Johan Boonen evaluates the MXGP of Flanders
Those who were there could not deny it: the MXGP in Lommel was a great success in all its aspects. Besides the sporting success of our young wolves from the MX2 class, it was also an organizational success because the new layout of Lommel was appreciated by both the riders and the public. We asked organizer Johan Boonen what he thought of it.
MXMag: There were a lot of people there on Saturday and Sunday. We asked a number of spectators and riders about their findings about the new layout. Everyone seemed equally enthusiastic. How do you feel about it?
Johan Boonen: In the beginning we thought the circuit would be too slow, but afterwards it turned out not to be so bad. There are certainly still some improvements possible. It is the first time that we have converted the circuit via GPS. This way we can ensure that the drivers can pass even more easily next year. The main thing is that the drivers are satisfied with the circuit and that it is a safe circuit. It is very important to us that the medical services did not have to rush out to provide medical assistance.
MXMag: Building a circuit costs a lot of money. Is the adjustment of the circuit in Lommel a long-term investment?
Johan Boonen: Building the circuit certainly costs money and effort for the people who help. The engineers really worked a lot of hours to achieve this. The difficulty lies mainly in moving the starting strip and the TV compounds. The cameras have been in the same place for years. The internet and all facilities had to be relocated. Maybe we can improve that in the future. The starting strip will certainly remain that way in the coming years.
MXMag: Will there be any adjustments on and around the circuit that have to do with the issued permit and its preconditions?
Johan Boonen: That is actually something of the club and they will be meeting about it one of these days. In any case, the club's board is motivated. It is difficult to say whether any adjustments will be made in this regard. In this regard, there are contacts with Infront Moto Racing and there will be improvements and embellishments in the future. The club's motivation has now partly returned. You should know that the people of the club themselves kept the circuit open for a long time and ensured that the track was in order. The motivation was less then due to the uncertainty. We then received protests and had to lobby, which meant that the drive was somewhat weaker for a few years.
We were working on a new permit, but if there are no results then motivation automatically drops. You also see what happened to Olmen. There are now also the achievements of the Belgians. These do not directly contribute to the issue of a permit, but it does provide a kind of mandatory interest from the cabinet. They just can't ignore it anymore.
MXMag: Has the visit of Sports Minister Ben Weyts given you good hope for the future?
Johan Boonen: That is a difficult question. I do know that he was very pleasantly surprised by our organization. The last time he visited a motocross was at the Kesterheide in Kester (2015). Ben Weyts was surprised in Lommel by the interest of the public and the international press. For example, if you go to the horse races, it is a given that you will find a professionally set up organization there. He was impressed by the difficulty of organizing an MXGP. When you see that business people like Noël Essers (CEO Essers Transport and Logistics) not only stay in the VIP area but also tour the circuit and rightly like it, then I think that is a nice and hopeful observation.
MXMag: Some spectators reported a sort of arena feeling as they watched the races from the back of the embankment. Was this a conscious choice to improve the atmosphere for the audience?
Johan Boonen: That is also why the Sky box and the pit lane were removed from the middle of the circuit. It certainly improves the atmosphere and is a very important factor for the event. It is of course also true that with the new talented Belgians we see a new kind of supporter emerging. There used to be supporter clubs at a Grand Prix of Stefan Everts, Joël Smets and Marnicq Bervoets and then you still had some supporters of lesser riders. Those were real clans.
For example, I saw that on Sunday Liam Everts' supporters were also cheering on Lucas and Sacha Coenen. There are not that many international matches, so the supporters join forces for the few matches they visit and then support all the Belgians who participate. Now you see that the Belgian supporters are just as enthusiastic as the French do in France or the Italians in Italy. That is great to note and creates an undeniable atmosphere. That will make a difference in October in Ernée during the MXoN (laughs). It was also great to see how everyone was cheering on Jeremy Van Horebeek in Lommel. It drives fantastic and everyone appreciates that.
We currently have the Coenen brothers, Jarne Bervoets who is coming, we have Liam Everts, Brent van Doninck and young riders like Ian Ampoorter. They are all sweet and friendly guys who realize the importance of supporters at a young age. With this generation it is really noticeable that they come from a motocross family and know how to appreciate their supporters, the organization and the media with the right attitude.
These young riders actually have little to do with a race organizer, but they do show their gratitude and I think that is important. They are all very nice guys who know how it works. In that respect, we are doing well with this generation.
Photos: Huub Munsters, Tim Van Echelpoel and Gino Maes
Tekst: Danny Hermans
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