If you have never watched a Monster Energy Supercross race, you are missing out.

Dirt track racing fans adore our beloved sport for the adrenaline-pinching, high speeds, close racing and unique stories it produces. As a recent convert to the motocross scene, I can tell you without a doubt that Monster Energy Supercross quenches a dirt track racing fan’s thirst for these factors.

The 2016 Monster Energy Supercross season is right around the corner, and this off season has brought a slew of changes for the 450cc roster. This quick overview of the developments that have taken place with some of the sport’s most notable names over the course of the past year will help bring you up to speed before the season begins on January 9 in Anaheim.

James Stewart:

The “Fastest Man Alive” will be returning to Monster Energy Supercross for the first time since he was handed a 16-month suspension for use of an illegal, non-recreational substance. Although Stewart hasn’t lined up for Supercross or Motocross competition for quite some time, he competed in Red Bull’s 2nd annual Straight Rhythm competition over the off-season and won the event. This will be Stewart’s fourth season racing Supercross for Yoshimira Suzuki, and it could be a pivotal one in his career as the two-time 450cc Supercross champion is beginning to near the age – Stewart is currently 30-years-old – in which many professional motocross racers hang up their helmets. As always, keep an eye on Bubba this season.

Marvin Musquin:

With much anticipation from Supercross fans everywhere, Marvin Musquin will be making his 450cc debut in Anaheim. The French rider graduated from the 250cc class after having a truly stellar 2015 season, winning both the 250cc East Coast Supercross Championship and the 250cc Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. Musquin and his Redbull KTM teammate Ryan Dungey (the defending 450cc Monster Energy Supercross Champion) are both known for their smooth, consistent riding-style, and will very likely be championship threats for 2016.

Davi Millsaps:

2016 marks Davi Millsaps’ first year of Supercross competition with BTO Sports KTM. Millsaps is fresh off of a disappointing 2015 season, in which he was let go from Monster Energy Kawasaki in April and sat out the entire 2015 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. The reasons for Millsaps’ dismissal from Monster Energy Kawasaki are still vague as reports haven’t revealed clear details, but Monster Energy has stated that his relatively-disappointing results over the season did not factor into the decision. It has been speculated that Millsaps was found to be in possession of a non-recreational banned substance, although Davi has publicly denied this accusation. It’s hard to know what to expect from Millsaps in 2016, as his speed can be inconsistent at times. However, fans can be optimistic after his strong 5th place overall finish in the 2015 Monster Energy Cup, his first and only race so far with BTO Sports KTM.

Eli Tomac:

This year is the beginning of what looks to be an exciting chapter in Eli Tomac’s career as the Colorado native is signed on to ride for Monster Energy Kawasaki through 2017. Tomac finished 2nd in the 2015 450cc Supercross Championship and dominated the first five motos of the 2015 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, but his season came to an abrupt end after a vicious crash at Thunder Valley. Tomac’s impressive speed and natural talent are undeniable, and it will be exciting to see how Tomac acclimates to one of professional motocross’s most decorated teams.

Chad Reed:

Certainly one of the biggest stories over the off-season was that Chad Reed closed the doors of his Pro Motocross team, TwoTwo Motorsports, after five years of operation. The veteran racer and multi-time champion will be riding for Yamaha in 2016, although specific details of his entire schedule have not yet been released. Like James Stewart, Chad Reed is at a point in life in which most pro riders are beginning to discuss retirement. However, Reed is confident that he still has some competitive years left in him. Perhaps the subtraction of the level of stress that was on Reed from owning and operating his own team is just what the Australian rider needs to finish his Pro Motocross career strong.

With all of the new developments over the off-season, as well as the competitive riders that haven’t switched teams for the new season like Ryan Dungey or Ken Roczen, 2016 looks to be a spectacular season. Whether you’re familiar with Supercross or not, you owe it to yourself to tune into the season opener at Anaheim on January 9; it should be one heck of a show.