MOTOCROSS 1

By Dominic Chalk

Photos by Dominic Chaulk and MXNewsfeed

Those of you that read last years report will be familiar with the format, those of you that didn't……where have you been man!!!!! This report is written from a fans perspective and experience at the worlds greatest motocross event. Basically the MX of Nations is a team event consisting of the countries three best riders in three separate categories, MX 1 (250cc two strokes and 450cc four strokes), MX 2 (125cc two strokes and 250cc four strokes) and the Open class (500cc two stroke and up to 650cc four strokes). Scoring works thus, the higher you finish the least amount of points you get, the team with the lowest points score after the three main races wins - simple. It means that you have to have a good team, not just one really good rider, all need to consistently finish well, however, you are allowed to drop your team's worst moto so the scores are worked out from the best five finishes your team achieves.

The 60th Motocross of Nations (2006), was billed as the last big show down between the mighty Stefan Everts and Ricky Carmichael. After winning his tenth world title and clocking up a record breaking 100 GP wins, Everts has decided to hang up his boots. Carmichael too, being the winningest rider in the US for years, has also decided to basically retire, only doing selected races next season. So this was to be their last hooray, the last time they would get to race against each other and truly say they are the best in the world. Also, from a British perspective, could it be the year that the US finally tops the national standings, having equalled Great Britain's 16 overall wins last time out at Ernee.

RYAN VILLOPOTO

So, after all the hype, we were expecting one hell of a show. Then disaster, Carmichael injures his shoulder and cannot race and is replaced by Ivan Tedesco. Tedesco takes the ride in the open class and Bubba takes the ride in the MX1 class against Everts - could the young pretender take on the might of King Stefan and show how good he really is. Well, here's how it panned out…….

This year's MX of Nations was to be held here - in the UK, fantastic for me as it is only an hour's drive from my house and therefore stress free. The circuit at Matterley Basin near Winchester has only been in existence for a year or so, the brain child of Steve Dixon who's idea it was to build a track in the Hampshire country side. I arrived at the circuit on Friday evening and pitched up for the weekend, the only annoyance being the smell of rancid cow crap coming from over the next fence - that's British farmland for you. The evening's entertainment came from watching people try to make themselves as ill as possible by going on all the fair ground rides that aim to have you re-visit your meal from earlier.

Saturday morning and the sun was out, providing both great riding and spectating conditions. Saturday is the practice and heat race day, deciding out of the 31 teams from around the world that enter, who goes through to the main races on the Sunday and who goes into the 'B' final. The top 19 teams from qualification day go through of right with the 'B' final winners making up the 20th team for the main event.

So to free practice and most of us European's first chance to finally see what all the hype is about and get to see Bubba and his famous scrub!!!!! The MX 1 boys came out which of course included Bubba, Everts, Coppins and Britain's own Billy Mackenzie. Well, what can I say, James Jr. was just awesome, he was the first to do the massive downhill double to a huge roar from the crowd who in turn really appreciated the crowds warmth for him. Everts just cruised around, giving nothing away and staying his usual focused self.

Next out were the MX 2 boys which included Ryan Villopoto (AMA National Lites winner) against Christophe Pourcel (this years MX 2 world champion) along with Ben Townley, Antonio Cairoli and GB's own rising starlet, Tommy "Gun" Searle. I think someone forgot to tell Villopoto that it was just a practice warm up - the kid was on fire and blazed up the track, showing just why he won the National Lites title this year. Pourcel tried to ride with him for a while but thought better of it as the kid was on the limit…..ah youthful exuberance, how I remember those days.

JAMES STEWART

Last out for a warm up were the Open class boys, with Tedesco, Ramon and Carl Nunn each finding their lines and getting a feel for the track. Those of you that remember last years report may recall I tipped Italy to do well and they bombed out. So this year I decided not to bother but did feel that the one challenge to the US would probably come from the Belgians, who had a very strong team. Other than King Stefan they also had Kevin Strijbos and Steve Ramon who both did very well this year in the championship. Out of the top 7 riders in the FIM MX1 class, four of them were Belgian.

