Everts and Carmichael – MXoN

From the last 20 years, here are two men that stand tall in the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations history books. Ricky Carmichael from Team USA and Stefan Everts from Team Belgium. These two men had their share of victories, Carmichael winning the team event in 2000, 2005 and 2007 and Everts in 1995, 1997, 1998, 2003 and 2004.

Now as we come closer to this year’s event, both Carmichael and Everts will be standing in the crowd, watching as fans. Both respected in the sport and both happy with their achievements, but just as happy to be sitting in the middle of a group of fellow motocross fans enjoying the action.

Everts ended his career at the Matterley Basin circuit, helping Team Belgium onto the podium after scoring 1-1 results and beating James Stewart from Team USA. American might have won the event, but Everts walked away the hero.

“When I rode there in 2006,” Everts said. “It was the biggest crowd I had ever ridden in front of in Europe and the Nations, so a good moment, even great moment. It is always nice going back to Matterley. It is one of the nicest tracks on the season, along with Argentina, and Matterley is equal. You can see 100% of the track, which is awesome for the crowd and also the teams. It’s a cool track and the layout is nice. It will be interesting to see how it is this time around. We will have completely different riders on the start line compared to my last one, and we will see how the crowd will be, will it be the same big crowd, I hope so.”

Carmichael will attend his first Motocross of Nations in a decade as he too returns to Matterley Basin, the circuit where he watched Everts do his magic in 2006. Carmichael was meant to race that event in 06, but picked up an injury, and was replaced by Ivan Tedesco in Team USA. He can’t wait to get back and visit this beautiful circuit one more time.

“I’m really excited to go back. I haven’t been to the Motocross of Nations since 2007—my last race! That was the last Motocross of Nations I’ve been to. I’m really excited about going there and especially to be going to the UK. I love going to that country. It’s always a great time. I’m really excited to see all the fans and to spend face time with them and maybe do some hot laps with (Stefan) Everts for all the fans. That should be pretty fun. I’m ecstatic about that.”

So for those who might be attending this year’s Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations Presented by Fiat Professional. Don’t be surprised if you are walking through the thousands of spectators, and this American and this Belgian are standing together, chatting over old times, and taking in the races, just like all of us will.

Copyright: Photo: Geoff Meyer