Glen Helen will not be hosting the MXON2017!
Anyone who was in the paddock in recent months already heard the rumor. A rumor that only grew stronger during the Glen Helen Grand Prix. A rumor stated that the most prestigious motocross race, the Motocross Of Nations, would not take place in Glen Helen in 2017 as originally planned. Where Glen Helen is not exactly the most popular of all the competitions at an American Motocross competition. Organizer Bud Felkamp had to conclude during the previous USGP competitions in Glen Helen that the Americans did not want to taste the MXGP. Even in the last two years, despite the participation of Cooper Webb (2015) and Eli Tomac (2016), the fans remained stoic at the MXGP race on the Glen Helen course.
In mutual consultation between organizer, Bud Felkamp, and MXGP Promoter, Youthstream, it has been decided not to organize the 2017 MXON in Glen Helen. This is due to, among other things, the financial risks that such a major competition entails, and which can no longer be called calculated with such limited interest from the Southern Californian motorcycle world. Who will be allowed to organize this has not yet been announced and whether the competition will remain in America is also unclear.
Official Press Release (English)
MONACO (Principality of Monaco), September 27, 2016 – Mr Giuseppe Luongo, Youthstream President, and Mr Bud Felkamp, President of the Glen Helen Raceway, had a meeting at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Maggiora and in common agreement they have decided to not organize the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Glen helen in 2017.
Glen Helen Raceway and Youthstream have worked in close cooperation over the last 2 years and both entities have invested serious funds for the organization of the MXGP of USA but despite the quality of the organization, the excellent racing and the massive media coverage the fan attendance was much lower than expected and also much lower than what this event deserves.
For such a prestigious event which deserves and needs an outstanding fan participation the risk is too high, and this is the main reason why it has been decided in common agreement to not organize the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in 2017 in Glen Helen. If the situation changes in the future both parties would be keen to work together again.
Text: Matthias Van Eeckhoven
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