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News
 
Canard Wins East Coast Lites Title!
MotoX - Josh Coppins
image: Frank Hoppen
 

Honda’s Trey Canard proved to be no sitting duck when he won the 2008 East Coast SX Lites championship in a thrilling down-to-the-wire showdown at St Louis on April 19.
Canard had done himself no favours the week previously in Detroit, when he put himself into the clutches of Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki) and allowed his healthy 17-point lead over RV to dwindle to a mere three points.
Canard could only finish tenth in Detroit, whilst a jubilant Villopoto eagerly snapped up a victory, which strongly suggested that the Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider would claw the East Coast Lites title from the jaws of defeat after an uncharacteristically slow start.
However, anyone thinking that Canard’s nerve would fail him at the last moment obviously didn’t count on the Oklahoma-born rookie’s determination, not to mention sheer ruthless streak.
When the gate dropped for the final main event of the series Canard and Villopoto were dicing for the lead when Trey made his decisive move, sliding inside Ryan in the run up to the finish-line jump and effectively punting his rival off the track. As Villopoto bounced off the trackside finish-line post with a resounding clang Canard was gone, coasting to his first SX championship in his debut season as a full time pro.
‘I really didn’t mean to take him out,’ insisted Canard, a four-time overall winner in 2008. ‘I think that’s racing and I would expect him to do the same to me if it came down to this last race.
‘I’ve really wanted this championship since I was three years old. I just trained hard all week long and I can’t thank my team enough for getting this championship.’
Ryan Villopoto was unavailable for comment.
 
New Strategy for MX
The FIM and Youthstream’s determination to move motocross forward whilst protecting the sport against attack from environmentalists and other anti-bike groups is well-meant, but has sometimes resulted in the sport’s main governing bodies shooting themselves in the foot.
Hasty decisions, ill-advised press-releases and knee-jerk reactions by the FIM and Youthstream, especially regarding proposed engine capacity changes in MX1, has recently caused consternation and confusion among the manufacturers and public alike, but at last it seems that the FIM and the manufacturers have agreed to improve communications and consult each other before releasing any official statements regarding rule changes.
For example, the announcement that the MX1 class engine capacity limit was going to be lowered from 450 to 350cc whipped up a furore among the industry until the governing bodies suddenly realised their mistake and did a rapid U-turn.
To avoid confusion in the future a new steering committee has been formed comprising representatives from the Japanese and European motorcycle manufacturers associations (MSMA) and the FIM.
This new body will be known as the ‘Motocross Strategic Committee’ and will define any future policies regarding motocross rules, including: sporting, technical, environmental and commercial issues, thus avoiding any future misunderstanding between the sporting and marketing sides of motocross.
The Motocross Strategic Committee will be chaired by the current FIM/CMS President Dr. Wolfgang Srb, who used round one of the FIM World Motocross Championships at Valkenswaard to issue a statement about the new committee’s future goals: ‘this is the biggest step since I have been involved with the FIM Motocross World Championship,’ Srb said. ‘Finally all the decision makers are very happy to sit together and work on our commune goal: the development of motocross. The plan is to work on not only the evolution of regulations but also on the future market and strategies.’
 
Hucklebridge to Retire
MotoExtreme Kawasaki rider Mark Hucklebridge has announced his plans to retire from full-time racing at the end of the 2008 season.
The popular British Championship runner and martial arts expert has decided to devote more time to his current part-time coaching role with the ACU Academy and other training schools in the UK.
Hucklebridge, who finished on the podium at round three of the Maxxis British MX1 Championship at Torrington in April, enrolled at the ACU Academy as a youngster, where he was coached and mentored by Dave Thorpe before eventually becoming a full-time professional racer in his early 20s.
‘I hope that my sponsors, friends, family and supporters continue cheering me on until the end of the season and I hope I can reward them with some more great racing and podium finishes,’ said Hucklebridge, who matched his heroic performances on the track when he bravely stepped in to save the MotoX Magazine marquee from being blown away during a freak storm at the 2006 Maxxis British Championship round at Whitby. When our tent was seized by a ferocious mini-hurricane that suddenly whipped up during the Saturday evening, Hucklebridge single-handedly regained control of the errant structure just as it looked like it was about to take off and set a direct course for Norway! Cheers, Mark. We still owe you a beer…
 
