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

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.

Stewart had the fastest lap time in Moto 1

Pos. Moto 2 (MX2 + Open) Rider Bike 1 2:08.451 Antonio Cairoli (ITA) Yamaha 2 2:08.081 Ryan Villopoto (USA) Kawasaki 3 2:09.562 Ben Townley (NZL) Kawasaki 4 2:08.056 Steve Ramon (BEL) Suzuki 5 2:08.767 Tyla Rattray (RSA) KTM 6 2:09.063 Ivan Tedesco (USA) Suzuki 7 2:09.064 Chris Pourcel (FRA) Kawasaki 8 2:11.326 Jussi Vehvilainen (FIN) Suzuki 9 2:11.692 Tommy Searle (GBR) Kawasaki 10 2:11.843 Carlos Campano (SPA) KTM 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. RV was second fastest in Moto 2 Antonio Cairoli Moto 3 Pos. Moto 3 (MX1 + Open) Rider Bike 1 2:06.369 Stefan Everts (BEL) Yamaha 2 2:07.366 James Stewart (USA) Kawasaki 3 2:08.797 David Philippaerts (ITA) KTM 4 2:08.761 Tanel Leok (EST) Kawasaki 5 2:08.800 Steve Ramon (BEL) Suzuki 6 2:07.772 Jon Barragan (SPA) KTM 7 2:08.366 Seb Pourcel (FRA) Kawasaki 8 2:08.934 Josh Coppins (NZL) Honda 9 2:09.785 Ivan Tedesco (USA) Suzuki 10 2:09.937 Billy Mackenzie (GBR) Yamaha Ben Townley was impressive in MX2 With the Motocross des Nations championship clearly in our grasp, Moto 3 was a matter of survival to maintain a safe cushion over the Belgians. Everts and Stewart would have a brief battle for second behind the impressive David Philippaerts, but it was obvious that Stewart wisely rode within his limitations, preserving a victory for Team USA. The track was very worn in, and Stefan Everts ended his career with a 1-1 sweep and also the fastest lap time of the weekend – a 2:06.369. It was fitting end for Everts, as well as a great start as a Team USA member for Stewart!  Everts perfected the stand-up riding style