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The running of the 2009 Red Bull Motocross of Nations at the Autodromo di Franciacorta, Italy was one of personal victory for Team Ireland. After failing to make the cut and into the A-Final at Donington Park, Great Britain in 2008, a lot of pressure rested on the team’s shoulders entering Italy to perform on the world stage. With a three rider line up comprising of Gordon Crockard in MX1, Martin Barr in MX2 and Graeme Irwin in MX3, led by Team Manager Stephen Russell, Ireland had all their basis covered. Experience, youthful exuberance, outright speed and a desire to win, the only thing left to bring to the table was luck.

Saturday’s qualification races would prove to be a tense affair with only the top 19 teams progressing directly to Sunday’s main races. Carding results of 13th, 19th and 20th it initially appeared as though they had done enough to make the grade. But as the point scores where tallied up, the calculator read otherwise and Ireland failed to make the cut by two points, ending 21st overall out of 36. Once again they would be faced with the prospect of the B-Final on Sunday morning and in order to make the main programme, they needed the overall win now more than ever.

Tactically lining the smaller capacity machines of Barr and Irwin to the inside starting gates while Crockard took an outside starting position enabled Ireland to round the opening lap with Barr and Irwin in 6th and 10th respectively. Crockard had worked hard off the start and was holding station in 18th. Clearly faster than those around them the trio began to methodically work their way through the field with Martin now 3rd, Graeme 8th and Gordon 12th by mid-distance. As the track roughened, the vast experience of Crockard played into Ireland’s hands. Picking different lines, he was able to work his way to within sight of Barr. With Czech Republic still holding overall honours, Gordon's final pass on the final lap of the race put Ireland into the main event.

Riding the B-Final and two races almost back to back, Martin dug deep in the Italian heat to finish 15th overall in MX2. Gordon backed these results with another 15th overall in MX1. Graeme, competing in his first Motocross of Nations, impressed with his speed and determination to end his day 13th overall in MX3. The combined results of the team where enough to place them 16th overall, giving the team plenty to be pleased about putting last years demons to rest.

Team Manager - Stephen Russell

“The Team's delighted with the rider's performances this weekend. They all played their part and we couldn't have wished for any better. It was up and down throughout the races running between 14th and 16th overall, but 16th is a promising result. We were at a slight disadvantage having to run the B-Final as our riders rode three 30 minute moto's today, with everyone else just two. Graeme rode exceptionally well in the final moto and held the pressure considering it's his first Motocross of Nations. Gordon did his bit in the B-Final that made the difference and Martin put in brilliant results all day. We've a lot to be thankful for. I'd also like to thank those working tirelessly behind the scenes, sponsors and the fans that came out to support us. It's been a good day.”

Report & photos by Robert Lynn

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