The ‘Ride to the FIM Awards’ series of events kicked off at Silverstone at the MotoGP British Grand Prix in August, followed by the second stage in the series held in September at the famous Matterley Basin motocross track in Winchester. The penultimate stage took place at the NEC in Birmingham during Motorcycle Live, where four-time Superbike World Champion Carl Fogarty, two-time Superbike World Champion James Toseland, and two-time Motocross World Champion Dave Thorpe fielded questions from James Whitham on the Black Horse Stage. For the fourth and final stage, the FIM has announced that the Awards ceremony will be held in the UK for the first time, in Liverpool, on 2 December.
The series was initially launched by the FIM in 2022 to promote and celebrate past and current World Champions through a series of events addressing issues of importance for the development of motorsport.
During the second stage of the event held at Matterley Basin, a workshop dedicated to young riders recruited from the UK National Championships in the various off-road disciplines was showcased and hosted by Infront Moto Racing at the MXGP of Great Britain in collaboration with the ACU. The theme was ‘Communication and the best approach towards the Media’. Expert speakers from the off-road world gave advice to the more than 40 young riders, all aged between 7 and 16, who together with their parents, contributed to the debate.
The workshop was opened by Antonio Alia Portela, FIM Motocross Commission director: “It may seem like a long journey to become Champions, but all of you will be able to reach this goal. I recommend that you get the best you can from this workshop, always trying to express your personality in a professional and positive way, enhancing your commitment and passion for our sport.”
David Luongo, CEO of commercial rights holder Infront Moto Racing, also greeted those present: “Thank you for your participation in this workshop at one of the most spectacular tracks in the Championship. You guys are our future, we work for a championship where you can express your talents and you must work on your potential and professionalism. Today, qualified professionals will give you advice on how to approach the media, a fundamental tool for your exposure and the popularity of our sport on a global level. I wish everyone a fruitful weekend!”
Other speakers included representatives from off-road motorcycle manufacturers, past champions and the press. All of whom gave advice on how to approach the media and how to manage social media correctly, both of which were highlighted as crucial methods for attracting sponsors.
A highly anticipated guest was the British MXGP MRT Racing Beta Team rider Ben Watson, who told the participants about his first steps in motorsport, enthralling the audience of young riders.
The workshop closed with a speech from Matthew Wear, ACU general secretary: “This has been a great opportunity for you all to be able to participate in this event. I thank the FIM and Infront Moto Racing, who hosted these very young British talents in such a provoking and spectacular setting.” This was followed by the presentation of certificates to the participants by the FIM and the ACU to all riders, who were then able to attend the last round of the 2023 MXGP World Championship.