The visitors were on site for further examination into the size, criteria and requirements of staging their first ever Grand Prix
Former World Champion and AMA Supercross Champion Ben Townley and his family are behind negotiations with the government in their country and also Youthstream to find the necessary backing to enable the event to go ahead and at last visit the land that delivered memorable motocrossers like Josh Coppins, Cody Cooper and the King brothers to MXGP.
Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo admitted in an informal dinner meeting in Thailand on Thursday night that if a new territory will be reached for 2015 then New Zealand is currently closest to coming to fruition. Japan is also reaching an advanced stage for a return to the Sugo circuit that ran the Grand Prix between 2005 and 2007.
Apparently a decision on whether the Kiwis will be able to move the plan into gear will be decided in April when they receive news about possible funding. Japan and New Zealand would make a favourable link in terms of the world’s time zones (even if there is still a hefty flying distance between the two) and would definitely fulfil Youthstream’s goals of going more global. However the financial viability of the meetings need to be assured to secure the presence of the stars of the MXGP and MX2 categories from their European bases.
As an interesting aside, delegates from Goa also travelled to Thailand to look over a contract that will see India in the running for a Grand Prix if difficult customs processes can be eased for transportation of the bikes and material.
Meanwhile it is looking increasingly unlikely that the first ever Grand Prix of Ukraine will take place this summer due to the unstable political landscape. Youthstream are almost certain to substitute the fixture for another although would not comment on where the August 17th slot would go.
Photo by Ray Archer
