Open letter from Stefan Everts to all motorsport enthusiasts, associations and the government
Recently obtained Joel Smets A sore point has already emerged regarding noise pollution, which puts motocross in an increasingly poor light and now it is Stefan Everts' turn to sound the alarm and expose the fragmentation of the Belgian motocross landscape. The ten-time world champion speaks about an old pain and a historically grown Belgian phenomenon: The various regional motocross federations, which means there is no central point of contact and there is no uniform policy regarding motocross permits for motocross riders.
In this open letter he addresses not only motorsport enthusiasts but also the various federations and the government.
Stefan Everts: As a passionate motocross racer/organizer working in this sector, I am very closely involved with everything related to motorsport. For example, I have seen for years that it is always a hassle with the various permits that exist in Belgium, including VLM, MCLB, VMCF, BMB and also our Walloon colleagues.
I see this problem recurring during organizations/events, this is a point that can be resolved in the future. This allows us to reach a larger target group/audience and opens up more options.
In Belgium we have one organization that is subsidized by the government, that is Motorsport Vlaanderen. If all associations and therefore also the drivers join one body, Motorsport Vlaanderen, this can offer many more possibilities.
A much larger figure emerges from active motocross riders, enduro riders and motorsports in general, competitive or purely recreational. With this figure we can actually show the government how many there are and not come out in small groups. For this, we as members, but especially as different federations, must put our heads in the same direction and not be diametrically opposed to each other as is happening now.
By following this direction, we also create the opportunity to shape our license in a different way, comparable to, for example, the Belgian Motorcyclists' Association (BMB). They have already expanded their license by offering the opportunity to train abroad, such as in France, with the BMB license. Moreover, negotiations are currently underway with Dutch colleagues to conclude a similar agreement. These developments represent a significant and positive step forward, especially as there are limited opportunities to train for our beloved sport here.
A significant financial effort will be required. If you currently already have a Belgian license and have to purchase additional training passes/licenses from our neighboring countries, this will also entail additional costs, perhaps even more than expected. That is why I would like to make an urgent appeal to all motorsport enthusiasts: the situation in Belgium is critical. Let us join forces together and mobilize financial resources. It is very important to also seek legal assistance so that we can restore the necessary permits.
Dear fellow motorsport enthusiasts, time is running out. Let's work together to make this sport survive. Let's provide financial support and work together on legal matters. This not only means that active areas have to bear the burden club by club, but that we support this together as one large group of motorsport enthusiasts.
Initiatives such as those of 17/2/2024 are crucial. Let us unite and show solidarity, far away from the behavior of football hooligans. We want to demonstrate who we really are – not people with bad intentions, but individuals who strive for constructive solutions.
To achieve this, cooperation is essential and we must avoid opposition to hinder our path, especially between the different federations. This is currently a significant stumbling block. With this letter I hope for a positive response and that some eyes will be opened so that our sport can be saved. We must not allow the ship to sink further, because the water is already very high!
With warm regards,
A motorsport enthusiast through and through
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