This is what it's all about
By TMX Archives on 2nd Oct 08
JD enthuses about his weekend at the Nations where he got an idea of how the other half lives... PARKING aside all the arguments and comments that have done the rounds for months regarding last weekend's Motocross des Nations, i.e: it was too expensive, Donington isn't an MX venue, etc, etc, I am prepared to stick my neck out and say I thought it was a bloody good event. You may or may not require the Youthstream hoopla (which has to be paid for somewhere down the line – and whether you want it or not you've got it, so deal with it) but when it comes down to basics the weekend is all about the racing. And the racing was excellent.
Saturday's qualifying was all-action and, come the big day the Brits, gave us all plenty to cheer about and it was heartening to see that in the very first race on Sunday, when Shaun Simpson ended-up at the back of the pack on the opening lap, there was no despair on the terraces, everyone just got straight behind him and roared him through the field. And Tommy and Billy really couldn't have given much more. Searle just seemed to get faster and faster, while I don't even want to mention Billy's last race crash except to say I'm sure he is more gutted than anyone else.
The Brits missing out on the podium is a disappointment for sure, but it is one thing going down with a lack-lustre performance and quite another going down with all guns blazing – which in case anyone is in any doubt, is exactly what our three guys did. There were plenty of positives to take from the day.
I have to say that the track was way better than I was expecting and included several really tricky sections that allowed the likes of Villopoto to show just why he is just a bit special. Seeing the Americans in the flesh is something that thousands of fans naturally looked forward to and Ryan and Bubba delivered in spades. To watch Villopoto really working that Kawasaki through the whoops, forcing it low and making it drive, was worth the entry fee alone.
There's an argument that a fully fit Cairoli would have given him a run for his money – and I'm sure he would – but we'll just have to wait another day for that confrontation...
The Americans were of course hot favourite to give us all a whacking but what really made me think hard though was that they could afford to have Bubba Stewart drop from first to 20th, or whatever, and the team STILL be far enough ahead on points to win the event overall.
Now that's domination.
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WHILE it was all going off for the MXers at Donington, over in Andorra it was Trials des Nations time and I really wish that the FIM would switch the calendar and avoid the clash. This would be worth it purely from a publicity point of view because every single motorcycle publication will be highlighting the MX des Nations this week – or this month if it is a monthly.
Sure, the trial is a small event in comparison to the mighty MXdN but it is still an important event in its own right – and right now it is being denied the publicity it deserves. The Ladies event in particular has a lot of potential and the riders are increasing their skill level all the time. Laia Sanz has been an inspiration to many girls in many countries and while Laia still stands supreme, the sheer weight of numbers coming through means that sooner or later the gap will be bridged.
And all the signs are that it may well be bridged by a British girl! Becky Cook is a very determined character who keeps pushing her personal boundaries and skill levels and is a worthy World number two. And with the likes of youngsters Emma Bristow, Joanne Coles and Hannah Styles coming through there are some exciting times ahead!
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FINALLY, a personal word of thanks to Richard of RDH Motorhome Centre for sportingly allowing me the use of his personal home from home, a Burstner 747 Starship or something, for Saturday night in the Donington paddock and allowing me a brief glimpse of how the other half lives. I can see now that the other half live very well!
Having the luxury of being able to wake at 6am Sunday morning and watch the MotoGP from Japan on satellite telly from my paddock bed was something of a revelation.
Now how can I afford one – perhaps I could sell my HBOS and B and B shares? DOH!