last year’s FMX finals were canceled due to high winds and instead a exhibition was held for fans (the prelim results were used to figure out the finals). Portland, on the other hand, has always been held indoors and didn’t have to worry about the elements. It’s also the site of the tour’s top score in FMX (Travis Pastrana’s 97.50 in 2006).

While moto and FMX have gained one major competition this year (The Navy Moto X World Championships in March), the loss of two events is unfortunate for fans of the sport and no doubt athletes will miss the payout (no word on the payout of the Best Trick). And while Portland and Cleveland may have smaller audiences on site, FMX was usually televised on NBC and ratings have normally been better for motorsports (hence ESPN’s push of all things motorized during X Games). Last year Motocross.com was also webcast at least one event.

On a positive note, the move will probably allow Nate Adams, who won four out of five events in 2007, the chance to sweep all three scoring events. At least that’s positive for Nate. Though we’re not sure if the AST Dew Cup will payout the same for the event, either.