MXGP: Spanish moments
By Infront Moto Racing on 28th May 16
Spanish motocross has very much a special place in the hearts of motocross fans worldwide. From that very first Grand Prix held at the Ruta circuit in 1962 and won by British rider Arthur Lampkin, until last years event at the Talavera de la Reina circuit won by Antonio Cairoli, we have seen many historical events.
Of course the Sabadell circuit on the outskirts of Barcelona was a stronghold for the 250cc class in the late 1960's and until the early 1980's, and many legendary moments occurred at that circuit. Wins by names like Joel Robert, Dave Bickers, Torsten Hallman, Guennady Moiseev, Harry Everts, Heikki Mikkola and Georges Jobe. None though were more important than the victory in 1973 by American Jim Pomeroy. On that dusty day in Spain the Bultaco rider became the first American to ever win a Grand Prix. Many more would follow, but Pomeroy still holds a special place in the hearts of the Grand Prix faithful's.
Nearly 20 years later Team USA arrived at the Jerez circuit in the south of Spain and put on one of the most dominating performances in Motocross of Nations history. Led by Supercross legend Jeremy McGrath, and with support from Jeff Emig and Steve Lamson the American riders went undefeated. At the time Joel Smets another legend of the sport complained that the circuit was too supercross styled, but nothing could take it away from Team USA, who had come back from being beaten by Team Great Britain in 1994 and Team Belgium in 1995.
In 2003 another Motocross of Nations was held in Spain, this time at the Bellpuig circuit, and it was Team Italy won with Andrea Bartolini, Alex Puzar and Alessio Chiodi.
Another brilliant moment in Spanish motocross was the performance by Stefan Everts at the Bellpuig circuit in the north of Spain in 2001. Having spent two years on the injury list, and many saying his fine career was more or less over Everts took victory in one of his greatest moments, in a career filled with brilliance. Beating home Joel Smets and Marnicq Bervoets and starting a second part of his illustrious career, Everts would go on to win motocross world championships in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, one of the most dominant runs in GP history.
For many British fans the 2000 Grand Prix of Spain, held at the Talavera circuit was a special moment. It was the arrival of Irelands Gordon Crockard. The Honda backed rider put together 1-4 results for his first GP victory, and it would lead to him becoming a serious contender in 2001, winning another two GP's and finishing third in the world.
