MNZ taking ownership of the Battle of the Clubs?

This has not been the case in the past.  This event started from a conversation between Taupo's MCC's Townleys, Taupo's President Geoff Hall and Pukekohe MCC's then President Scott Wilkins.  The key aspect has always been the fundraising to assist the NZ Team selection to go the the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations (MXoN).  

MXoN has been staged since 1947, where the Great Britain team took home the Chamberlain Trophy for the first time. This year's event is the 66th edition and is being held at Lommell in Belgium - the toughest sand track in the world. The event's name was officially anglicised (as Motocross of Nations "MXoN") since 2004, when Youthstream was awarded promotional rights for the World Motocross Grand Prix, although the general moniker Des Nations or MXdN is still very much in use, in Europe.

The scoring for the event works on the position system, i.e. first place is awarded one point, second place two, etc.  Each class (currently MX1, MX2 and Open) races twice, each time against one of other two classes, for a total of three races. The worst score of three races is dropped, and the lowest combined score wins. The current rule change that the MXoN, MX2 rider, must be under 23 years is still in place, not dropped as I had previously said.

For the NZ Battle of the Clubs the same points system is used however there are 6 riders. 3 Juniors - 1 rider per class Jnr 85cc/ Jnr 125 /Jnr 250 4st plus 3 Seniors – 1 rider per class MX2 / MX1/ Veterans (40yrs +)  A Team entry is $300 so if you have 20 Teams there is $6,600 in the 'kitty'.  Everyone else pays a gold coin entry.

Each class has a 10 minute Practice each. Then all classes have a 15 minute Qualifying session each, for gate pick.  If there is more than 20 teams the non qualifiers start off the back of the gates.   2011 there was  22 teams so 2 went off the back. Reason for the 20, is there are two classes in each race like there is at MXoN. 20+20=40 starters.  For instance in the Seniors there are only 3 actual races; Vets & MX2.  MX1 & Vets.  MX2 & MX1. 

It is a fun event and lots of atmosphere - rivalry is the word. It's not about individuals, it's a Team event. 

Since the 2011 MXoN, Ben Townley has been publicly critical as to team selection and questioning as to where that funding is, especially via DRD Magazine.

Editor: Personally, I see this as a positive move, even if it is two years late by MNZ, who have deservedly been criticised for taking a 'back seat ride'.  It's an awesome event, one of the best on the MX calendar.  Taupo is central for most and has the accomodation facilities.  Feel free to comment via Moto-Media's Facebook site.

Here is the MNZ release verbatim.

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Motorcycling New Zealand are extremely pleased  to announce that the Battle of the Clubs will again be held as a fundraiser towards the 2012 Motocross of Nations, the Taupo Motorcycle Club are the driving force behind this event, getting behind the fundraising to ensure that New Zealand have a team at the 2012 Motocross of Nations.

This is the 3rd New Zealand Battle of the Clubs fundraising in support of the Motocross of Nations Team

The event will be held Saturday May 26th, coinciding with the Taupo Motorcycle Club round the following day on May 27th providing a full weekend  of riding activities.  The event will see our top riders competing for their own Club in a combined format.  There will be 3 races per senior and junior groups with points accumulating per race, combining toward a grand total that will give us the top club.

Racing will be underway by 10.30am at the Digger McEwen Motocross Park, Miro Street, Taupo, a gold coin donation is all that is needed to enter the circuit for this racing, with all funds raised going towards the New Zealand Team.

The funds raised from 2011 were not used towards the event; therefore we have a great starting point with $10,320.00 in the fund pool.

In addition to this, Motorcycling New Zealand has been successful in gaining a grant from the FIM (World Body for Motorcycle Sport) towards sending a team to the 2012 Motocross of Nations.  The FIM recognised the development team that was sent in 2011 and would like to support MNZ to continue to send a team to this prestigious event on the World Calendar.

The FIM are looking to MNZ rebuilding  the strength of teams that we send to this event, given we have very limited resources of riders based in Europe and in professional teams.

Motorcycling New Zealand has a proud history at the Motocross of Nations with podium finishes in the past.

Motorcycling New Zealand will use a robust selection criteria for this event, this will be advertised on the MNZ website.

Registration of interest for the team Manager Role has already been made, please see the MNZ website – www.mnz.co.nz  

Copyright © 2012 Motorcycling New Zealand Inc., All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are a MNZ affiliated Club. 

Editor:  Moto Media did not receive this copyrighted release direct. It has a 'click' forward to a friend ?