Everts sets sights on 100th GP victory.

Newly crowned ten-times Motocross World Champion Stefan Everts aims to re-write the history books yet again by clinching a century of grand prix wins in Northern Ireland on August 27.

Everts sets sights on 100th GP victory.

Newly crowned ten-times Motocross World Champion Stefan Everts aims to re-write the history books yet again by clinching a century of grand prix wins in Northern Ireland on August 27.

Everts, who will retire at the end of the 2006 season after a record-breaking career, clinched his tenth world title with his 99th grand prix victory in his home Belgian Grand Prix at Namur last Sunday. The Yamaha star, unbeaten in the twelve rounds held so far this year, is now just one win short of the magical ton - and has three grands prix left to achieve his goal, starting with Northern Ireland.

"It has long been my ambition to win one hundred grand prix and I am hoping to do it in Northern Ireland," said Stefan. "Desertmartin is a really challenging track and the race is sure to be competitive, but I am very confident now and looking forward to it. To win one hundred grand prix would be very special for me, so I think it will be a great meeting and hopefully a very memorable one."

But while global star Everts will be the biggest attraction at Desertmartin, local star and three times British Champion Gordon Crockard will be a close second in terms of popularity - and won't think twice about delaying Everts' landmark record.

"Motocross fans around the world will all be watching to see if Stefan can make a bit of history and win one hundred grands prix, so I suppose in a strange way it would be nice if he did it in Northern Ireland," began Gordon, before warning: "That doesn't mean I won't be doing my best to beat him of course.

"I'm pretty pleased with my form at the minute, getting back into the top 6 in the world championships has given me a lot of confidence and with the backing of Team Wulfsport and the home crowd I'm really looking forward to Desertmartin. I think it will be a great couple of days and the local fans can really be part of something special," he added.

The Grand Prix of Northern Ireland is being promoted by the Northern Ireland Events Company and chief executive Janice McAleese (pictured with Everts and Crockard) has no doubt as to its domestic and international legacy.

"The impact of bringing a genuinely world class event such as the FIM Motocross World Championship should not be underestimated," she stated. "The Events Company was founded to promote Northern Ireland on the world stage and showcase our ability to host major international and world class events and in this respect the GP of Northern Ireland really fits the bill."

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