Mantova Stars as opener
By TMX Archives on 19th Nov 08
THE Mantova Starcross has been a permanent fixture on the calendar for 25-years, and the 26th edition on February 7/8 will again open the European motocross season. With no GP scheduled for the sandy track alongside the river Po in 2009, the Starcross, once again sponsored by Italian helmet manufacturer Airoh, takes on even more importance to the local community and, despite an all-star cast, the main billing is the first MX1 showdown between reigning world champion, David Philippaerts, and 2005/ 2007 MX2 title holder, Toni Cairoli, who moves up to the big class next year.
Both Italians will have the full backing of their rival Yamaha teams for the race, Philippaerts' Rinaldi Monster Yamaha partner, Josh Coppins, and Red Bull De Carli newcomer, Tanel Leok, also being on the entry list, as are the full factory KTM squad of Max Nagl, Tyla Rattray, Shaun Simpson and Rui Goncalves, plus Silver Action's Jonathan Barragan.
Teka Suzuki has already confirmed Steve Ramon and Ken De Dycker, while both Honda and Kawasaki will also be in attendance, though their riders are as yet not decided, and Italian factories Aprilia, TM and Husqvarna have also signalled their attention to be amongst the 40 starters.
The race format will be the same as in recent years with practice and qualification races, Superpole and freestyle on Saturday, and the Sunday programme offering the One-on-one Knock Out' event in the morning plus three motos in the afternoon.
Race fans will be glad to hear that the organising Motoclub Tazio Nuvolari, named after the great hero on both two and four-wheels who was a native of the Lombardian city, will be pegging the admission prices to 20 Euro for Sunday and 15 Euro for Saturday for the fifth consecutive year. And that price includes free access to the paddock!