MotoX - Renthal IntelileverFlexible Friend…
Renthal’s hotly anticipated unbreakable Intellilever is now available from official Renthal dealers from £100.
This ingenious lever, which will fit all cable-operated clutch systems, is designed to pivot through a 90° angle upwards, downwards and forwards in the event of a fall, preventing the lever from snapping off. The Intellilever is CNC machined from 6061 billet aluminium and is available with or without an integrated hot-start lever. It also boasts an oversized ‘on the fly’ adjuster. Neat. Well-known crash tester Simon ‘Factory’ Swan already has one on his long-term Kawasaki (turn to page 29) and you can find out more info by logging on to: www.bandcexpress.co.uk
 
FIM Pro-Am Team World Cup

The FIM and Youthstream recently announced plans to launch an exciting new international MX series that appears to be at least partly aimed at helping the manufacturers promote their wares within a fully FIM sanctioned event.
Officially named the FIM Pro-Am Team World Cup, the new project is based around a week long festival of motocross culminating in an international team contest, roughly similar to the MXoN format, except that instead of representing their countries the FIM Pro-Am teams will be manufacturer-based.
Each manufacturer will field a four-man squad comprising its three best professional international riders, plus one specially invited amateur racer who’ll be selected from a series of qualifying heats.
Youthstream has promised that the FIM Pro-Am World Cup will allow amateur riders to gain a taste of life at the sharp end of professional racing, but the focus is also on giving the public and weekend racers a real hands-on experience of top-flight MX.
All of the major bike manufacturers have signed-on and will each host bike testing sessions for the public on individually sponsored practice tracks at the event; plus product demos, amateur supercross races, live music and many other exciting attractions are also in the pipeline.
The first ever FIM Pro-Am Team World Cup is scheduled to take place in September 2009 in the United States, and Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo is evidently proud of his latest idea…
‘This is a perfect chance for the manufacturers to show their products to the public and it allows everyone to be able to try the new models.
‘Customers will be linked to the factory teams and pro riders. When I was a young amateur rider my dream was to one-day race alongside riders like Michele Rinaldi, Eric Geboers and Ricky Johnson, unfortunately this was never an opportunity. But now with this concept we will transform the dream of every amateur into a reality.’
Turn to page 92 for an in-depth look on the Pro-Am Team World Cup.
 
Gunderson Sidelined by Knee Injury
Kenneth Gunderson will probably be out for the remainder of the 2008 season due to a snapped ligament and a chipped bone in his left knee.
The U-Tag Yamaha rider suffered his injury
during the closing stages of timed practice at the opening GP at Valkenswaard and he immediately flew back to Scandinavia for an X-ray and ultra-sound scan, where it was discovered that Gunderson had a torn anterior ligament.
Gunderson himself described the injury as ‘bad’ and sadly it looks as if 2008 is a write-off for the likeable 26-year-old Norwegian just as he was starting to enjoy some decent form.
Gunderson was lying joint second in the Maxxis MX1 championship at the time of his accident, but is unlikely to return to combat before the season winds up in September.
In the meantime U-Tag Yamaha has bumped Gunderson’s team-mate Carlos Campano into his vacant MX1 berth for the British and world championships.
 
Big Days Out
Planning to go to the British Grand Prix at Mallory Park on June 1, or maybe you’re saving your wedge for the MXoN at Donington In September? You might even be planning to seriously splash out and go to both?
Either way, a big sporting weekend isn’t cheap, so we’ve put together a helpful at-a-glance chart comparing the prices between the British GP and the Motocross of Nations. Whether you’re coming on a day ticket or booking in advance before piling the whole family into your trusty camper van, everything you need to know, price-wise, is here.
Mallory Park’s family package deals (whereby, if you book in advance, you can get a family ticket based on two adults, two children plus camping for £100) make it easy to work out your budget for the weekend and the recent announcement that food prices on site are to be capped during the British GP (see overleaf) demonstrates that RHL Activities is honouring its promise to make the event as affordable as possible while offering the best possible value for money. Let’s hope Donington take heed and follow suit.
Donington’s family pricing is currently a bit more complicated as it charges a booking fee for tickets purchased in advance. Plus, family packages are not available, so a family of two adults plus two children camping over the weekend would mean the adults need to purchase a full weekend ticket each, while children are charged for Sunday entry only. They’d also have to fork out an extra few quid for camping.

