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Europe MXGP/MX2 or AMA Pro-Outdoors/SX?

Marvin Musquin and Stefan Everts Photo Credit: KTM

With Monster Energy AMA Supercross Opener at Anaheim Stadium looming January 5th 2019 debate steps into the future on reasons why Riders choose racing in America post racing in Europe MXGP/MX2.

Geico Honda rider Hunter Lawrence is the latest former European MX2 competitor to debut racing AMA SX Series followed by AMA Pro-Outdoors 2019. The 19 year old Australian is no stranger to fulfill big goals, up-rooting family and relocating to Europe in 2017 to contest MX2 class under then Suzuki World MXGP Team, run by 10x World MX Champion Stefan Everts.

Hunter Lawrence and Stefan Everts, 2017 MXGP Qatar photo Credit: SC
Hunter Lawrence and Stefan Everts, 2017 MXGP Qatar photo Credit: SC

Matter of fact Lawrence said back then: ‘we didn’t come half way round the world to oh let’s give this a crack! it’s not about if I’ll be a MX Champion, it’s when’.

All eyes will be fixed on how #96 will go in SX discipline against seasoned fellow Euro riders Marvin Musquin and Ken Roczen.

Making the transition from winning Europe’s 85cc, 125cc and 2x MX2 Titles Red Bull KTM Factory rider, Marvin Musquin has every reason to celebrate the move to Pro-Racing career in the States, producing 2nd places in both AMA SX Championship and AMA Pro-Outdoors 2018.

Interesting, will the lithe, Frenchman, match America’s balls out fast Eli Tomac in both FIM World SX/MX Championship sanctioned Series 2019?

Ken Roczen with Stefan Everts Photo Credit: KTM
Ken Roczen with Stefan Everts Photo Credit: KTM

Equal to enjoying success, along with all else that comes from racing World SX/MX Championships, the most physically, mentally and technically demanding of sports is German Ken Roczen. Coming off back from injury, Roczen ploughs deep into unknown psyche on how does anyone rise above such pain, to recover and not just race, but vie for SX/MX Round wins.

Which brings debate full circle: what are the reasons to leave Europe’s known MXGP/MX2 Championship Series, family and fan-base to try, succeed, and stay on top for all time possible racing Pro-AMA in both SX/MX?

Justin Brayton summed up the scene in America at moment: ‘Supercross is the dominant sport in USA today’.

So, will Europe remain the stepping stone for World MX Champions: Jorge Prado uppermost in mind to continue the drive for long-standing career in the sport, or will World MX Championship sustain equal footing for Riders to sustain profitable racing career: Jeffrey Herlings comes to mind.

Bottom line: answers are with the Riders- their wants, their needs, their desires. World MX/SX Championships provide the vehicle to let Riders attain the wants- it depends on what is being offered for the Riders- either side of the World.

Words: Sharon Cox.

 

 

 

 

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