Qualification Races

So to the first of the three qualification races. These are run in class so MX 1, MX 2 and Open race in class. The first riders out were MX 1 with James Jr lining up against Stefan Everts for the first time - everyone held their breath as the gate dropped and the roar of the four strokes echoed around the hills as they thumped into the first corner. Stewart got the holeshot followed closely by Everts, Seb Pourcel, De Reuver and GB's Billy Mac. It was frantic and going into the right hander after the downhill double De Reuver dropped it right in front of Billy. Like all English gentlemen, Billy avoided hitting the Dutchman instead opting to just ride over his bike - quality. A few laps in and Pourcel (FR) makes a move on Everts (BEL) for second while further back Coppins (NZ) was slipping back and into a great battle with Tanel Leok (EST) and David Philippaerts (IT).

Out front Bubba was just riding smooth, but a resurgent Everts regains his momentum and re-takes second and sets his sights on the young American. Coppins too finds his pace again and begins to mount an attack on the British rider in fourth. Then Pourcel begins to slow and as he comes past it appears he has damaged the front suspension of his Kawasaki allowing the chasing pack to catch up and a flying Billy Mac to go into third. Towards the end of the race Bubba begins lapping back markers and into the last few laps he has a group of six riders ahead of him and a flying Everts behind. They slow the Americans progress and Everts becomes a real danger, but with half a lap to go Bubba finally manages to negotiate them and see off Everts into second. Billy Mac has an awesome ride and holds off a hard charging Coppins to take third with Loek rounding out the top five. It was a great race with James showing some real skill but I must say Everts looked to be holding back, was he just playing with the kid - but we'd have to wait till tomorrow for the answer to that.

Next out were the MX 2 boys and a first chance to witness the young Villopoto in full race action, if practice was anything to go by it was gonna be one hell of a show. As the gate dropped there only ever looked like being one contender, Villopoto took off into the lead followed by C.Pourcel (FR), Tyla Rattray (SA), Cairoli (IT), Townley (NZ) and Strijbos (BEL). Half way round the lap and Villopoto was gone with over a two second advantage. However there was an almighty scrap going on behind him between third, fourth and fifth. Cairoli began to really pressure Rattray with Townley stalking the pair of them just waiting for his chance. Back in the pack and Tommy Searle was having a good battle with Aigar Leok (EST) and looking to pass. But out front Villopoto edges his advantage out to three and a half seconds but Pourcel refuses to give up the chase.

RYAN VILLOPOTO AFTER THE RACING

Meanwhile, the battle for third continues and as Cairoli looks to set up a move on the South African, he leaves the door open allowing Townley to capitalise and take fourth. Half way through the moto and things are looking good for the lad out front, until puffs of white smoke begin to emanate from his Kawasaki, however this doesn't seem to bother the kid in the slightest and he keeps it wide open. Pourcel senses possible glory and chases hard and with yet more traffic ahead, Villopoto's lead is cut from three and a half seconds to just a few bikes lengths. Villopoto rides a great race however and battles through all the problems to take the win with an unlucky Pourcel left pondering the prospective battles they will have next year when he rides in the AMA. The three chasing them finished Rattray, Cairoli and Townley, but special mention has to go to Tommy who finished the moto in great shape by passing two riders on the last lap to help the teams cause for qualification.

At this point I would like to break off to talk about the back marker situation and mainly Team China. My main question would be why bother, I appreciate that all teams need to start somewhere but when your riders are so clearly below a certain standard that it is dangerous for all parties concerned. They were routinely lapped by the fourth lap and so slow, they were no higher than weekend warrior level if that. I'm not putting the riders down as they had the balls to keep going and battle through the conditions, but someone somewhere should have realised their inexperience and put them back for more training, because that's all they lacked. I understand it was a great learning experience for them and a very steep slope, but that is what the national level racing is for, not the worlds premiere motocross event. Sorry, whinge over.

On to the last race of the day's qualifiers sees the Open class boys battling it out. Tedesco lines up along side Ramon of Belgium and Nunn of Great Britain. As the gate dropped and they headed for the first corner it was Wyatt Avis (SA) with a surprise holeshot ahead of Tedesco, Ramon and the Canadian Blair Morgan. Half way round the first lap and Tedesco takes the lead but Avis fights back and regains the place with Ramon challenging in third. A few laps in and Ramon works his way past Ivan and then into the lead leaving Tedesco to scrap with Avis. A lap later and under heavy pressure from Tedesco, Avis nearly crashes and allows Tedesco to pass him but a hard charging Ramon has already checked out leaving Tedesco no hope.