Mallory Park
Adult Race Day (advance) £27.50
Adult Race Day (gate) £35.00
Child Race Day (advance) £7.50
Child race Day (gate) £10.00
Advance Adult Weekend ticket £35.00
Advance Family* £72.00
Weekend Admission
Family* Admission Race Day (gate) £70.00
Family* Admission £100.00
(in advance inc. camping)
Contact: 0844 847 2447 or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk
NB. Advance tickets only available until May 23
Donington Park
Adult Race Day (advance) £37.80
Adult Race Day (gate) £35.00
Child Race Day (advance) £12.96
Child Race Day (gate) £12.00
Advance Adult Weekend ticket £58.32
Family* Admission Race Day (gate) £132.00
Caravan/campervan pass: £40.00
Adult camping: £15.00
Contact: www.seetickets.com/doningtonpark
*Two adults, two children

 
Sword: ‘A World Title is still Possible’
In an exclusive interview for MotoX, current Maxxis MX2 British championship leader Stephen Sword says that, despite two years out of the game with a broken leg, his dream of bringing home a world title remains a realistic target.
‘I don’t see why not!’ The Molson Kawasaki rider exclaimed when asked if he really believes that a world championship is still within his reach.
‘I am capable of winning GPs again and I think that, apart from Cairoli and maybe Tommy Searle, there isn’t anyone else that can stop me from doing as well as I’ve done before. I always aim high and I am going to make it happen!’
Fighting talk indeed. Turn to page 64 for Stephen’s full interview.
 
Brad Anderson Joins MotoX
Swift Suzuki’s red-meat munching wild man Brad Anderson has hooked up with MotoX and will be writing a brand-new monthly column for us, detailing his first year as a full time Grand Prix rider.
On page 32 of this very issue you can read Brad’s first contribution to MotoX and get his inside scoop on life as a debutante within the GP arena.
Brad has had a torrid start to his GP campaign with a dodgy right foot and a broken collarbone, but if anyone can fight through the pain barrier, Ando can.
Get well soon Brad, and give ‘em hell!
 
Yellow Fever Grips MX1
MotoX - Josh Coppins
image: Suzuki
 
Factory Teka Suzuki star Ken De Dycker stunned the pundits when he decimated the opposition in both motos of the opening FIM Motocross World Championship at Valkenswaard, Holland, on Sunday April 6.
Damp, heavy conditions made the sandy circuit even tougher than usual but De Dycker, who has struggled with an apparent lack of physical conditioning in the past, led his Suzuki team-mate and reigning world MX1 champ Steve Ramon home in a rousing double-podium result for Suzuki, with KTM’s Max Nagl filling the final podium spot.
Britain’s Billy Mackenzie finished fourth overall in his GP debut for the CAS Honda team with tenth and second place finishes, but it could have gone so much better for the blond-haired Scot, who lay a strong second in moto one until he crashed and was then struck by another rider whilst retrieving his Honda from the deck, which put him back to tenth.
The Spanish GP is often muddy but the continuous and heavy overnight rain that persisted well into Sunday afternoon made round two in Bellpuig an endurance test, rather than a race.
The MX1 riders only managed to get in one block of racing before the organisers pulled the plug and Suzuki’s Steve Ramon’s maiden MX1 GP victory from one moto may well be one of the most decisive wins of the season.
Ramon’s competitors had to wait until the following GP in Portugal on April 27 before they could seek revenge, by which time we here at MotoX had already gone to print.
MX1 championship leader Ken De Dycker finished third overall in Spain and still maintained a seven-point lead over Ramon going to Portugal, with Billy Mackenzie looking good in fifth overall, one point adrift of Yamaha’s Josh Coppins.
 
