Motocross Des Nations team chosen
By TMX Archives on 25th Aug 09
Mark Eastwood, Manager of the Des Nations British Motocross team, has decided who will be riding at the coveted event which will be held on the 3-4th October at Franciacorta in Italy.
The team line up is Brad Anderson on the PAR Homes Honda in the MX1 class, Tommy Searle on the KTM will return from America to race in the MX2 class and Carl Nunn will ride in the MX3 class aboard his MVR-D Suzuki.
All the riders are thrilled to have been chosen to represent their country and are looking forward to the challenge of the Italian circuit.
Mark Eastwood Team Manager said: "I've picked Tommy Searle in MX2 as he is the fastest rider from the UK. I think he is the best as he is doing good in the States and there is some tough competition out there. He is running podium pace there so I feel that is really impressive.
"I've picked Brad Anderson as he is fast; he has really grown and progressed this season, as well as winning the British Championship. He also won the MX3 GP at Markelo and he rode well in MX3 at Hawkstone, and I think he would have won if he hadn't had a spill. He has been dominant and running at the front beating Billy MacKenzie even before Billy got injured. Brad has gained confidence and I feel he deserves the place.
"Finally, I've selected Carl Nunn for the MX3 class as I wanted a 450 rider and the MVR-D Suzuki is working really well. All through the British Championship it has been Brad and Carl at the front with Gareth Swanepoel and he has had better pace than anyone. He hasn't been racing GPs but he went to Mallory Park GP and finished as top Brit. I decided not to run Stephen Sword and Shaun Simpson as it would mean putting them on a 450 for just one race. Carl is the better man for the job as he has been on a 450 all season. So we are now ready to rock and roll.”
Brian Higgins, ACU Motocross Chairman commented: "Some people will find Marks choice controversial and I know of at least one high profile Team Manager who felt the selection was wrong. The ACU Motocross Committee gave Eastwood the job of Team Manager and to pick a team from a squad of riders which he has done. Obviously some people will feel that Shaun Simpson and Stephen Sword should have been selected, but we will stand behind the decision of our appointed Team Manager. Mark has explained the reasons for his choice clearly and we wish the team the best of luck."
He concluded by saying: "Mark did the right thing by speaking to the non selected riders ahead of the selected ones and explained the situation to them."