One reason for the success of this event over
the last six decades is the extreme growth in
popularity that dirtbikes and motocross have achieved
around the globe. Many places such as the U.K.,
Australia, New Zealand, France, Spain, and Israel,
as well as many countries on the continents of
South America and Africa have seen a rapid increase
of interest in ATV racing among their citizens.
International ATV sales statistics also support
an increased interest in the sport with Honda
reporting a 29% increase in foreign sales over
the last couple of years followed by Yamaha with
21% and Suzuki with an 11% increase. This market
trend is encouraging and along with the recent
increase in factory involvement in the racing
industry it appears quite feasible that one day
the ATV community could see an international motocross
event that rivals the enormity of the Motocross
of Nations.
|
|
| Polaris'
Doug Eichner has won multiple titles at
the 12 Hours of Pont de Vaux in France |
Harold
Goodman won the 2006 New Zealand Motocross
Championship over Doug Gust and Kory Ellis |
In the last decade, many racers from the U.S.
such as Harold Goodman, Joe Byrd, Doug Eichner,
Doug Gust, and Kory Ellis have been known to
travel overseas to race in certain series’
and events with much success. Their presence
at these races is welcomed among the local racers
and actually helps to boost enthusiasm and participation.
Their attendance could also be a contributor
to the increase in foreign racers that have
been making appearances at U.S. events. Series’
such as the ATVA MX, GNCC, WPSA, and WORCS have
seen participants from Australia, Great Britain,
France, Canada, Japan, Portugal, Costa Rico,
Argentina, and more in the last couple of years.
|
|
| French
Motocross Champion, Romain Couprie, finished
in the Top 10 at Red Bud in 2006 |
Japan's
Motocross Champion, Seiya Sakuma, rounded
out the Top 10 at Sunset Ridge in 2007 |
 |
| England's
John Mitchell is a favorite at the upcoming
"Inter Nations Quad MX Championship",
but hopefully the expands near year to
include even more Countries |
Until recently, the closest thing resembling
a world-wide event for quads is the annual 12
hours of Pont de Vaux, which is more of a Le
Mans/enduro type of set up as opposed to a motocross
format. However, as the popularity of ATV’s
expands on a global level, efforts are being
put forth to start an international race for
ATV’s that mirrors the Motocross of Nations
event. The Quad Racing Association of the United
Kingdom (QRA) has put together an international
ATV event that has teams from Scotland, Wales,
England, Ireland and Western Europe competing
for the QRA’s first annual “Inter
Nations Quad MX Championship” on October
28th that will be held in Welsh Common Newton
in Herefordshire, England. We can only hope
that this event grows to the status of the Motocross
of Nations and puts racers such as New Zealand’s
Quentin Palmer, England’s John Mitchell,
and South Africa’s Cornel De Villiers
in competition with top U.S.A. racers such as
John Natalie, Jr., Tim Farr, and Joe Byrd for
a true “World Championship” title.
If you are interested in learning more about
this first time, international event, or participating,
you can visit www.qrauk.com
for information on classes, regulations, and
registration.