Rattray Rattles MX2
Tyler Rattray has emerged as the man to beat in 2008 after winning both motos in each of the opening two rounds of the 2008 MX2 World Championship.
Heavy rainfall at the opening two rounds in Holland and Spain led to some unexpected results as new names emerged whilst some of the more experienced guys struggled.
Valkenswaard was Rattray’s first GP victory since Desertmartin in 2006. The South African topped the overall scorers ahead of current champion Tony Cairoli (Yamaha) and the rejuvenated veteran Dutch sand specialist Erik Eggens (Suzuki).
Britain’s Tommy Searle finished a disappointing fourth overall after an inconsistent day that saw the teenage KTM rider admit that he rode ‘badly’. Searle briefly led the first moto before a crash put him back in third and he rode to an uneventful fifth in the second moto, just missing the overall podium to Eggens by two points.
Of the remaining Brits KTM’s Shaun Simpson was sixth overall after a brilliant fifth in moto one, but his fight back into the top ten in moto two was a true indication of his sand riding abilities.
Molson Kawasaki’s Stephen Sword was a brave seventh in moto two after knocking himself senseless in moto one. Jason Dougan and Carl Nunn both had a GP to forget; Dougan failed to qualify and Nunn was never in the points all weekend.
Sword had a better result at round two in Spain where he finished third overall behind surprise winner Davide Guarneri (Yamaha) and runner-up Manuel Monni (Yamaha) on a rain lashed day that most of the GP runners will surely want to forget.
Behind Sword, Simpson and Searle were the next Brits home as they hung on grimly for ninth and tenth in moto one.
Searle threw away a mega holeshot in race two (see holeshot, page 12), aquaplaning out of control as the rest of the pack rapidly disintegrated into a slithering confusion as riders got stuck in the mud; bikes drowned and the steep hillsides became virtually impassable. Rattray withdrew early on and the moto was eventually red flagged with two laps to go with Guarneri, Monni and Gautier Paulin (Kawasaki) finishing in the top three.
 
Mallory Promise Affordable GP Nosh
Mallory Park’s concerted campaign to win the hearts and minds of British motocross fans has now switched focus to appealing to their stomachs.
GP organiser RHL activities has promised to cap the prices at all onsite catering stands during the British GP on June 1 by agreeing a fixed pricing structure with contractors AJC UK Limited, who is providing the majority of the outside catering facilities.
The decision to control the price of on-site catering came after the cost of food at MX events was raised during the recent RHL media day at Mallory Park, where members of the public were invited to offer their opinions and advice on all aspects of the GP organisation. Many attending voiced their displeasure at the exorbitant prices charged to spectators who have little choice apart from the food from the on-site stands.
‘Making food available at a reasonable cost is just one of the ways in which we’re working to make this year’s event affordable, especially for families,’ said RHL Activities’ Gareth Hockey.
‘We’ll have a captive audience at Mallory Park on June 1, and I’m determined that they’ll get the same value for money at the catering stands that we’ve provided with the ticket pricing.’

MotoX - Alpinestars Neck BraceAlpinestars Launch Neck Brace
Undeterred by Fro System’s recent High Court run-in with the makers of the Leatt brace, Alpinestars has released details of its new Bionic Neck Support, which it claims can help to reduce the risk and severity of a potentially paralysing neck injury by absorbing the load from an impact, and preventing hyperextension and hyperflexion of the neck. The Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support will be available through dealers from mid-August 2008, at a suggested retail price of £439.95.
 
Rhayader Evening MX Dates
The ever-popular Rhayader Evening Motocross Series kicks off again in May and promises to pack in all of the fun and spectacular action that has become synonymous with this excellent event, which attracts many GP and British championship regulars.
All three rounds will be at the awesome Cwmythig Hill circuit just outside the market town of Rhayader in mid-Wales, and the organisers have guaranteed to provide three fun-packed evenings for riders and spectators.
Each night features a packed program of 11 races, three per group (experts, seniors and juniors, novices and local beginners) plus two ‘Dash for Cash’ Grand Finals for the top 15 125/250cc and open class experts.
Rider’s families and spectators are also well catered for with children’s mini bike rides, simulator rides and a bouncy castle. Licensed bar and good catering facilities will make it a great night out for all the family.
2008 Rhayader Evening MX Series dates:
Wednesday May 28; Wednesday June 18; Wednesday July 9
 
