LOOKING BACK | Bikesportnz

The Motocross of Nations is the biggest and best motocross of the year.

In just over a week’s time it is the 66^th edition of the great race, set this time for the deep sand of Lommel, in Belgium.

New Zealand has a team this year that is capable of impressing – Motueka’s Josh Coppins, Mount Maunganui’s Cody Cooper and Mangakino’s Kayne Lamont – and they have as good a chance as anyone of ending the Team USA win streak.

There have been some great MXoN races over the years, like in 2006 when BikesportNZ.com was there to see Stefan Everts and Antonio Cairoli dominate the racing at Matterley Bason, in England, but Team USA doing enough to win the trophy anyway, finishing top of the podium with Team Belgium runners-up and Team New Zealand third.

BikesportNZ.com was there again the following year when American Kawasaki ace Ryan Villopoto aced the day’s racing at the MXoN at Budd’s Creek, Maryland, in 2007.

It was also the farewell ride for another American legend, Suzuki’s Ricky Carmichael (pictured above).

The Americans won again, despite glimpses of brilliance from Australian Chad Reed and French rider Sebastien Pourcel, while the much-hyped Italians crumbled.

But, perhaps most significant and also disappointing for the BikesportNZ.com staff was being there to see two of our riders, Ben Townley and Daryl Hurley, crash out of the action.

Here is a peek inside the event, a video from that day at Budd’s Creek and also a brilliant look back at the 60 years that preceded it …