THE BATTLE ON TRACK

The Finnish rider Jussi-Pekka Vehvilainen (no idea how that's pronounced) had a good race and made his way up to fourth followed by Morgan in fifth and Nunn in sixth. That's how they finished but not before the Latvian and Russian rider decided that their bikes would look good as one and had a big coming together. Thankfully both were ok but took an age to separate their bikes - foot pegs and wheel spokes are never a good mix!!

So that was the end of the days racing. With two victories and a second, Team USA lead the qualifiers standings ahead of Belgium, France, New Zealand, South Africa and Great Britain. The 19th team to qualify were the Swiss team with the last spot to be filled by the winners of the 'B' final to be held Sunday morning. Everyone headed off to either the pits, back to the campsite or for more vomit inducing fun at the fair ground. I personally headed back to get a nice cup of tea and chill out until the evenings festivities got into full swing. All I can say is that hot British weather, crazy motocross fans, lots of beer and a fairground do not make for a pretty site so you can probably imagine the carnage that ensued - but I'm sure all had a good time…… except maybe for the one guy who passed out in an over flowing porta-loo with his head resting on a pan covered in, well, I'm sure you can guess the rest. I bet he had one hell of a shock when he finally came round.

Race Day

The crowds were huge on Saturday so I decided to get an early night and be up early to find a great spot to watch the racing. There had been fairly heavy rain overnight so it would be interesting to see what conditions the riders would face. I was up and out by 8am and at the track for 8.30am. My god, there were thousands and thousands of people already there and no track side space left what so ever. I headed up the hill, if I couldn't get up close to the riders I'd get the next best thing, a great view of the whole circuit. The track was very wet and tacky and in some places there was large puddles of standing water - my first thought was for the Chinese team, if they thought yesterday was hard they were gonna seriously struggle with this. The riders for the 'B' final were due out at 8.40am for a warm up but due to so many people trying to get in, things were held up, mainly I think for some of the riders who were trying to get back to the circuit from the night before.

RC ATTENDED TO WATCH THE RACING

Eventually they came out and as I had thought the Chinese did struggle and really found the going tough. Then the qualifiers came out in two groups for a warm up and all were taking it careful and it was very slick. The 'B' final kicked off at 11am, the track having dried somewhat due to the warm ups taking the edge off, but still very difficult. Even on the sighting lap a Chinese rider went down and took an age to kick over his big four, was this a sign of things to come……

'B' Final

The 'B' finalists lined up and were off, just as the PA system behind me packed up so I have no idea what was going on and who was doing what. Suffice to say the racing was ok but due to the conditions and the fact that people were still trying to get into the circuit, it was a fairly non eventful race. It was won by Kornel Nemeth of Hungary, who I must say rode a cracking race and wasn't fazed by the conditions at all. Second was Brian Jorgensen of Denmark with Michael Staufer of Austria having a huge ride to take third. However, with the lack of PA it was hard to tell which team qualified to take 20th position in the main races, at one point it was Sweden but your guess is as good as mine.

With that out of the way we had a bit of a wait for the three main races of the day and hopefully a repaired PA system. People were still coming into the circuit, and even though there was no official attendance figure announced I would say there had to be at least 60,000 to 70,000 people there, a crowd unheard of at a British motocross event. While we were waiting for the riders to come out we had some impromptu entertainment from out Welsh and Irish cousins as they went for a streak around the circuit - some completely naked and some dressed as leprechauns - not pleasant but it gave the crowd something to cheer about.

Race One - MX 1 & MX 2

1pm came round and the MX 1 and MX 2 boys lined up on the start gate ready for some full throttle action. In the mix were Bubba, Everts, Villopoto, Billy Mac and Tommy Searle. The gate dropped and they were off into the first corner but disaster, Tommy Searle fell, ending his race before it had really begun. However out front Everts got the holeshot with Bubba charging hard and Billy Mac in third, the patriotic crowd went mental.

Into the second lap and Everts and Bubba were battling with Billy hard on the case waiting for either of the two ahead to make a mistake. Billy pushing too hard however goes down and the crowd groan in disappointment. As the leading pair head into the one part of the track I couldn't see, Bubba loses his front wheel and drops it, the crowd goes wild and Everts sets about winning the moto. Bubba re-joins around sixth or seventh and gets his head down, are we gonna see one of those special rides he is famous for?

