The famous Maggiora track in Northern Italy looks like it will be saved following a major partnership deal with the Ottobiano track. Maggiora, which held the Motocross of Nations last year and was set to host the Italian GP on June 25 this year, was facing potential closure after threats from the local council. An alternative venue for the GP was already being sought months ago.

Now the partnership deal means Maggiora and Ottobiano now has significant management muscle behind it to fend off any challenges from protesters and is planning to expand the number events over both venues in future.

The Ottobiano track is a sand track in northern Italy and hosted a round of the Italian championship this year. It was the track where Jeffrey Herlings had his high-speed crash which broke his hand. The official information says:

Two of the most well known Italian venues for Motorsports events, Maggiora Park & Ottobiano Motorsport have merged into a new society: 8M Sport Group S.p.A. dedicated to all Action Sports at both the national and international levels starting the next 24^th and 25^th June for the MXGP of Italy.

The 2017 MXGP of Italy, initially scheduled at Maggiora Park will now be held at the international circuit of Ottobiano, Pavia.

The new society structure of 8M Sport Group S.p.A will be the result of the two societies with outstanding numbers:

• 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

In particular this project will help the reach of productive financial synergies between the two societies and a more efficient overall management.

The final goal is to create a big network of facilities dedicated to Action Sports in order to have a higher level of organization and infrastructure with international standards.

Giuseppe Luongo, Youthstream Group SAM President stated: “This project between Maggiora and Ottobiano is fantastic for our sport, we have always believed the union could create strength. We are sure with the two structures and the know-how of both societies we can organize 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 24^thand 25th of June for the MXGP of Italy”.

“We are pleased to announce this new partnership” Luca Gualini, 8M Sport Group Manager said- “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 organize 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.”

“With this merge we reached an important result” – Stefano Avandero, 8M Sport Group Manager stated- “For us this for sure is an important step in this moment to give a burst to Maggiora Park and for the possibilities of new future initiatives too. With Ottobiano Motorsport we have many elements in common, first of them is the vision of the sport as a unique experience. We are also working on the bureaucratic matters that are around Maggiora Park in order to have it open shortly.”