Out of Africa
By TMX Archives on 18th Dec 08
THE World MX1/M2 Championship schedule was reduced by one round last week when the FIM and then Youthstream announced the cencellation of the South African GP.
The Youthstream release explained that it was all down to finance: Due to the current very difficult world economical situation, Motorsport South Africa (MSA) and Youthstream have mutually agreed to cancel the FIM Motocross Grand Prix of South Africa for 2009, and indicated that both parties will work closely together to bring the GP back to South Africa in 2010.
Giuseppe Luongo, Youthstream president stated: MSA is one of our most important partners and we have worked together for a long time and have enormous respect for each other. South Africa has organized many successful Grand Prix events.
Now, due to this difficult economical moment and the devaluation of the Rand in comparison to the Euro it will be not possible to organise the 2009 GP of South Africa.
There is a great will from Youthstream and MSA to return very soon with the organization of the South African GP and we believe that may be possible from 2010.
Mrs Beaulah Schoeman, managing director of MSA said: We have always enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Youthstream and look forward to the challenge of securing the event again for South Africa after 2009. We are very disappointed but will continue all efforts to return the event to our country and its many motorsport fans.
2009 WORLD MX1/MX2 CHAMPS
March 29 Faenza, ITALY.
April 5 Sevlievo, BULGARIA.
April 12 Istanbul, TURKEY.
April 26 Valkenswaard, HOLLAND.
May 10 Agueda, PORTUGAL.
May 17 Bellpuig, SPAIN.
May 31 Mallory Park, GREAT BRITAIN.
June 7 Ernee, FRANCE.
June 21 Teutschenthal, GERMANY.
June 28 Kegums, LATVIA.
July 5 Uddevalla, SWEDEN.
August 2 Lommel, BELGIUM.
August 9 Loket, CZECH
REPUBLIC.
August 30 Lierop, HOLLAND.
September 13 Canelinha, BRAZIL.
September 20 Venue tba, USA.