With Bubba down in seventh, Villopoto is left to try and catch Everts whilst having to deal with Townley, Pourcel and Coppins behind him. Pourcel puts a lovely move on Townley to take third while a charging James Stewart passes both Philippaerts and Coppins into the same corner-this is what we all came to see and the crowd respond. Poor old Billy Mac, having started well is back in 11th but continues to ride well and make progress.

Out front and Everts is in command and has a five second lead over Villopoto who is under some pressure from Pourcel, desperate to avenge yesterdays defeat. Bubba meanwhile is setting about trying to pass Townley, he gets past only for Townley to re-take the position and they battle it out for a couple of laps. Absolutely amazing stuff as they both battled hard, but clean. Bubba finally makes it stick and puts his head down to catch the two hard chargers ahead of him. At the front Everts is now cruising, with a seven second lead and riding so smooth, its looks like everyone else is just battling for second. James Jr is in full throttle mode now and showing what most of us have only seen on TV, riding hard he catches Pourcel and Villopoto. He tracks Pourcel for a lap before choosing his time to attack and get past, Pourcel typically fights back and doesn't make it easy putting up a strong fight against the young hot shot.

Eventually James does it and tracks down his team mate who seems as intent as Pourcel was in not giving up without a fight. Villopoto wants to show that Stewart may be team leader but he can hold is own against anyone. Eventually Bubba gets past and Villopoto tries to stay in touch but just can't match Stewarts pace. The last few laps and James takes a couple of seconds out of Everts who by now is just cruising and soaking up the crowd's applause. So after the first race they finished Everts, Stewart, Villopoto, Pourcel, Townley and Coppins. This puts Team USA top of the standings with New Zealand and Italy chasing them for the overall. Great Britain didn't have a great start, with Searle out and Billy Mackenzie in 13th, things didn't look good.

Race Two - MX 2 & Open

On a drying track, the second race was looking to be a cracker. As the gate dropped and they hit the first corner it was Tedesco who got the holeshot with a gaggle of riders behind him including Pourcel, Townley, Cairoli and his team mate Villopoto. After the next few corners Villopoto made his move and got past Cairoli while the British duo of Nunn and Searle were in 10th and 16th respectively. Tedesco pulled away to leave the three behind having a great scrap, they were all pushing hard and taking different lines to try and get the best out of the improving conditions. Down the order and the Team USA's main threats were not doing so well, with Ramon and Strijbos back in 8th and 9th. A great battle was emerging between Townley and Villopoto as they battled back and fourth for third spot.

Pourcel then made an uncharacteristic mistake and went back to sixth leaving Townley and Villopoto to battle it out for second place. The one man on the move was Cairoli though, having slipped up earlier he now pressed the two in front. Villopoto sensing the danger puts a move on Townley and sets about chasing his team mate while the resurgent Cairoli attacks Townley and puts a great move on him to take third. Further down the order the British pair are gaining places with Searle moving into 10th and Nunn in 12th.

Back at the front and Villopoto is pushing hard to reel in his team mate who seems to be struggling for fitness as his times drop off. Villopoto them makes a huge mistake landing off the side of the table top, into the green fencing, over a hay bale and then back onto the track - how the kid kept it together is a miracle. However, his slip allowed Cairoli and Townley to pass but he regains his composure to battle with Townley to get the position back. With Tedesco now visibly struggling for pace and Cairoli re-energised it's just a matter of time before a pass happens. Cairoli was absolutely flying and full of confidence as he chased Tedesco, pulling off a huge whip over the up hill triple which sends the crowd mental again and then putting the pass on Tedesco at the next corner. He then begins to pull a huge lead, four seconds in one lap over the now slowing Tedesco who is in danger of slipping further back.

As the following group arrive it is not long before Tedesco is demoted more places after being passed by Townley, Villopoto and a charging Ramon. At this point places second to fifth are all covered by five seconds and it would only take one mistake to let someone take an advantage. Cairoli doesn't let up at the front and takes the win by five seconds and does another huge whip over the finish line jump - even he know just what a good ride he had put in. Villopoto came home second with Townley and Ramon third and fourth. After a great start Tedesco finished sixth but still enjoyed his whip at the end but seemed glad it was all over. One hard luck story was that of Strijbos, charging hard towards the end and trying to put in a good team result the bike broke on the last lap and with only a few corners to go leaving him walking back to the pits not a happy man.

