Motocross des Nations Circuit News
While there were improvements to be made to the Matterley Basin
circuit in England (the site of the 2006 Motocross des Nations), there
is no doubt it's American-style all the way and will make for great
racing once the biggest event in the world motocross arrives in
September. At times a little dry and at times lacking good racing
lines, the possibilites for this circuit are huge, and when the
Motocross des Nations comes around in September, this could rank as one
of the best circuits for viewing. With huge numbers arriving for the
British Grand Prix last weekend, you can be sure that the MXdN will
attract a huge crowd.
Josh Coppins, who will look forward to racing Ricky Carmichael, Ben
Townley, James Stewart, and Stefan Everts in September, felt the
circuit was good but in need of some slight changes.
"I think the track is good enough for the des Nations," Coppins said.
"It's not as good as Isle of Wight or Matchams Park, but I heard they
started on the track last week. For that, it's great."
Stefan Everts’ track knowledge will prove invaluable when he returns to
Matterley Basin. This will be a historic moment for the sport, with
Everts and Carmichael competing for the final time at this level.
Everts has admitted that the circuit will suit the American riders,
although he can't wait to see the likes of RC and Stewart in action.
Reflecting on last weekend’s MXGP and looking ahead to the MX des
Nations with increased anticipation and excitement, Martin Mainsbridge,
the promoter of the British GP and MXdN explained: "The British GP has
been a big success without doubt, but that isn’t to say that we have
not learned valuable lessons from running our first event at this
brand-new venue. From the feedback we have already received, it is
clear that the vast majority of people have had a great weekend and
really enjoyed what Matterley Basin has to offer in terms of space and
unequalled track viewing, although we are not going to deny that we did
not encounter a few teething problems. The great news is that it is all
systems go for the MX des Nations, which will be bigger and better in
every aspect and will benefit incredibly from what has been identified
over the last week.
“While the basic layout of the track will remain unchanged, it will be
added to, to make it both more technical and more spectacular. We are
also reviewing the camping areas and car parking in order that the
whole public experience can be improved upon. This time it was about
delivering the basics, and with them now in place, we can work on
increasing the entertainment away from the track and giving everyone
even better value for money in September. Youthstream were more than
happy with our initial efforts and really believe that this year’s MX
des Nations is going to be one of the best ever.”