I consider myself a purist when it comes to motocross, but I think it's time to re-think the MXON format. The Ryder Cup in golf might provide a decent guide.
First, I think it should run every other year instead of every year. That means every 4 years in the US and every 4 in Europe.
Second, I'd have the teams be 10 riders from each of the US, Europe and the rest of the world (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan etc). Each team would have to have at least 3 250 riders (you could have more if you want).
Third, top 7 scores for each team count in each moto and you have to count at least 2 of your 250 riders in each moto.
Originally the race would alternate between Europe and US.
Riders on the winning team get $50k each. Second place $20k each. Third $10k. $800k total purse. Don't tell me the promoter can't afford it.
Thoughts?
No. It's call the Motocross of NATIONS for a reason.
Yeah, No.
I like where you suggested having a purse for the riders.
Team USA can barely afford to send three most years. Even then, we don't pay the men as well as they should be.
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Given current trends this race won't last another decade in its present form...at least not with the US participating. Enjoy it while it lasts. There's simply too much money involved in the sport to ask top tier riders to ride for free.
Pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered.
See part about purse money
What would you say to changing it from a team event to an individual event and crowning the winner world champion? That would attract all of the top riders and I have a feeling funding will no longer be an issue. Figure out some sort of qualifying system that opens it up to every continent. Well, maybe not Antarctica.
Purse money is winnings not guaranteed. It is not the pre-event budget. Acting like it is, would be a massive gamble. No one is going to play those odds.
If the cost is prohibitive for USA racers, how do teams from smaller countries with less sponsorship money get to attend?
I think it has something to do with smaller teams sending less equipment and personnel. If you ask me though, I think it's just an excuse. No one was complaining about costs when we were on a winning streak in the 2000's. These issues only became unmanageable when we started losing, similar to the 90's.
To be fair to the US riders, though, American fans can be pretty toxic when they lose so I do think it's a lot to ask them to go race for free and then get blasted on social media.
Edit: There is also a difference in what the race means to smaller countries. For some of the more remote areas of the world, I think des Nations is a kind of vacation; a chance to race the best in the world and represent their country while doing it.
It's not the money issue that makes your idea so dumb, that's why I didn't mention it.
Remember?
The reason that MXoN is, was and will always be the best MX event of the year is that it evokes national pride for the riders and teams that unite their country's fans who get behind them. That's its unique and enduring appeal. Your format removes that appeal in a single stroke for all but one team (the US) and replaces it with nothing.
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