The field for the $100,000 Parts Unlimited/Yamaha World Cup of Motocross, to be held at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California, this Sunday is growing by the day. This event was put together for the many riders, spectators and journalists who have flown to America for the canceled Motocross des Nations.
So far the riders who have been confirmed as entrants include Tim Ferry, Chad Reed, Michael Byrne, Pit Beirer, James Dobb, Greg Albertyn, Craig Anderson, Andrea Bartolini, and Shayne King.
A bunch of former National Champions (who will race the Veterans race) are also slated to be there, including Jeff Ward, Marty Smith, Danny Laporte, Jeff Emig, and also a few surprises. There will also be 80cc races to back up the lead players.
Also on hand will be two of the greatest Motocross of Nations riders of all time, David Bailey and Jeff Stanton. This event will see something like 20 former Motocross of Nations riders appear for the good of the sport, handing out posters and autographs, according to event promoters.
Riders who had been mentioned in earlier entry lists, yet are showing little interest in the race include Stefan Everts, Joel Smets, Ricky Carmichael, Mike LaRocco, Josh Coppins and Ben Townley. Mickael Pichon is in California and thinking about teaming up with Sebastien Tortelli and another French rider. Several riders from both the GP scene and AMA Motocross Series are at present organizing their bikes and will be known by the end of this week.
Of course, the event will field teams racing against each other with the early favorites now being the Aussie team of Reed, Byrne and Anderson. It will also be the first time American race fans have been able to see Anderson (the cousin of Reed) perform at the Glen Helen facility. Anderson is slated to race the 2003 AMA Supercross/Motocross season for Yamaha of Troy.
Sunday Schedule:
Gates Open – 6 a.m.
Riders meeting – 8 a.m.
First Practice Session – 9 a.m.
Second Practice Session – 9:30 a.m.
Fast Masters Practice – 10 a.m.
80cc Invt’l Practice – 10:30 a.m.
World Cup Moto One – 11 a.m. (20 minutes plus 2 laps)
Fast Masters Moto one – 11:40 a.m.
80cc Invitational Moto One – noon
World Cup Moto Two – 1 p.m. (20 minutes plus 2 laps)
Fast Masters Moto Two – 1:40 p.m.
80cc Invitational Moto Two – 2 p.m.
World Cup Moto Three – 3 p.m. (20 minutes plus 2 laps)
Trophy Presentation – 4 p.m.
Prize Money Breakdown:
1st – $30,000
2nd – $15,000
3rd – $10,000
4th – $9000
5th – $8000
6th – $7000
7th – $6000
8th – $5000
9th – $4000
10th – $3000
11th – $2000
12th – $1000