The European 250 championship has been opened up to allow 250 two-strokes for 2017, but the EMX300 two-stroke series will also stay in the calendar. It’s part of some new official FIM motocross rules that have been unveiled today.

It means the EMX300 class may face a difficult future, but is an interesting development in the resurgence of two-strokes machines. It’s also good news for KTM and Husky who both released all-new 250 two-strokes for 2017. The official FIM release says:

1. The EMX250 championship is open to motorcycles between 175cc and 250cc for both 4 stroke and 2 stroke powered engines. This will make the European motocross most important championship extremely interesting with the introduction of equal capacities for the 2 strokes and 4 strokes.
2. The 2016 Women’s Cup is now upgraded to an official European championship for 2017 consisting of 4 rounds in Denmark, Poland, Germany and Latvia.
3. The Motocross of European Nations combined with the Women’s Motocross of European Nations will be organised in 2017 at Gdansk in Poland on 2/3 September and the Sidecarcross of European Nations combined with the Quadcross of European Nations will be organised at Cingoli in Italy on 23/24 September.
4. Riders in the EMX Quad championship will be allowed to present 2 machines at technical control for this year.
5. All championships, including the Nations team races, are open to riders from any federation worldwide recognised by the FIM.
6. Riders competing in the EMX65, EMX85, EMX150, EMX125, EMX250 and EMX 300 must have the championship logo on their front number plates and on their race shirts.