No other motocross track in the world was as magnificent, awe-inspiring, or absurd as the Citadel of Namur in Belgium
Words: Rob Andrews
The following is a condensed excerpt from former Grand Prix racer Rob Andrews’ new book, The Inside Line: Racing the 500cc World Motocross Championship, which documents his time competing in the 1980s.
In central Belgium, at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, lies a narrow triangle of steep, rocky land, upon which stands a sprawling ancient fortress known as the Citadel of Namur. It is, quite frankly, the last place in the world you’d expect to find a motocross track. But from the 1950s until 2007, the Citadel at Namur had been the beloved venue for the Belgian 500cc Grand Prix. The spiritual home of GP racing. The Monaco of the Motocross World Championship.
We are deeply rooted in Moto—We’ve been here all our lives. Back in 1998 when we turned an underground newspaper into a shiny color magazine, it immediately changed the game with its unprecedented depth of coverage, sense of humor, and access to the sport’s biggest names. Today, our readers know they can go to Racer X Online for all the news, race results, and event coverage they need, and then enjoy even more detail and perspective in the pages of Racer X Illustrated. The mag offers a chance to learn something new on every page and stay connected with the people and personalities that shape our sport—the competitors out on the racetrack, as well as the ones behind the scenes—through our exclusive deep-dive stories and columns.
Our trademark has always been insider knowledge from the experts who are at the races and around the sport. We have long prided ourselves on our unparalleled race reporting and detailed storytelling. We go deep with the riders and teams to provide comprehensive coverage you won’t find anywhere else—all with first-class photography and design. It’s a full education in motocross past, present, and future.
Davey Coombs
Editor-in-chief & Founder
Racer X Illustrated
Subscribe Now
to continue reading The Cathedral Of Motocross
and other premium content from the pages of Racer X magazine

Get immediate access to this issue + 12 more issues
Subscribe or Renew for your FREE Scott Fury Goggles! (Subscribe now!)
Already have a subscription?
Login to your Account