Race Three - MX 1 & Open

The last race was the biggie, all the top boys out for one last thrash to decide who would take the title for 2006. Team USA looked in a good position to retain their crown but this is the Nations and anything can happen. Everts was hoping to seal his greatest year with the title and the accolade of beating a great US team. As they pulled up to the gate it all seemed pretty tense, a good start was needed to avoid trouble. The gate dropped and they all sped into the first tight left hander and it was Philippaerts of Italy who got the drop on the rest with Billy Mac, yes, you read it right, Billy Mac of Great Britain in second closely followed by Coppins and Everts. Stewart, with a not so good start, was back in the pack but looking to move up fast. Mackenzie makes a move on Philippaerts to take the lead and the crowd goes ballistic but at the next corner Philippaerts is back in front. Behind these two Everts and Stewart are moving up almost in synchronization through the pack.

MORE TRACK ACTION!

At the front the leading pair continue to battle as the crowd urge Mackenzie to keep up the pressure. As he goes for another pass Mackenzie runs wide and loses a few places. Coppins then starts to attack the leader as Everts and Stewart move into third and fourth respectively. Behind them Mackenzie is trying to regain some composure whilst being chased by Pourcel, Ramon and Tedesco. A few corners later and Mackenzie stalls his machine letting the others through and the crowd go quiet. Coppins, battling hard for the lead goes down allowing Everts and Stewart to go through and edge nearer the front. Coppins then goes down again trying too hard to get back on terms with the others.

Everts and Stewart then home in on Philippaerts and stalk him, the top three covered by just a few bike lengths. Bubba goes for a move on Everts and gets past only for Everts to retake the position, they battle hard, this is what we all came to see. Whilst these two battle, Philippaerts remains out front - but for how much longer? Eventually Everts puts a move on the Italian and is followed through by Stewart, while behind them, Everts' team mate Ramon is having a great ride and into fourth with Pourcel and Barrigan of Spain in sixth. The two out front try to pull away and Stewart tries to find the lines that will get him past Everts, they are easily a class apart from the others. Now Ramon is pushing hard on Philippaerts, if he can get a good follow up result behind his team mate it may swing things.

Everything is finely balanced. Pourcel and Barrigan begin to close in on the scraping pair in front but as Ramon tries to find a way past he goes down, losing places and any hopes of the title with it. Everts begins to gap Bubba by around two seconds as the pair of them leave the rest of the field behind - either Bubba is playing it safe or he realises that Everts form is just too good and will have to settle for second. Further back Barrigan continues to surprise as he not only jumps the uphill triple but passes Philippaerts into the bargain by jumping over the top of him - amazing stuff. Everts gets into his rhythm and begins to pull further away from Stewart, lengthening the gap to four and a half seconds. As they begin the last two laps its frantic stuff behind the leading pair but the hard charging Barrigan finally ends his good run and loses the front end into a corner allowing the others to pass. As Everts comes over the line to take the checkers he has a 6 second lead with Stewart, Philippaerts, Leok and Ramon rounding out the top five.

With Stewart's consistent finishing and a huge contribution from Villopoto and not so huge from Tedesco, Team USA retain their Crown. But the Europeans had something to smile about with Everts convincingly beating Stewart both times out and taking the MX 1 class honours - would it have been different if Ricky had been out there???….sadly, we'll never know. On the podium Ricky said he would aim to be in the team for next years Nations, even with his reduced schedule - maybe that will entice Everts out of retirement for one last battle - here's hoping. The final standings were Team USA first followed by the Belgians and New Zealand. Team GB finished a credible sixth (one place lower than last year however) but worse than that, Team USA now lead the overall event win standings with 17, one ahead of Great Britain.

TEAM USA MENTOR ROGER DECOSTER

So, that's the Nations for another year. Other than the disappointment of Ricky pulling out, this year's event was another get show for a sport that is becoming harder to participate in over this side of the Atlantic, due to local government regulations on noise. However, everybody really appreciated Ricky attending, not only to give his support to the team but also to allow his fans from all over the world to get a glimpse of him. With just 360-ish days to go until the next outing at Budds Creek all I have to do now is start saving for the trip - any contributions??? Till next time….its been emotional.

Author Dominic Chalk is a motocross enthusiast who lives in Great Britain. He has provided this report with the assistance of Rodney Womack of www.motoxfitness.com. Rodney will be running regular articles as well.

Thanks again Dominic for your insight into the 2006 Motocross of Nations.

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