Jay Marmont's MXoN Gear Up For Auction To Help Harley Quinlan

Limited Edition Fox MXON Gear

CDR Rockstar Yamaha's Jay Marmont has graciously donated his prized green and gold Australian Motocross of Nations Fox racing gear to assist in raising funds for fallen motocross rising star, Harley Quinlan.

The gear was worn by Jay in the 2010 Motocross of Nations event in the USA with a special place in motocross history and with Jay Marmont. Jay has signed the gear and then offered it to Harley in an enormous goodwill gesture that is a true testament to Marmont's character.

Quinlan fell off his bike in a training accident two weeks ago and is now in a wheel chair with serious spinal damage. Doctors have told Quinlan that he is unlikely to regain feeling in his legs and his chances of walking again are extremely remote.

A trust fund has been set up to assist Harley and his rehab costs while the motocross community rally around the popular and well respected racer.

Marmont's team issue green and gold gear is one of only a few sets made for Marmont and from his only appearance in the Australian team in his 20 years of racing.

"This gear means a lot to me as I know the work it took for me to be selected in the Australian Motocross of Nations team in 2010 and earn that spotto represent my country," Marmont explains.

"With Harley's injury he will have even more work ahead of him and I am hoping this gear can raise him some money to assist in his rehab costs," he finishes.

When told of the offer from Marmont, Harley was floored by the three time national motocross champions' kindness.

"Jay is a rider and a person that I have looked up to ever since I started racing. He carries himself well and races with a passion that I tried to emulate while I was racing. I can't thank him enough for this offer as I know how much the gear means to him," Quinlan says emotionally.

The gear can be found on EBay: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220700809876

The auction will run for 10 days so get in quick for your piece of motocross history and help out a fallen rider at the same time.

For those willing to donate money to Harley, an account has been set up.

The Harley Quinlan Trust
Bank of Queensland
BSB: 124041
Account Number: 21527566

Chad Reed out of Aussie MXoN Team as Marmont steps up to the plate

Jay Marmont

Motorcycling Australia (MA) can confirm that Chad Reed has withdrawn from the Australian Team for the 2010 Motocross of Nations to be held in Colorado, USA on 25-26 September.

Diagnosed with Epstein Barr Syndrome little more than a month ago and unable to defend his 2009 AMA Motocross Championship title, Reed made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Australian Team.

In a statement released earlier, Reed said that without a doubt Marmont the best candidate and his performance was the benchmark of the Australian Motocross scene.

"Trying to make the "smartest" decision, isn't always the easiest decision so it is really hard for me to announce that I am not going to be racing in the 2010 Motocross of Nations,” Reed stated.

"I am always extremely proud to represent my country at this event, not only is it an honour to be chosen, Team Australia has always been a case of my best mates and I racing together. 

“However, based on my performance and health this year I have to make a smart decision and I feel that there is someone else who deserve this honour more than I do.

"For the past three years no one has come close to Jay's performance in the Australian Motocross scene - even in the middle of the greatest personal adversity he didn't drop the ball once and I think he will truly do his country proud.

"Getting well is my number one priority right now, I have to be healthy and ready for the 2011 AMA Supercross Series and AMA Pro Motocross Championship.” 

Reserve rider and three times Australian Motocross Champion Jay Marmont will have some big shoes to fill, as he steps up to replace Reed.

Speaking after the announcement, the Wollongong local was excited about the opportunity to represent his country for the first time.

“This is a dream come true for me,” Marmont said.

“I was wondering if I would ever get my shot because the last few years, even though I’ve done well domestically, there’s always been a strong group of riders based in America.

“When I got the call I was over the moon and now I’m just so excited to go over there - to race guys I’ve never raced before and most importantly to represent my country.

“I’ve always been a team player and been consistent in my racing so I’m going to give it all I’ve got to put myself and the team in the best position possible.

“Dacka [Marmont’s Team Manager and former Mr Motocross Champion Craig Dack] likes to remind us every time the des Nations is on, that when he went over to race they were the highest placed Aussie Team and that no one’s has topped it yet, so this is my chance to go one better!

“We’ve got a strong team – on paper it may not be as strong as we’ve had in the past – but it’s a team with nothing to lose so everyone is going to go out there and give it their all and hopefully we can do well.

“I was reading the other day that the Australian Team came third at the Junior Motocross World Championship - good on them – that is something they can be very proud of and if we can go out there and do what they did or even better that would be a huge feat for us!”