Here's hoping everyone is having a safe and fun Thanksgiving weekend here in America. And to those of you in other countries, well, you be safe and have some fun, too! For this week's Sparkplug, I think it is only appropriate that I spend some time giving thanks for the many wonderful things that happened this year in Motocross. Here they are, in no particular order:
1) For the 2005 Motocross of Nations, and being able to see it live vie webcast. This year's race was simply fantastic, and yes, much of that was because America was finally able to send a team. Even if we had not won, it would have still been a memorable event. But I'm glad we did! So I also have to give special thanks for...
2) The 2005 American Motocross of Nations team. Hats off to Carmichael, Tedesco and Windham for stepping up to the plate and knocking the skin off of it! Thanks for taking time out of your too-short offseason to represent American motocross. And along those lines...
3) For Roger DeCoster, for once again selflessly leading Team America to victory. No one can question his commitment to furthering the cause of motocross in this country.
4) For the National Promoters Group and the Outdoor Nationals. This year I had the good fortune of being able to attend three events (Hangtown, Steel City and Glen Helen), and each was a truly memorable experience. Fantastic racing, awe-inspiring circuits, large enthusiastic crowds and by-the-book organization. I think the Outdoor series is better than ever, and I think next year will be even better because of this next group...
5) For the Toyota Motor Company, for coming in to sponsor motocross in America in 2006. Here's hoping that next year marks the start of a long and mutually beneficial relationship, as the sport gets bigger and better.
6) For the internet and how it has made our sport more accessible. No longer restricted by the capricious whims of mainstream media, motocross coverage is now available 24/7 and motocross fans are able to get more information about the sport than ever before. For the first time in history, American fans were able to see the Motocross of Nations covered LIVE... and the same may soon be true for the American series. I'm crossing my fingers....
7) For the teams. The men and women who spend a large part of the year traveling from city to city to bring us the best in motocross and supercross racing. Sure, they're having fun and living the times of their lives, but it's still hard work. They ARE American motocross.
8) For Clear Channel Entertainment, for not completely destroying our sport. I'll just leave it at that.
9) For James Stewart, for helping make Anaheim 1 and Hangtown two of the most anticipated races in recent history. And for always being fast enough to be a threat to the dominance of the greatest rider in history....
10) For Rick Carmichael, for dedicating his life to being the best ever, and for being willing to show up every week, every year, every season to demonstrate his ability to all. He may be making a ton of money by winning everything, but we fans are truly the winners as we get to witness history as it's being made, every single time he takes to a track.
It was indeed a great year in motocross and the future is bright for the sport. The new season starts in just a few weeks, and it is sure to be just as exciting as this year. But the next time you're at a race, be sure to take a moment to walk up to a rider or mechanic, any one will do, and briefly thank them for what they do. It'll make both of you feel good!
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