New 2009 Supercross changes

To quote Stymie Beard from the Little Rascal's in the "Free Wheeling" episode: "I don't know where we're going..........but we're on our way!"

From www.motocrossactionmag.com :

TO: All Supercross Licensed Riders and Season Credential Holders
FROM:  AMA Racing
SUBJECT: 2009 Technical Rule Changes for the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship.

Text that is italicized and bold is new for 2009. Text in blue will be removed from the 2009 rulebook.

1. Engine Displacements
Supercross Class
150 - 250cc 2-stroke 
249 - 450cc 4-stroke
Engine displacement has been adjusted to allow the use of 250cc 4-strokes in the Supercross
Class. THIS RULE CHANGE IS FOR SUPERCROSS ONLY.
2. ENGINES
d. Cylinder bore may be increased to achieve the displacement limit.
e. Bore and stroke must remain the same as the homologated model.
g. 4-stroke cylinder head valve angles must remain the same as the homologated
model.

3. Minimum weight requirements 
a. 0-125cc........... 194 pounds

b. 126 -250cc....... 213 pounds 

c. 251-450cc.......  220 pounds

4. Sound Requirements
a. The maximum sound limit is set at:
 
For pre-race inspection:
Max. 96 dB/A for motorcycles with a 2-stroke engine
Max. 94 dB/A for motorcycles with a 4-stroke engine

For post-race inspection:
Max. 98 dB/A for motorcycles with a 2-stroke engine
Max. 96 dB/A for motorcycles with a 4-stroke engine

b. The sound test will be conducted at a fixed RPM:
0-125cc: 7000 RPM
126-250cc:  5000 RPM
251-450cc: 4500 RPM
(See Competition Bulletin dated Oct. 24, 2008, on Sound Testing Requirements and Procedures)

5. Numbers and Number Plates
a. The current Supercross class champion must run a white number 1 with a red background.
b. The current Supercross Lites east and west coast class champions must run a white number 1 with a red background only when defending the number 1 plate in the region in which they won the championship. 
j. Numbers must be a solid color. With no outlining, except number outlining is permitted on Red Championship plates.

6. Supercross Races
d. A Supercross rider in the Top 10 in points from the present season that fails to qualify out of a Heat or LCQ can be placed on the 21st gate pick for the Main  Event. This special advancement will only be given to a rider in the Top 10 in points and may only be used twice in the 2008 season.