When I saw the new calendar for the 2020 MXGP championship and Matterley Basin was down as the circuit for the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, you could say I was surprised. I had heard the rumours the last couple of days, but like most people, I figured it was another in the long list of rumours we have read throughout the past months.

I mean, I have spoken to promoters who 100% said they are doing a GP when the new calendar comes out, and well, the calendar looked a lot different than what I expected. Sometimes being an “insider” isn’t so inside after all.

A quick call to Steve Dixon this morning confirmed though, and while Steve was half surprised, he was given the event, he was positive and excited, just as Steve Dixon always is. Just as he did in 2017 when the Budds Creek MXoN fell through, he’s come through as the saviour and ready to put on another major event at his beloved Matterley Basin circuit.

MXlarge: Steve, what can you tell me?

Dixon: I mean, firstly when I got the call to see it is possible, I jumped at the chance, just like I did in 2017 when America cancelled (the event was meant to be raced at Glen Helen). The sport needs to get moving and the des Nations is a fantastic event and we can’t give it up lightly. It is three months away and I will do all I can to get it going at Matterley.

MXlarge: I don’t know how England is, but in Holland we find out on September 1 if we can start having large crowds at festivals or large sporting events, of which my feeling is, we will be allowed. Obviously, you need to know long before September 1, so what do you know about what the government wants as far as major events being run again with a large spectator turn out?

Dixon: At the moment, the whole event industry is a huge billion pound economy and be it artists performing or all outdoor events, or football clubs or race courses and they need to get active and we know it’s a strange time, but we also know that we need new guidelines and the event industry is asking for that, just as pub and those type of places have asked. The event industry is trying to get something out of this year. Nobody will go against guidelines but can operate quickly and are very flexible. The team behind Matterley and also the ACU, they were super excited to pull it off.

MXlarge: How much time would you need to get something like this organized?

Dixon: Well, 10 days to organize this.

MXlarge: Are you serious, you can do it in 10 days?

Dixon: Yes, but it isn’t just me, its about people booking hotels and flights and stuff.

MXLarge: How many people do you think you might be able to let in?

Dixon: Well, we had to do calculations when I ran the event in 2017 and normally you are allowed four people per square metre and we presented out calculations for the area and we could fit in 120,000 and that was inside the requirements of the council. Obviously, the guidelines will be different, but I think even with new guidelines, I think we can fit in 25% of that. Everyone knows that Matterley is a huge area and has a huge amount of track fencing, while Ernee has one big bank, but we have a much bigger area where crowds can get to, just on the perimeter of the fencing, but it is so easy to social distance in such a big outdoor bowl.

MXlarge: Okay, just for fun. Let’s say that Max Anstie isn’t riding the AMA Nationals, as at the moment that seems very insecure. How about because this race isn’t in America and Max can ride any bike he wants. Does Steve Dixon have a ride for Max at the 2020 Motocross of Nations?

Dixon: Well, it isn’t up to me to give Max a ride, but I am pretty sure his HEP Suzuki team would get a lot of coverage having his bike at the Motocross of Nations. Max comes from Winchester and he owned that track in 2017 with a double win. It is almost his right to be number one on the Nations spot. Nobody will give more than Max and even if some people need to bring parts over, he could make it happen. A dream come true for Max and also the HEP Suzuki team.

MXlarge: Well Steve, great job on again being there for the sport and standing up when needed.

Dixon: It isn't hard to be there, it's also a great experience for me and Matterley Basin.

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