I
t’s another tough assignment for Team New Zealand
at the Motocross of Nations this year, perhaps made
tougher still by the fact that we’re sending three first-
timers.
This year’s MXoN at Assen, in The Netherlands, on
September 28-29, could be a particularly testing
indoctrination for the Kiwi debutantes too... the track
is built on the infield of the Assen TT track, where
hundreds on truck-loads of soft sand are being
dumped on the road-race circuit infield to create the
motocross track for that special weekend.
But Taupo’s Wyatt Chase, Mangakino’s Maximus
Purvis and British-based Canterbury rider Dylan Walsh
have no fears for what’s in store and each of them are
excited about racing the MXoN, the most prestigious
motocross event on the planet.
Chase confirms that he certainly is fizzing ahead of the
assignment and he said simply he can’t wait to take on
the world’s elite in The Netherlands.
The Honda star said he is “thrilled and honoured”
to be named to represent New Zealand at this year’s
edition of the Motocross of Nations – commonly
referred to as “The Olympic Games of Motocross” – and
he simply can’t wait to repay the faith that has been
shown in him by the selectors.
“It’s simply massive to race at this event. I’m very
excited. It’s an awesome opportunity that I’ve been
given,” said the just-turned 20-year-old.
Hundreds of truck-loads of sand will be brought in to
create the MXoN track on the infield on the Assen TT
road-race circuit, giving the iconic event a unique twist
and the energy-sapping sand will certainly sort the men
from the boys.
A crowd of about 80,000 is expected to flock to
watch the racing at this most important event on the
international calendar, and Chase knows the pressure
to perform will be immense.
“It will be super gnarly at Assen and extremely
challenging. But I have been putting in the work and
hopefully I can get a good result for the team,” he said.
Chase will race his Honda CRF450 in the MXGP class,
while Purvis will race a Yamaha YZ450F in the Open
Class and Walsh (Husqvarna TC250) has the MX2
(250cc) class duties for Team New Zealand.
Although all three riders are MXoN rookies, they each
KIWI RIDER 91