NEW BERLIN – This weekend, the Pro Motocross National Championship is coming to Unadilla Motocross.
The iconic Unadilla MX, arguably the championship’s most storied venue, will kick off a three-week run to end the season, hosting the 32nd running of the Unadilla National for the 10th stop of the 12-round championship on Saturday, August 12, from New Berlin.
“It (Unadilla) is unique with it being a more natural terrain track, it is a European-styled track, so I think this suites Marvin Musquin, and since he is from France and started racing in the world championships over there, it might suite him, if anyone,” said Casey Huntley, Public Relations Manager at Next Level Sports.
“Unadilla made its debut in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross during the inaugural season of the world’s most prestigious off-road motorcycle racing series in 1972, and is one of just two tracks in the championship that has existed since its inception. Despite that legendary distinction, the history of the facility even predates the national championship by four years, hosting its first ever event in 1969, a mere three years after the sport established itself as a professional competition in the United States,” According to a press release from Next Level Sports. “European riders dominated that era and the unique undulating layout in New Berlin catered to their skillset. Since then, Unadilla has carried the distinction of being the most European-styled track in the country, a major complement to the true roots of the sport. As a result, Unadilla’s carries an unmatched global legacy in the states that now spans 47 years.”
With defending series champion Ken Roczen sidelined with a major career threatening injury, it has been stated that a new champion – no matter who wins – will emerge in the 2017, 450 class at Unadilla. An exciting moment for all, as someone’s career may take a leap into stardom with the field wide open.
“No matter who wins the 450 class, there is going to be a new champion crowned. With Ryan Dungey announcing his retirement after he won the Supercross championship. Ken Roczen had a pretty devastating injury that took place at the beginning of the Supercross championship. Hopefully he is able to make it back, ever. It is definitely career threatening, he suffered some pretty severe damage to his arm. He (Roczen) can ride, it is just a matter of competing at that level. Will someone like Ken Roczen be satisfied going out and finishing 10th? He (Roczen) is a very determined individual, so if anyone can make it back it would be him,” said Huntley of the recent changes involving the sports top riders. “So with those two guys out, everyone was like ‘alright, Eli Tomac is the guy’ and just assumed. And not to say Eli has or hasn’t been that guy, but there has been times where he has fumbled, maybe a bike issue or something. That is where Blake Baggett, and Marvin Musquin, who are second and third in points, have definitely stepped up. They have done a real good job of challenging Eli, Marvin has stolen three overall wins and Baggett has taken two. A new champion no matter what. We have had so many different guys step up this year.”
Since 1972 the most talented riders across the globe have laid it all on the line for a shot at victory in what is arguably the most grueling and challenging championship in all motorsports. This season’s 45th anniversary of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will feature a wide-open battle for the coveted title, with no former champions in the field for just the seventh time in history.
As a result, the 2017 championship is available for the taking from a long list of highly talented competitors chasing their first major title. This battle has taken the international field of the fastest riders on the planet across the U.S., visiting 11 different states over the course of 12 weekends this summer – Unadilla being the 10th stop.
“Last year we had a really good turnout, probably bigger than most years. And the thing is, almost every single race this year attendance has been up, which has been huge. For some other series, attendance has been down,” said Huntley of the always impressive crowds of people in Unadilla. “The true grassroots side of this sport is at an all-time high. I think that Motocross is a sport that you can watch and pay attention to, but that is where you start off as a kid or someone who buys a bike – it is relatable. The core of people who do go are very dedicated. And, it has remained relatively affordable. If you go back like 15 years, the tickets haven’t increased all that much for general tickets. While the ticket increase in Supercross is huge.”
“Plenty of other motocross tracks have been around for a long time, but Unadilla holds a special spot in the motocross archives. It jumped to the forefront of American racing by hosting huge international events back when the Europeans dominated the sport and the Americans were just starting to learn—and it has stayed at the pinnacle with a round of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross for several decades,” according to the press release from Next level Sports. “Thanks to this, you can find a photo of every major motocross star ever racing at Unadilla. And while the facility has gone through several recent renovations and upgrades over the years, adding several spectacular new obstacles, the heart of Unadilla comes from its own natural terrain. The lay of the land offers up wide, flowing lines, big hills, and massive jumps, many carved out by Mother Nature instead of a bulldozer. It’s a track that’s shown them the full spectrum of the sport, from spectacular, historic wins, to heartbreaking losses. At Unadilla, history is made every year.”
A new champion will grace Unadilla with a 450 class crown this weekend – and all are invited to attend.
Notably, Marvin Musquin has won the last two rounds, last four motos – not the points leader in Tomac.
“It is going to be kind of interesting to see if Marvin continues with the momentum or does Eli Tomac shift the momentum and take back the top-spot,” said Huntley.
For those who dont follow the sport, the 2016 Unadilla champion at the 250 class was Cooper Webb. Webb recently suffered a minor injury which has sidelined him for the past few rounds.
“I did get confirmation that he (Cooper Webb) is coming back for Unadilla this weekend, but he is now in the 450 class,” said Huntley. “He is in his rookie season in the 450 class, after his success, he bumped up but he is another one that can make a run.”
With races set to begin early Saturday, August 12, the field remains in question – as we will have to wait and watch as these world-class riders rip around the track to determine a new leader in a wide open field of competition.
