MxLarge Story
Steve Dixon interview - British Grand Prix and MXoN
Interview Tuesday 03rd May 2011 By Geoff Meyer
There are not too many people as passionate about the sport of Motocross as Steve Dixon. Not only does he own a FIM World Motocross Championship team, but he is also team manager of the British Motocross of Nations effort and promoter of this year’s British Grand Prix.
We sat down with Mr. Dixon and asked him about the important of the British GP and also what we can expect as the event gets closer.
MXlarge: Steve thanks for your time. How is preparation going for the British GP?
Dixon: The Grand Prix of Great Britain is coming along well. Tickets have just gone on sale and we have been working hard on the track and the paddock. We are getting all the services organized like safety and toilets and all those small things. I want this to be the best Grand Prix of the season and it might seem like its all gone quiet, but we have been working really hard to make this a special event.
MXlarge: As we all remember back in 2006 you had to more or less throw the event together in a short time. What is different this time around?
Dixon: We have been working with the farmer who owns the land and also the police to make it very safe for the public. You know we had the races before at Matterley Basin and the racing was fantastic, but we need to improve on some things. This is the first year we have full planning, which means that Johnny is up there now making some changes to the soil and track. Last time we ran the Grand Prix and the MXoN there we had it done in two weeks, we were on a mission impossible and we pulled it off. The police and council want to support us, but they want it done correctly and they want it to run for public order. In Matterley they have big music concerts and they are used to be organizers and we have to have a similar plan as those bigger events.
MXlarge: The British public always loves a Motocross race. Are you expecting a big turnout?
Dixon: We will have a big crowd, we missed a British Grand Prix last year and the British people love Motocross. I think the fans showed that they don’t like road racing circuit and with Matterley it’s a real Motocross circuit. The main reason I wanted to go to Matterley in the first place is because it drains well, and it’s got amazing viewing. We have put in a great effort into the dirt at the circuit and Johnny did an amazing job last time around. Johnny said a flat sand race makes great racing and why is that, because the soil moves a lot and makes a lot of lines that is what we want at Matterley this year. We have a watering system with a million litres of water available now.
MXlarge: I remember walking the circuit after the MXoN and one thing I remember is how good the dirt looked after the race. It was really ready for another 10 motos.
Dixon: The main thing will be watering and getting the dirt right with some fine wood chips, which is what Johnny did at the des Nations in 2006. He has tweaked some corners to create more lines. We want close racing and it’s a great track for viewing, but we also want the riders to enjoy it.
MXlarge: Any indication from Youthstream that we might see another MXoN at that circuit?
Dixon: It’s the perfect circuit for the des Nations and we proved that we can get a lot of people there and if the des Nations came back it would be good for the sport, and I am sure the British crowd will come, not to mention the rest of Europe. There has been a hint or two that if the race goes well there is the opportunity to have the MXoN there. I mean at the moment Tommy is doing well and Max also, the last few years with Tommy away we haven’t really had anyone right at the top, only Shaun in MX2.
MXlarge: And we know guys like Martin Barr, Jason Dougan, Shaun Simpson and Brad Anderson will all love to race at home and in front of their friends and family.
Dixon: I mean Martin Barr and Jason Dougan would be up for a big ride at the British GP as would Brad Anderson and some others. Because Matterley is in a natural bowl it gets a really good atmosphere and with a huge crowd it will be a huge event. Also the short trip to Portsmouth from France we will have a lot of French people arriving for the British GP. I expect it to be a really special event.
