Belgium and Holland are two countries that demand respect in the world of motocross. Both with a long list of world champions, and both with circuits that have helped make the FIM Motocross World Championships what it is today.
With six rounds remaining in the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championships a lot of the attention will go to the final two rounds in America, set for Charlotte and Glen Helen, although for many European fans it is two other circuits that stand tall in the list of wanting to attend.
The deep sand of Lommel in Belgium, and Assen in Holland, couldn’t be further apart, as far as historical value goes. One with a rich history, reaching back to the 1981, and build right in the middle of world motocross territory, that of course being Lommel, and the other, the sand just as deep, but a cleaner white substance, and built once a year inside the hallowed turf of the Assen TT circuit.
The Lommel circuit situated in the middle of an industrial area in Belgium, while the Assen TT circuit is built in the countryside, on the outskirts of the village of Assen.
While Lommel has a long history with Grand Prix racing, Assen joined the party last year, in what many people felt was the GP of the year. A large spectator turn-out, a great atmosphere and perfect weather meant the race in the north of Holland would seem like it had begun its own long term relationship with MXGP, even being offered the MXoN in either 2018 or 2019.
Soon after the 2015 Assen event Youthstream president Giuseppe Luongo was quick to reflect that Assen meant for the MXGP series and the sport of motocross in general.
“I think we saw what is possible with a very professional and up to date facility,” Luongo said. “It is important to keep the tradition of circuits like Lommel, but it is also important to move forward into the present and Assen is very much a major part of that growth.”
The Motocross of Nations is where Lommel played a major part of its legacy in the sport, back in 1981, when Team USA arrived and controlled the home team of Belgium, and the 13 year winning streak by the American’s was begun.
So for those who love a little history, but can also enjoy the modern day motocross event, these two events pretty much service your needs. Lommel, giving that old school feel, and Assen very much catering for the VIP type crowd. Both a reflection of where the MXGP series has gone in recent years.
Now in 2016 the two races are just a month apart, and while Jeffrey Herlings looks forward to both races, as he is expected to dominate, in his beloved sand, the fans of motocross will also turn their attention to these two events, as they close out the European leg of the 2016 MXGP championship.