Knighter Bucks Off with GNCC
Despite still having difficulty getting his starts nailed, Red Bull KTM’s David Knight won the Big Buck GNCC, staged in South Carolina on April 13.
Knight’s third win in a row gave him a comfy 35 point cushion in the XC1 class but the Manx man still had to fight to the front when his 450cc KTM didn’t fire on the first kick.
However, fate dealt Knight a helping hand when several of his main competitors collided in the first turn scrum and went down in a heap!
Fourth by the end of lap one Knight went into attack mode and worked his way into the lead, although he was doggedly pursued around the dusty circuit by Suzuki riders Josh Strang and Charlie Mullins, however, neither could really get close enough to Knight to mount a serious challenge.
‘Three wins from four rounds is great,’ said Knight. ‘Apart from my starts everything is going really well. Who knows next race I might even get a good start!’
 
Detroit Spill Threatens Reed’s Lead
When James Stewart dropped out of the 2008 AMA Supercross Championship and Chad Reed looked like he would cruise to the title mostly unopposed we feared that this season would turn out so dull that a basin of used dishwater would seem like a more interesting prospect.
However, Reed’s spells of brilliance have been regularly punctuated by injury, illness and an unexpected fondness for chomping on sizable chunks of dirt from the floors of America’s indoor arenas, which has added an extra slice of drama to the title chase.
One week after storming to victory in the Dallas Supercross Chad Reed suffered a major get-off during practice at Detroit on April 12, which saw the factory Yamaha ace carted off to hospital with suspected internal injuries and a cracked shoulder blade.
After spending the afternoon in hospital spewing up buckets of blood Reed bravely returned to take part in the evening’s main event, exploiting a little-used AMA provisional ruling allowing a rider within the top ten point scorers to enter the main without having to go through the ordeal of qualifying.
Gritting his teeth against the pain Reed eventually gutted out a 12th place finish while Davi Millsaps took off and won the main ahead of Kevin Windham, whittling Reed’s previously massive 27 point overall lead (over Windham) down to a less intimidating 17.
‘I do not know how I made it through the main event,’ said Reed after the Detroit race. ‘This is the toughest race I have ever been in. When I crashed, I was scared for my life. I just put my head down and went for it tonight. This is a title chase, and I am here for the championship.’
Reed had no choice but to get his head down once again if he was to keep his titles hopes alive and the Aussie did what he needed to in St Louis on April 19, putting in a valiant ride to finish second overall behind Windham, who seemed far too laid back for a man who could be on the brink of stealing a major title from under the current leader’s nose.
‘Tonight I just wanted to put myself into a good position,’ said Windham. ‘[Chad] put himself in a good position to not lose too many points tonight. It’s all about me now and I feel good about the ride I put in tonight. I’m giving it all I can and that alone feels good.’
However, Reed was talking like a champ: ‘I want this title and I’m not about to let it go!’ Providing that the Yamaha man can stay on two wheels he could still deliver his promise.
 
Carmichael Steps up
MotoX - Josh Coppins
image: Frank Hoppen
 
Ricky Carmichael made a rare but welcome return to two-wheeled competition when he took part in the ‘step up’ high jump competition as part of the inaugural ESPN Navy MotoX World Championship, held at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on April 12 and 13.
Carmichael’s appearance was one of the highlights of the two-day long event, which was an X Games-style competition based on different types of MX-related disciplines, including: motocross, supermoto, freestyle, best trick, step up and an all-new event called ‘speed and style’, which pitted two riders from a supercross and freestyle background against each other on a specially designed track.
Freestyle guru Nate Adams took the gold medal in the speed and style category, while Travis Pastrana finished a surprisingly lowly seventh overall.
The versatile and irrepressible Pastrana improved his score with a fifth overall in the MotoX final, but Ricky Carmichael was the man that everybody had come to see.
Carmichael cleared a massive 33 feet in his opening run in the ‘step up’ contest, but his second run ended with a big crash and a split chin for the ten times AMA champ, putting him out of the final which was won by Mike Buyten, who cleared 35 feet in his final attempt.
 
