Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1542014
Luongo Announces Retirement G iuseppe Luongo, 65, an- nounced his retirement from his position as President of Infront Moto Racing (IMR), the organizer of the MXGP Champi - onship. David Luongo has been nominated to serve as the new president. Giuseppe Luongo started as a motocross rider and, early in his motocross career, he was the team owner of the Suzuki factory team from 1989 to 1992, recruiting a young Stefan Everts to the team. Over his 42-year career as a Motocross World Championship promoter, Gi - useppe Luongo has organized more than 800 events, including World Championships, European Championships, and Nations Cups. He was the founder and promoter of the European Cham - pionship, the FIM SuperMoto World Championship, the FIM Women's World Championship, the Masters of Motocross, and the Supercross World Champi- onship. During this time, he also organized several FIM World Champions' Awards gala events. "It's a day full of emotions for me because it's what I have wanted for a few years, but at the same time, I feel like I miss a part of myself and am saying goodbye to my family," Giuseppe Luongo said. "On the other hand, my passion and love for moto - cross will remain, and for sure I will continue to follow all the championships via MXGP-TV. com, and I will always be ready with my experience to give advice whenever it is asked for. My retirement from motocross will allow me to now dedicate more time to my family and to my other passions. It is without a doubt that the continuity of Infront Moto Racing is in very good hands. It will continue to develop—my son, David, and Daniele Rizzi [COO at Infront Moto Racing] with the rest of the Infront Moto Racing crew have already proven their capabili - ties, and also the fact they are young they will bring even more new ideas and innovations with the new technology and novel- ties our digital world is offering, while of course maintaining the full respect of the rules and soul of our sport." Philippe Blatter, Infront's President & CEO, said, "Giuseppe is a true pioneer and visionary of modern motocross. He has shaped MXGP from the very ear - ly days. It has become his life's work and an incredible success story. His name will be forever linked to MXGP. Now it's time to open a fresh chapter for MXGP with David Luongo as President of Infront Moto Racing. We have full confidence in his leadership to push MXGP further on screen, on soil, and in the hearts of fans worldwide and look forward to our continued collaboration." Jorge Viegas, FIM President, "On behalf of the FIM Board of Directors, the Administration as well as the entire FIM family, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Giuseppe Luongo for his un - wavering dedication and remark- able contribution to the world of motocross." CN WIND IN THE P50 Long-time MXGP promoter Giuseppe Luongo (left) announced his retirement as president of Infront Moto Racing. His son, David (right), will take over his position.