Why does MXGP go to countries like Thailand and Indonesia?
By Team TMX on 11th Mar 17
Honda alone sells one-and-a-half million two-wheelers every year in Thailand and Roger Harvey confirmed that their annual bike sales in Indonesia approaches five million more than the combined sales in the whole of Europe!
Admission costs to the races are inevitably too high for much of the population in these countries but the public awareness and TV audience is incredible.
"These people treat you like royals,” said Steve Dixon. "They keep taking photos even in the supermarket.”
The importance of the race to the local community on Pangkal Pinang was evident. The paddock was situated in a brand new indoor sports arena, the new hotels put their five-star equivalent in Europe to shame, the local population is unbelievably helpful and the airport terminal is also brand-new and immaculate.
