Friday Kickstart - MXoN 2009

Chris

October 02 2009
3,036 views
16 comments

It’s been exactly one year since the U.S. team defended their MXoN crown (and with it the Chamberlain trophy) in Great Britain at Donnington Park. This year, the Motocross of Nations returns to Italy for the first time in 23 years. The brand-new Franciacorta-based track was built specifically for the MXoN and it is pretty incredible. Check out the TRACK PREVIEW when you get a chance. As for the venue itself, much like Donnington, it is a road race facility with plenty of concrete in the pits and actual infrastructure for vending and fanfare. The track, however, definitely sets this race apart from Donnington, as does the Italian setting. We expect more fans than last year, and as many of you may already know, the Italian motocross fans are quite dedicated. In short, this should be exciting.

Today, though it was mostly press conferences and track walking, welcomed a ton of fans. It took us forever to navigate through the crowds surrounding the track to get the press box (which is above a kart track no less). The top teams were presented to the press earlier this afternoon, including last year’s top three, Team USA, France, and Belgium. The US team took to the conference table first and were extremely poised during their Q&A. Jake Weimer kicked off the conference and expressed his confidence in the team and his excitement for the race. Ryan Dungey was asked about his experience on the 450, to which he replied, “I rode the 250 all year, but I have always liked the 450 and I think it suits me well.” Ivan Tedesco talked a bit about his previous experience at MXoN, and that he will always answer the call when asked to represent the US. Team manager Roger DeCoster told the press that he felt it was important to have at least one member of the team with previous MXoN experience, but that it did not matter whether they raced MX1, MX2, or the Open class–just that they help lead the team.

It wasn’t all team presentations and press conferences, however. In addition to all of the festivities surrounding the actual Motocross of Nations race, there was also a “Kart Race of Nations.” This team race featured two-man teams from each country made up of one racer and one member of the media. Team USA was comprised of Ivan “Hot Sauce” Tedesco and TransWorld’s own Brendan “Grappa” Lutes. Unfortunately for Team USA, they failed to make the main event; but we can guarantee they will have a better showing on the moto track.

Kart Final
1. Team Germany [Roczen and Englert (Speedweek)]
2. Italy [Cairoli and Tempestini (Motociclismo Fuoristrada and Motosprint)]
3. Netherlands [Herlings and Van Den Brink (Motocrossplanet)]

presented by…

fox

16 Comments For This Post

ScottLloydisin Says:
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:20 am

First baby!

jim elliot Says:
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:39 pm

Don’t foget kids like Ben Evans riding for porto rieco

not a h8r Says:
October 2nd, 2009 at 6:33 pm

Game on… this year's Red Bull moto DES nations will be tight and good comp to watch, USA clear favorite but work cut out for them. Thank GOD Tedesco is there to anchor, Weimer is weakest link no doubt, poor choice by Roger.

The Truth Says:
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:55 pm

I'm not so sure Team USA is the strongest. Austraila is the strongest. You don't know what Dungey is gonna do, he's fast but prone to crashing. Reed is maybe the most consistent rider on the planet, not to mention has some serious speed. Weimer is good but not great, and Tedesco could finish dead last just as easy as he gets on the podium. Byrner has some speed, more than tedesco does, and more consistant this year. Same thing with Metty, he's consistant and has the speed.

hiya Says:
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:41 pm

no canada

cmx Says:
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:34 pm

haha devastated

ry629 Says:
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:24 pm

reeds the only person on team aussie thats won somthing. both dungey and tedesco have championships. metcalf and byrne are fast but they havent done shit lately

chad Says:
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:12 pm

what tv station is covering it and what time

CA MX Says:
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:54 pm

Its live on foxracing.com I dont know if its on TV

JGR33 Says:
October 3rd, 2009 at 1:21 am

Jim, should pay more attention in English and Geography, that's Puerto Rico. Or are you home schooled, either way go USA, (better watch out for the Aussies though!)