2008 Motocross of Nations, Saturday

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Action started up on the track today at Donington, with James Stewart and Ryan Villopoto of the heavily favored USA team winning their qualifying heats, and Kiwi Cody Cooper won the third heat. Tim Ferry did have a fall in his qualifying heat, finishing near 10th. But the real action starts Sunday! Race day!

Earlier in the day, there were a few press conferences, one where each country’s gate choices were chosen by FIM CMS President Dr. Wolgang Srb with the help of two blindfolded assistants. Team USA has the 19th pick on the gate, and their are 32 teams vying for the prestigious Chamberlain Trophy.

In another press conference, Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo announced an agreement to bring a Motocross Grand Prix to Brazil starting next year, and plans to fully be involved in making ‘the world championship’ a true would championship with 18 Grand Prix events on all five major continents within the next few years.

And a third announcement stated that the 2009 Red Bull Motocross of Nations will be held at a great infrastructure location in Italy, where a brand-new circuit will be built.

Below you’ll see some photos from today’s qualifying and practice, the press conferences. The video has Amanda interviewing Dr. Wolfgang Srb, how the gate picks are chosen for the Motocross of Nations, action on the track from Saturday including James Stewart #1, Ryan Villopoto #2, Tim Ferry #3, Chad Reed #58, Josh Coppins #113, Tommy Searle #14, Tyla Rattray #35, and more.