Twinshock Hare & Hounds
Rhayader and District Motorcycle Club is holding a twinshock hare and hounds event on Sunday, June 29 at the Cwmythig Hill circuit, near Rhayader, mid-Wales.
The event includes classes for twinshock enduro two-strokes and four-strokes, plus separate classes for twin shock MX, trials and Pre-70 British bikes.
The organisers state that the course will allow for older bodies and bikes and won’t include any of the main Cwmythig Hill MX track jumps, with its huge downhill ski-jump and evil whoop section. The event should be good fun and is well worth a look.
For further information regarding entries, contact Malcolm Bates, tel: 01547 550393.until the last lap

 
WIN! Scott Factory Pilot Goggle Kit worth £150
MotoX - Scott Factory Pilot KitThe super smashing people at Acerbis UK have recently devised an exciting new product called the Scott Factory Pilot Goggle Kit: and, to celebrate its launch, MotoX has got one to give away!
The Factory Pilot Goggle Kit is a unique ‘one stop’ goggle package that provides the serious racer with all the accessories necessary to be fully prepared for a full day’s racing.
The complete kit comprises 24 Scott items, including: a goggle case, two pairs of Scott 89Xi goggles, spare lenses (clear and tinted), tear offs, roll off films and canisters, anti fog cleaner, goggle pouch and even a nose guard!
Inspired by the goggle preparation service that the Scott factory Transporter Unit provides for the likes of Josh Coppins, Seb Pourcel and Max Nagl at every MXGP round, the Scott Goggle Kit simply takes the best bits from the Scott GP factory support and makes it available in a easy-to-carry holdall that is a must for every serious racer.
To buy all these items separately would normally set you back almost £200, but the complete Scott Factory Pilot Goggle Kit comes in at a cost effective £149.95, saving you a massive £45 big ones!
Even better, we’ve got one complete Scott Factory Pilot Goggle Kit to give away completely free to the first person who can correctly identify this mystery Scott goggle-backed GP star.

MotoX - Scott Competition

Please send your answer on a post card or sealed down envelope to: Scott Goggle Comp, MotoX Magazine, Alexander House, 38 Forehill, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4AF.

Competition entries close on June 20, 2008. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Multiple entries will be bombarded with Gamma Rays and used to create a race of giant chickens that live on human flesh.
 

Local Council Loves Dirt Bikes Shock!
The popular, Suzuki supported Wheeldon Farm off-road training facility in Devon recently received an unprecedented show of support from South Hams District Council, who voted in favour of granting Wheeldon Farm full planning permission, as opposed to extending its temporary agreement for a further period.
The council cited its recognition of the economic benefits that Wheeldon Farm has brought to the local area as the main reason for its encouraging show of support for off-road motorcycling, while also acknowledging that Wheeldon Farm has received virtually zero complaints during the three years since it started.
Delighted Wheeldon Farm co-owner, Andrew Savery, said: ’South Hams District Council must be congratulated for their vision and forward thinking in this matter.
‘The input and support of the ACU, as a national governing body, has clearly been one of the key issues considered by the council,’ he continued.
The ACU’s Business Development Manager Dave Luscombe was also pleased with the outcome of the planning application: ‘This is an unexpected but extremely welcome decision by the District Council,’ Luscombe said. ‘For many years now the ACU, through its Local Authority Support Unit, have encouraged local authorities to recognise and embrace provision as a key to addressing the issues of illegal motorcycling. South Hams District Council will now stand like a beacon to other authorities, demonstrating what can be achieved through giving riders somewhere to ride legally.’
For more information on Wheeldon Farm, visit: www.wheeldontwo.co.uk
 
Pump-X Announce 2008 Line Up
Pump-X, the low cost vitamin and mineral-based supplement that claims to reduce arm pump, has recently announced that it is supporting numerous high profile MX teams and riders in 2008.
Among those who’ll be feeling the benefits of Pump-X’s all-natural formula are: Josh Coppins, Mike Brown, Carl Nunn and Rui Goncalves, while Pump-X will also support the Bart Van Den Brink and Relentless Suzuki teams.
Pump-X’s Managing Director, Kieran Lewis, said: ‘we are delighted to be able to support a wider range of athletes competing at a world-class level for the 2008 season. I believe it’s another positive step in our quest to establish ourselves in the UK as a major contributor to the success of these riders and teams. We are delighted to be part of all concerned, and wish everyone success in their chosen disciplines.’
To find out more about Pump-X, visit: www.pump-x.co.uk
 
