"It was a really good day for us. I had two really good starts in both moto’s and had a great race with some pretty fast guys," declared Townley (5-3). "I think we were pretty lucky to get the starts today on our MX2 bikes and we were up front in both moto’s right from the beginning and that made life easier for sure. It was awesome to come back here. I knew this event was going to be big and I couldn’t wait to come here. Even though I was injured on the couch for most of the year I knew I would make it back for this event. It has been cool to see all the fans. Last years Nations was great but this year has been even better and obviously with our team being up on the podium. This is something I’ve always dreamed of: standing on the podium, holding the New Zealand flag. It’s been great to have achieved that."
"I don’t race GPs or anything this big but I race the national championships in New Zealand and Australia. The guys are really fast over here and I’m very happy to be on the podium!" smiled Cooper (17-13). "I’m hoping that I can get over to America or Europe one day and get on the pace over there. I’ve learnt a lot this weekend by watching guys like Stefan Everts, Ben and Josh."
At the end of the 60th edition of the Motocross of Nations, Youthstream president Giuseppe Luongo said: "After Ernée, this event in Matterley Basin has confirmed that the Motocross of Nations is now one the greatest sports in the world. A race with such large spectator numbers can enter the record books with the best sport events ever. I would like to thank the FIM Motocross Commission and the FIM itself for all the support they gave us; all fans, riders, teams, FOX and all sponsors who joined us in such a thrilling adventure. Thanks to my staff as well: they have been working very hard to reach such a result. And last but not least, thanks to Stefan 'The King' who ended his career today in the way that made him the 'winningest' rider of all time."
The 2007 Motocross of Nations will be held at Budds Creek in the USA.
2006 Motocross of Nations:
Overall results – top ten:
1. USA – 15
2. Belgium – 22
3. New Zealand – 35
4. Italy – 37
5. France – 48
6. Great Britain – 55
7. Republic of South Africa – 59
8. Spain – 67
9. Estonia – 69
10. Finland – 78
Race 1 results (MX1/MX2):
1. Stefan Everts (BEL)
2. James Stewart (USA) +11.495secs
3. Ryan Villopoto (USA) +16.025secs
4. Christophe Pourcel (FRA) +28.089secs
5. Ben Townley (NZ) +38.522secs
6. Josh Coppins (NZ) +50.949secs
7. David Philippaerts (ITA) +53.418secs
8. Max Nagl (GER) +55.114secs
9. Tyla Rattray (RSA) +1min 1.258secs
10. Antonio Cairoli (ITA) +1min 16.403secs
