The World '70 Motocross Grand Prix

[Carl]

René,

          I hadn't noticed until the other day the amazing photo of total concentration as Scott Redding looks ahead.  He has the necessary talent to excel, but struggles in WSB for some reason, sometimes seeming like a rebel without a cause.  We all wish him the best because of John's greatness.

Cheers, Carl

[chrisb]

Scott has been poorly served since joining WSB, not forgetting he was runner-up to Jonathon a few years ago and was tipped to be the champion the following year - sadly it didn't work, then along came Bautista - who is half Scott's size and weight and hey presto he started winning. And the BMW just hasn't gelled for Scott - I was hoping Scott would join Kawasaki this year or next as I think that would suit him better- 

I am hoping to get to Donington for the WSB round this year 

On a personal note, Scott's wife is expecting their first child 

[René]

Apr 1, 2024 16:23:59 GMT Carl said:

René,

          I hadn't noticed until the other day the amazing photo of total concentration as Scott Redding looks ahead.  He has the necessary talent to excel, but struggles in WSB for some reason, sometimes seeming like a rebel without a cause.  We all wish him the best because of John's greatness.

Cheers, Carl

Yes, I changed all the banners recently and I thought this one was appropriate.    Go Redding, go!

[mikael]

The Monaco Grand Prix of Motocross

Even when my life - many years ago now - was more or less centered around motocross (on a national level), I had no idea about the uniqueness of the Belgian motocross GP which took place around the citadel of Namur. The internet gives us the possibility to discover things that earlier went on unnoticed to us ...

From: mxgp.com:

"From 1947 to 2007, the best motocross riders in the world travelled to Namur every year. There, where the Grand Prix Motocross of Namur, also known as the Grand Prix of Belgium or the Grand Prix of Wallonia motocross, was organized on the circuit of the Citadel of Namur. The course was drawn between the trees, streets and paths that can be found in the city park of Namur.

"The GP of Belgium in Namur was to motocross what the Circuit de Monaco is to Formula 1. However, due to its specific and extreme character, the course on the Citadel of Namur could withstand comparison with Monaco on more than one point. For example, the course ran between many trees and allowed the pilots to make deep descents before ending up on the street, covered with a layer of sand for the occasion. This Grand Prix was extremely popular with the motocross public. British, Americans, Russians, Finns, Swedes, everyone with a heart for motocross wanted to experience this legendary spectacle at least once."

Photos from: www.vitalmx.com

I find the following two movies highly fascinating. They are from 1991, when the two-stroke engines still were allowed - and were dominating. I don't think motocross was ever more spectacular than at this time.

The first movie shows, at the start, supporters for the British riders who (the supporters) perhaps were a bit like the orange-clad Verstappen supporters of the present day - but perhaps even a good deal worse. One gets the impression, also, that their behavior was a bit over the top for the locals in Namur.

In whatever way, to see motorcycles at speed on this circuit - specially set up for the occasion once every year - is fascinating indeed. One can certainly see many parallels with the Monaco F1 Grand Prix circuit.

[mikael]

Related to my previous post here, I came across a very interesting book on the 500cc Motocross World Championship in the 1980's, written by a British rider active at the time. I find the following citation most interesting:

"There were no slow riders in a GP. There never have been. Even the men finishing last were really quick."

Food for thought, really. But of course it's true. To participate in a GP you need a recommendation from your national racing association. And in order to obtain such one, you need to be at the very top at national level.

[Carl]

Aug 10, 2024 13:52:16 GMT mikael said:

The Monaco Grand Prix of Motocross

Even when my life - many years ago now - was more or less centered around motocross (on a national level), I had no idea about the uniqueness of the Belgian motocross GP which took place around the citadel of Namur. The internet gives us the possibility to discover things that earlier went on unnoticed to us ...

From: mxgp.com:

"From 1947 to 2007, the best motocross riders in the world travelled to Namur every year. There, where the Grand Prix Motocross of Namur, also known as the Grand Prix of Belgium or the Grand Prix of Wallonia motocross, was organized on the circuit of the Citadel of Namur. The course was drawn between the trees, streets and paths that can be found in the city park of Namur.

"The GP of Belgium in Namur was to motocross what the Circuit de Monaco is to Formula 1. However, due to its specific and extreme character, the course on the Citadel of Namur could withstand comparison with Monaco on more than one point. For example, the course ran between many trees and allowed the pilots to make deep descents before ending up on the street, covered with a layer of sand for the occasion. This Grand Prix was extremely popular with the motocross public. British, Americans, Russians, Finns, Swedes, everyone with a heart for motocross wanted to experience this legendary spectacle at least once."

Photos from: www.vitalmx.com

I find the following two movies highly fascinating. They are from 1991, when the two-stroke engines still were allowed - and were dominating. I don't think motocross was ever more spectacular than at this time.

The first movie shows, at the start, supporters for the British riders who (the supporters) perhaps were a bit like the orange-clad Verstappen supporters of the present day - but perhaps even a good deal worse. One gets the impression, also, that their behavior was a bit over the top for the locals in Namur.

In whatever way, to see motorcycles at speed on this circuit - specially set up for the occasion once every year - is fascinating indeed. One can certainly see many parallels with the Monaco F1 Grand Prix circuit.

The challenge of that amazing MotoGP course is matched only by the danger.  I wasn't surprised that Roger De Coster won at Namur more than anyone.  I still remember reading that he could balance with his feet on the footpegs for a minute with the bike stationary.

"Good God, a four-stroke!"  

I always liked the Yahama two-strokes designed for street riding, and thought about buying one