MXdN Tickets On Sale
The biggest off-road show on earth will be back on British soil for the second time in only two years when the MXdN rocks up to Donington Park on September 27-28.
Tickets are now on sale and are available in advance or on the day, with a choice of full weekend or individual day tickets for Saturday and Sunday, with free camping for children under 15 years old.
Donington has drawn some flak for its apparently high pricing and, at face value, some of the tickets do seem a bit steep. For example, in addition to the £54 for a weekend adult ticket, it costs £15 per adult to camp at the circuit over the weekend, plus an extra £60 if you turn up with a caravan or mobile home.
However, these prices perhaps should be viewed in context: consider Donington’s existing facilities and infrastructure, which includes professional – and full-time – security staff, plus litter clearing and toilet maintenance throughout the entire weekend.
Also, think about how much it costs to go to a big rock concert these days and compare that to what the des Nations offers in terms of value for money. A decent concert can cost anything up to, or over, £100 for one ticket and for that you get 45 minutes of an ant-sized band, a poor sound and over-priced, warm pissy lager.
The des Nations, on the other hand, delivers an entire weekend of top quality racing between the elite teams selected from the world’s finest motocross riders, plus a host of other attractions that Donington has promised will make the event rival last year’s at Budds Creek in the USA.
Of course Donington can’t guarantee US-style weather, but last year’s MXGP proved that a road racing circuit can deliver the goods, especially if you appreciate clean bogs, hard-standing parking and a well-managed traffic system that got everyone in and out with the minimum of fuss.
I don’t know about you, but we’d rather pay to go to the des Nations than James Blunt any day!
Now just buy a friggin’ ticket by logging onto: www.donington-park.co.uk.
 
Dobb’s 1000-mile Dash for Dosh
Former 125cc world champion James Dobb is preparing for an incredible 1000-mile charity cycle ride from Barcelona to Donington Park to help raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Dobb’s cycle ride will begin on June 9 from the MotoGP race in Barcelona, and he’ll be accompanied by friends Kelvin Fletcher, Julian Dobb, Finbarr Kneafsey and Matt Groves, who plan to end their epic journey at the Motorcycle Grand Prix at Donington Park (MotoGP) ten days later.
Two extra places are also available for anyone interested in joining the team for one day, provided that they can raise £3,000 for Make-A-Wish, and sponsorship opportunities are also open to any race teams that are interested in supporting this very worthy cause.
Commenting on the daunting challenge ahead, James Dobb said: ‘I am sure there are lots of you out there having a laugh thinking there’s no way I will make it, but no matter what pain I will be going through it will be nothing compared to what the children who we are trying to help!
‘I understand that everyone is very busy, but please take just five minutes to think what the children and their family’s are going through and how lucky we all are having healthy children. Every penny will go towards granting wishes and help the kids have a smile that will last in their family’s thoughts forever!’
Make-A-Wish grants magical wishes for children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses, and while the funds raised can’t always guarantee a cure, it nevertheless provides positive and uplifting relief for the youngsters and their families during very desperate times.
MotoX has pledged to donate an extra quid to buy Dobby a big fat cushion to sit his big ass on when he gets home!
For more information about how to sponsor this very special event, log on to: www.cycleofwishes.com, or: www.justgiving.com/cycleofwishes
 
Make a Date for Maxxis Action
The 2008 Maxxis British Motocross Championship venues have finally been confirmed. Better late than never!
The season kicks off at Donington Park on March 9 before resuming with a run of traditional British venues, including Canada heights, Lyng and Brampton, before eventually wrapping things up at Hawkstone Park in September.
The season looks to be another cracker in both classes, so let’s all cross our fingers and toes and pray to the big fella upstairs that we are blessed with fine weather all summer and great racing. See you there!
Round One Donington Park March 9
Round Two Canada Heights March 23
Round Three TBA April 13
Round Four Lyng May 4
Round Five Desertmartin June 22
Round Six Foxhill July 27
Round Seven Brampton August 17
Round Eight Hawkstone Park September 21
 
New Date for Irish GP
The 2008 Irish Grand Prix, which was scheduled for June 8, will now take place in Dublin on August 31.
Diaries out … the updated MXGP calendar is as follows:

