racerx
May 31, 2005
MXdN-in-USA rumor swirling in Japan
Racer X contributor Geoff Meyer is reporting on his website
www.mxlarge.com that MXdN rights-holder Youthstream is considering holding the Motocross des Nations in the United States in 2007. While the headline "Motocross of Nations heads to America" makes it sound much more solid than the plan really is, Meyer writes:
"Great news for the world motocross scene is the fact that Youthstream are looking at holding the Motocross of Nations in America in 2007. It is understood that next years Motocross of Nations will be held in England, although at this moment the circuit is unknown. Having looked at ways to make America interested in this historical event Youthstream has decided it is time to come the America, and not wait for them to come to us."
Meanwhile, back in America, while Ricky Carmichael continues to be interested in riding the event, reports from his camp are that he will not go unless another top rider like James Stewart or Kevin Windham also attends, and the U.S.-based teams don't want to go unless the race is at least shown on TV in the United States with a reasonable air date (last year's early-October race was shown in mid-December).
"An official press release on this news will be released in the coming days," writes Meyer. "While this news came through as the World Motocross championship were being run in Sugo, Japan, the importance if this happening is huge for both American and European spectators.
"The biggest problem of getting the American team to the Motocross of Nations has been the distance they have to travel. With all the European teams now making the trip to America every two years, it would be difficult to have the American riders not racing in the event."