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Motocross
of Nations Links
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Budds Creek, MD - The coveted
Motocross of Nations made a rare visit to the
United States for it’s 2007 event. The prestigious
international race has only traveled to destinations
outside of Europe on three previous occasions
in its 61-year history, and only once before has
this motocross championship made its way to the
States. In 1987, 40 years after the first race
took place, New York’s Unadilla played host
to the event, which was a huge success.
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| The
infield was packed with thousands of spectators
trying to get a glimpse of the race |
This year, Motocross of Nations came to Budd’s
Creek in southern Maryland. Race teams, featuring
the best of the best, from 35 countries were
there to try and claim the esteemed championship.
Attendance for this event was simply staggering.
There were approx. 150,000 spectators, many
of who had flown from overseas just to support
their countries finest racers in their quest
for the championship. Hotels and campgrounds
were filled to capacity within a 100-mile radius
of the track and the facility itself was transformed
into an endless sea of vehicles and people.
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| Kawasaki's
Josh Creamer & Chappy |
In addition to the many two-wheel fans in attendance,
there were also some from the 4-wheeled community,
including Kawasaki’s Josh Creamer and the
Kawasaki ATV team of mechanics. “I’ve
never been anyplace with this many people before.
This is huge! I hope that in the future ATV’s
could have an event like this, on this scale.”
Stated Creamer.
This year’s race was Ricky Carmichael’s
crowning glory as it would be his final MX appearance
of his illustrious career as prepares to make
his fulltime switch to NASCAR. In honor of Carmichael’s
many achievements spanning his racing career,
officials created a new award, the “Ricky
Carmichael Award”, which is to be presented
every year to the youngest rider racing at the
event.
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| USA's
Ricky Carmaichael was not have been 100%,
but it was still more than enough to out
run the 2007 Motocross National Champion,
Grant Langston, representing South Africa
in the MX of Nations |
James “Bubba” Stewart was supposed
to be racing with Carmichael at this year’s
race, but Stewart was sidelined with an injury,
so Tim Ferry was the lucky rider to take his
place. Meanwhile, Ryan Villopoto made motocross
history by being the first rider to ever win
both mains on a Lites Bike, taking home the
championship for the U.S.
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| Kawasaki's
Tim Ferry |
Kawasaki's
Ryan Villopoto |