 

April 6 Netherlands Valkenswaard
April 20 Spain Bellpuig
April 27 Portugal Agueda
May 11 Bulgaria Sevlievo
May 18 Italy Mantova
June 1 Great Britain Mallory Park
June 15 France St Jean d’Angely
June 29 Germany Teutschental
July 6 Sweden Uddevalla
July 20 South Africa Nelspruit
August 3 Belgium Namur
August 10 Czech Republic Loket
August 31 Ireland Dublin
September 7 Benelux (NED) Lierop
September 14 Citta di Faenza Faenza
September 28 MXoN Donington Park

 
Full Travel back Elite Youth Cup
WP suspension importers Full Travel have announced that it will be title sponsors of the 2008 Elite Youth Cup series.
Full Travel will be present at all of the Elite Youth Cup rounds next year to offer a trackside service; they’re also arranging special suspension testing and set up days before the start of the 2008 season.
The confirmed dates for next season’s WP Elite Youth Cup are as follows…
WP Elite Youth Cup Dates
Round One May 17-18 Leisure Lakes
Round Two June 7-8 Cusses gorse
Round Three June 28-29 Mildenhall
Round Four July 19-20 Whitby
Round Five August 2-3 Landrake
Round Six August 30-31 Pontrilas
Round Seven Oct 11-12 Marshfield
 

DEP British Championship Dates
As the DEP Two-Stroke British Championship continues to grow in profile and prestige almost 200 riders have already signed-on for 2008, however, series organisers MC Events are keen to remind interested racers that places are still available.
Big name sponsors including Silkolene, Acerbis, KTM, Wiseco, Yamaha and Pirelli have helped to boost the prize fund – which is already a substantial £26,000 – for 2008, which makes the DEP a highly tempting prospect for competitive riders who still savor the evocative sound and smell of the oil-burners.
For more information on the DEP series, visit: www.2strokebritishchampionship.com
The fixture list for 2008 reads as follows…

 

2008 DEP Two-Stroke British Championship
Round One April 6 Canada Heights
Round Two April 27 Landrake
Round Three May 11 Leisure Lakes
Round Four June 15 Pontrilas
Round Five July 13 Whitby
Round Six August 10 Wakes Colne
Round Seven August 24 Blaxhall
Round Eight Sept 14 Mildenhall
Round Nine/Ten October 5 Marshfield

 

Bau Aims To Get Women’s MX in Vogue
Following the FIM’s decision to upgrade the Women’s World Cup to full world championship status, former champ Stefy Bau has been duly appointed as the series’ manager.
Italian-born Bau has an interesting new role within the FIM’s management structure; she will be responsible for helping to expand motocross into new, women-specific markets with the aim of attracting fresh sponsorship and generating publicity for the sport in hitherto unexplored areas, such as cosmetics and women’s media.
Bau is highly qualified for her new role, during her career as a professional motocross rider she won seven Italian national womens titles before moving to America, where she won two AMA titles and two AMA International Cups. She even made it to the full-on AMA Outdoor Nationals riding in the Lites division for a private Honda team before her career was wrecked by serious leg injuries.
The Women’s World Championship has been expanded to five rounds in 2008 and looks very likely to expand to include eight rounds in 2009. The series dates are as follows…

 

Round One May 11 Italy, Mantova
Round Two May 18 Bulgaria, Sevlievo
Round Three June 15 France, St. Jean D’Angely
Round Four June 29 Germany, Teutschenthal
Round Five September 7 Benelux, Lierop

 

 

 


Motox Issue 63
(June 2008)

on sale May 9
MotoX Magazine - The complete dirtbike mag

In this issue…
Antonio Cairoli

Stephen Sword
Rui Goncalves
Michele Rinaldi
Simon Lawson
Twin Shock Racing
Pro Am World Cup
2009 Pre-Production Bikes
Mallory Park
Top Ten Lottery Must Haves
Top Tips from the Pros NEW!
Guest Speaker: Roger Harvey
Josh Coppins
Ben Townley
Brad Anderson NEW!
Longterm KX250F
Longterm WR250F

PLUS!
Dedicated Youth Section

MotoX - Yoof - Dedicated Youth Section

[FULL CONTENTS HERE]


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