2006 Motocross of Nations confirmed at Farleigh.

The 60th edition of the Motocross of Nations - the world's oldest, most prestigious and famous off-road motorcycle race - has been confirmed as taking place the historic Farleigh Castle circuit, near Bath in England, on September 23 -24 2006.

Over 60,000 spectators turned up at Ernee in France last weekend to see the USA triumph over the home country and Belgium - a victory that put the American's level with the British at the top of the all-time 'Nations win list, with 16.

Britain has entertained the biggest annual spectacle for both fans and industry twice in the past twenty-five years. The last race occurred at Foxhills in 1998, while Farleigh witnessed Belgium conquer the Netherlands in 1980 and also played host to the 1969 contest won again by Belgium.

Acclaimed track designer Johnny Douglas Hamilton - noted for his excellent work at Arreton on the Isle of Wight, Sun City in South Africa and Matchams Park this year for the British Grand Prix - will be onboard to lend his expert touch in re-shaping the circuit, ensuring the course presents a challenge to a new breed of competitor, while retaining the character of the Farleigh layout that saw the great riders such as Dave Thorpe and Roger de Coster do battle through the decades.

"It is fantastic for us to have the Nations again in Britain and to bring the race back to Farleigh after twenty-one years will be a special treat for all off-road motorcycle racing fans in the United Kingdom," said event co-organiser Steve Dixon, who is also the manager of the Bike it Yamaha World Championship team that fields Billy Mackenzie.

"The Nations is quite unlike any other race," he continued. "They do not have anything like this in MotoGP or Formula one. It is like the World Cup in football and to see the crowd in all their colours cheering on their riders is the highlight of the season for many people.

"We will be working hard over the winter and during the 2006 Grand Prix season to make sure that when the Nations reaches its 60th birthday it will be an amazing spectacle," he declared.