SOUTHWICK – The Nationals are coming back.
After pulling out of Southwick’s famous sandbox motocross track in 2013, the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship is returning July 9, 2016.
Last week, MX Sports Pro Racing and NBC Sports unveiled the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship schedule. The tour is sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing,
The championship will once again consist of 12 rounds of competition in its 44th season, composed of 24 motos that will take the star-studded field of international riders to 11 different states, including the highly anticipated return of the Southwick National for the first time since the 2013 season.
“When we made the decision to leave Southwick at the conclusion of the 2013 season there was always a belief that we would return there in the near future. We are proud to say that the time has come to bring the championship back to ‘the sandbox,’ filling a void many fans and members of the industry have felt the last three years,” said MX Sports Pro Racing President Davey Coombs.
Local rider and organizer of Team Justice, Kevin Bishop said he and his team were “ecstatic” about the return of Nationals and the new Southwick Motocross Promoter Keith Johnson.
His team is ready to volunteer at the race, which features the top professionals in the business.
“They are all excited – these are the pros,” he said.
Bishop said the event will also be a boon to Southwick’s economy.
“Any time you bring in 10,000-15,000 people, it’s a benefit,” said Bishop. “There are people at the gas stations and in the restaurants – even when there are smaller events businesses benefit.”
Selectman Chairman Joseph Deedy said he has been working with the promoter to make this happen.
“I have been working with the promoter helping with the process for a couple months behind the scene and I feel the town will embrace the National coming back,” said Deedy.
Coombs recognized Southwick’s sandy track, located at American Legion Post 338, as one of the toughest on the tour.
“We are excited to return to the passionate fans in New England and showcase one of the most beloved and unique venues of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship,” said Coombs.
When longtime motocross promoters Dianne and Ralph Pitello retired in 2013, the motocross community mourned the loss.
“It’s unfortunate to see it close,” said Nick McCabe in 2013. McCabe is a commercial developer for MX Sports Inc., the company responsible for managing and producing the National Championship race series for the AMA.
“It held its first national race here in 1976, and hasn’t missed a year since. It’s one of our most prestigious events,” McCabe said.
When asked what would be needed to continue to host a national championship race in Southwick, McCabe’s concern was related to the “who” rather than the “how”.
“A race of this magnitude is not for a beginning promoter,” he said. “You wouldn’t hand the keys to a Porsche over to a 16-year-old. We would need a promoter of the caliber of a Ralph and Dianne Pitello, and those are tough to come by.”
Bishop said Johnson is that kind of promoter.
“We have full faith in Keith to do this,” said Bishop.
The 2016 season will open with back-to-back rounds in California May 21 and end Aug. 27 in Indiana.
