There is some disappointing news from Youthstream today, with the announcement that the MXGP of Italy, which was scheduled to be held at the world famous Maggiora circuit has been switched to a new venue.
The 2017 MXGP of Italy will now move an hour south of Maggiora Park, which hosted last year’s Motocross of Nations, to the international circuit of Ottobiano, Pavia.
There has been a question mark hanging over the Italian GP at Maggiora for several weeks now with the promoters and local government fighting to reverse a court decision that they had erected buildings and granted planning permission illegally.
Giuseppe Luongo – Youthstream’s president – had given promoters until the end of March to resolve the issue.
It’s a huge loss to see the iconic Maggiora circuit off the calendar, but the MXGP organisers are looking to put a positive spin on the news, declaring the merger of Maggiora Park and Ottobiano Motorsport into a new society called 8M Sport Group S.p.A., will deliver “outstanding numbers” at the June 24/25 event and according to the press release will offer “productive financial synergies between the two societies and a more efficient overall management”.
Facilities will offer:
- 8 tracks for different action sports and multiple facilities: Motocross, Minicross, Enduro, Freestyle, Supermoto, Quad, MiniGP, Pit bike, Kart, Auto, Oval, Scooter, E-bike, Big Airbag and Pump Track
- 500.000 sqm surface
- 55.000 sqm Paddock surface
- 100.000 annual entries
- More than 50 events per season
Youthstream said in their press release that the final goal is to create a big network of facilities dedicated to Action Sports in order to have a higher level of organisation and infrastructure with international standards.
“This project between Maggiora and Ottobiano is fantastic for our sport, we have always believed the union could create strength,” Luongo said. “We are sure with the two structures and the know-how of both societies we can organise spectacular events. Besides the MXGP events, we can start multiple projects focused on the growth of Motocross and the Youth activities, essential for the future of this sport. We wish to have great cooperation with 8M Sport Group S.p.A. starting from this 24th and 25th of June for the MXGP of Italy.”
“We are pleased to announce this new partnership,” Luca Gualini, 8M Sport Group Manager said in the press release. “Today a big business project comes, unique in its kind, based on the willingness to innovate and promote the value of Motorsport and the territory alike. We also have the great pleasure to organise the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship which represents a challenge for us and to whom we will dedicate our best resources and commitment up to the expectations of all the MXGP fans. In the meantime, we will go ahead to improve and increase our offers onsite for all the action sports followers.”
Stefano Avandero, 8M Sport Group Manager, confirmed that they haven’t given up on the problems at Maggiora Park and they hope to have the track open again. “We are also working on the bureaucratic matters that are around Maggiora Park in order to have it open shortly,” said Avandero.
