Slaw Dog
No rider will ever again wear the #222 in the FIM World Motocross Championship after Antonio Cairoli retires at the end of the 2021 season.
Over the weekend at the Motocross of Nations in Italy, long-time FIM Motocross World Championship promoters Infront Motor Racing, together with the FIM, decided to retire the #222 in honor of Cairoli who will draw the curtain on a glorious 18-year career at the season-ending Grand Prix of Cittá de Mantova at Mantova on November 10.
Cairoli, who started his Grand Prix career in 2004 and claimed nine world championships – two in MX2 and seven in the MXGP premier class – is statistically amongst the most successful athletes in the history of the sport. He currently has 93 GP overall victories and is still in contention for a 10th title this year.
Infront Motor Racing officially retired the #222 – which Cairoli has worn consistently since 2007 – at the Motocross of Nations during a surprise ceremony as a special tribute to Tony’s astounding career.
Of course, Italy went on to win the Chamberlain Trophy for the first time since 2002…. on home soil, none the less.
I think this is the first time in the history of MXGP or AMA Supercross/Motocross that a number has been officially retired… and I love it!
We need more of this. The #4 belong to the GOAT. James Stewart will always been known as #7. Same with MC with #2. Reed with #22, etc. etc.
Let’s retire more numbers, folks!
Main image: KTM
