We thought it was a good time to catch up with Motocross Manager for NORA Motorsport, Andy Watts ahead of the 2026 Team Event which will take place on September 5th & 6th at Foxhill Moto Parc.
In this two part interview we asked Andy why it’s important to have the Team Event, the main objectives of the event, why it’s important for NORA affiliated motocross clubs, why Foxhill in 2026 and much more. Scroll down for part one of the interview.
Andy, for those who may not be familiar with it, can you explain what the NORA Motorsport MX Team Event is and what makes it unique within the UK motocross calendar?
“It’s an opportunity for our MX clubs to compete over two days with their teams, for the bragging right of being crowned NORA Motorsport team event champions with the emphasis on loyal club riders.”
The event has become a fixture on the motocross calendar every year since it began in 2022. How has it evolved since it was first introduced?
“The event has grown with added clubs each year and this year we’ve grown more with eleven teams competing, coming together from all over Britain which makes for a very exciting weekend.”
What are the main objectives of the MX Team Event each year?
“Its main objectives are for our clubs, riders and families to come along, have fun, enjoy the racing and also an opportunity to give our organisers a weekend off from running events.”
Why is it important for NORA Motorsport, as a governing body, to organise and run this event?
“I think it’s important to give something back to our organisers who work so hard all year and maybe sit back a little and enjoy the occasion, spending quality time with their families and friends, which to be honest those opportunities are very few and far between whilst running their clubs.”
What does the event mean to the affiliated clubs that take part?
“I think having run clubs in the past and attended team events as an organiser, it’s a weekend they can enjoy supporting their team, winning or losing, standing the spectator side of the fence rather than in official capacity, making memories within each of there team paddocks during racing and socially in the evenings.”
NORA Motorsport works closely with clubs across the country. How does the Team Event help strengthen relationships between clubs and the governing body?
“Yes, we try to work as closely as possible with all the clubs, but very rarely do we get our organisers together with their committees and helpers all in one place, so again, I think the team event brings everyone together and its always a talking point so very early in the season whichever club event I attend, so I like to think we all look forward to the annual event.”
What opportunities does the event provide for riders who may not normally get the chance to represent their club in a team environment?
“It’s the opportunity to be part of a Team set up which at grassroots level you often would not experience and also, it’s an opportunity to represent your club who you’ve been loyal to all season.”
Is the event as much about community and club spirit as it is about competition?
“Yes absolutely, the mx community and the fun element is the main objective of the event as is any grassroots event but maybe more so when everyone is together in the same paddock.”
How important is it for grassroots riders to have a showcase event like this on a national stage?
“Hugely important, I think we sometimes forget where we all started, so having a grassroots event like this for club riders to show of their skills etc has to be a positive.”
Stay tuned for the second part of our interview with NORA Motorsport Motocross Manager, Andy Watts next week!
