Sign of the (Lap) Times: 2006 Motocross des Nations
The 2006 Fox Motocross des Nations was one of the most spectacular events in the world of motocross, and although AMA Team USA claimed the overall victory, it wasn’t as easy as one would imagine. Although an American was the fastest in two of the three motos, the lap times from the event show that the top 10 riders were all running a blistering pace around the choppy Matterley Basin circuit.
Moto 1
Pos.
|
Moto 1 (MX1 + MX2)
|
Rider
|
Bike
|
1
|
2:08.685
|
Stefan Everts (BEL)
|
Yamaha
|
2
|
2:08.145
|
James Stewart (USA)
|
Kawasaki
|
3
|
2:08.512
|
Ryan Villopoto (USA)
|
Kawasaki
|
4
|
2:08.681
|
Chris Pourcel (FRA)
|
Kawasaki
|
5
|
2:11.233
|
Ben Townley (NZL)
|
Kawasaki
|
6
|
2:11.981
|
Josh Coppins (NZL)
|
Honda
|
7
|
2:11.271
|
David Philippaerts (ITA)
|
KTM
|
8
|
2:11.510
|
Maximilian Nagl (GER)
|
KTM
|
9
|
2:11.364
|
Tyla Rattray (RSA)
|
KTM
|
10
|
2:12.191
|
Antonio Cairoli (ITA)
|
Yamaha
|
A crash on lap two of the opening moto meant that Team USA’s James Stewart would have to work his way up through a pack of the fastest riders in the world. And by the time Stewart got in to second place, 10-time FIM World Champion Stefan Everts was too far gone. But during the moto, Stewart clocked the fastest time of the moto with a 2:08.145, which was .7 seconds faster than Stefan’s best lap. It’s also interesting to note that the top two MX2 finishers (Ryan Villopoto and Christophe Pourcel) each registered faster “best” laps than that of moto winner, Stefan Everts.
|
Moto 2
Although Italian Antonio Cairoli rode what seemed to be one of the fastest motos we’ve ever seen, it was a Belgium with the best lap of the moto. Suzuki mounted Steve Ramon, piloting an RM-Z450 in the MX3 class, scored a 2:08.056, which is the fastest lap time out of any rider in either of the first two motos! Cairoli’s best lap time was just off of Ramon's, and New Zealand’s Ben Townley looked impressive running a 2:09.562. If it wasn’t for a small miscue by Ryan Villopoto halfway through the moto, we would’ve probably seen a great battle between last year’s MX2 world champ (the stylish Cairoli) and America’s brand new 250F champ.
Moto 3
|