With Team USA wrapping up its fifth consecutive Motocross of Nations victory this past weekend in Franciacorta, Italy, MX Sports Pro Racing would like to congratulate one of it’s own, as next year’s event-the 64th running of the Motocross of Nations-returns stateside to Thunder Valley MX Park, in Lakewood, Colorado.
A staple on the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship calendar since its inaugural event in 2005, Thunder Valley has become a premier motocross facility and over the last two years has garnered considerable notoriety as the site of the world’s only major outdoor motocross race held under the lights. Despite the innovation of such an event, there are no plans to run the Motocross of Nations at night.
With its mile-high altitude, Thunder Valley has been known to challenge a rider’s fitness as well as a mechanics prowess to get the most out of a bike in the power-robbing thin air. The unique challenges presented by the facility’s location and the stellar mountainside layout that features some of the best soil in the country have made Thunder Valley a fan favorite as well as one of the most respected tracks on the AMA schedule.
The success achieved in Lakewood is a direct result of the relentless effort of track owner David Clabaugh. His forward-thinking ideas have not only helped Thunder Valley achieve global recognition, but they have contributed to the continued growth of the sport, helping motocross in America and now the world reach new levels.
"The chance to host the Motocross of Nations is a dream-come-true," said Clabaugh, who was on-hand for the announcement by Youthstream, organizers of the event, and the Federation of International Motorcycling (FIM). "This is the single biggest motocross event in the world and it’s an honor to have the FIM recognize Thunder Valley as a world class venue. I have put in countless hours to make this facility the best it could be and this is the greatest reward I could have received. I really want to thank MX Sports, the National Promoters Group and everyone else that has believed in me and Thunder Valley for helping us get here."
The last time the Motocross of Nations was held in the U.S. was 2007 at Budds Creek MX Park in Mechanicsville, Md. After a 20-year hiatus from America, this marks the second appearance in four years, showcasing the tremendous development motocross in the states has undergone in recent years.
The 2010 Motocross of Nations is scheduled for September 25-26, just a couple weeks after the conclusion of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship season. To keep track of event updates, ticket information and more, log onto www.redbullmxon.com.
