Key figures who have achieved unprecedented success in Motorsport – Stefan Everts, Davey Coombs, and Kevin Williams. Each has produced outstanding performances in their respective careers not only on the track but also for the growth of Motorsport world-wide.
From the historical number of World Motocross Championships won by Stefan Everts in Europe, to the ground-breaking development of Pro and Amateur Motocross Championships in America by Davey Coombs, to the decades of committment operating Australian Motocross Nationals by Kevin Williams – these pillars of Motorsport have influenced the forward trajectory of the sport for rider’s, Teams, Brands, and industry provider’s.
Taken in context, each has founded a legacy which has provided generations of rider’s opportunities to develop their racing careers from regional, to National, to International level. In doing so, Stefan, Davey, and Kevin have steered their passion for the sport towards the development of rider potential either on the track through training and mentorship or through establishment and operation of Motocross Championships season-on-season.
Such a heritage commands utmost respect on how each has influenced the trajectory of rider’s career’s including transitions from racing in Australia to Europe, to America along with competing cross disciplines in Motocross and Supercross Championships. Facts reveal, that not only have Stefan, Davey, and Kevin turned their vision of achieving growth of rider’s talent into reality, but have also elevated the sport’s potential to shape a rider’s capacity to set and achieve goals at a professional and personal level.
Most certainly, the historical record of Stefan Everts winning World Motocross Championships 10x holds massive credence amongst past, present, and future rider’s aspiring to pursue a racing career. What stands out as unique, is Stefan’s ability to transfer his success on the track to train, mentor, and guide future MX Champions to victory, since his retirement in 2006.
The list of rider’s successful under Stefan’s training and management range from: 2008 Tyla Rattray MX2 Champion, 2009 – 2010 Marvin Musquin MX2 Champion, 2011 Ken Roczen MX2 Champion, 2013 – 2012 Jeffrey Herlings MX2 Champion, 2014 Jordi Tixier MX2 Champion, 2015 Jorge Prado EMX125cc, and 2017 Pauls Jonass MX2 MX Champion. In 2017 Stefan guided Jeremy Seewer’s MX2 2nd and Hunter Lawrence debut in MX2 with Team Suzuki World.
The legacy that Davey Coomb’s late father – Dave Coombs – left has been transformed beyond all expectations with Davey and sister Carrie achieving unparalleled growth of Amateur and Pro Motocross in America. Notwithstanding the significance of continuing a family established entity spanning 4 decades, Davey et al have spearheaded the charge to develop rider’s potential within the founding Loretta Lynn’s – 2025 44th edition – along with MX Sports founding of AMA Pro Motocross Championships.
The self-determination of Davey and family to steer the growth, sustainability, and progression of Motocross in the USA within changing economic conditions is testament to the resilient nature that Davey possesses along-side his sister Carrie, and Mom. As witnessed during the outbreak of COVID when all racing was put on hold, DC and co put together a strategy titled: Safety Race Task Force to enable 9 Pro MX Championships Rounds to take place, followed by equally creative action of reaching out to competitors: Infront and FELD to work together in pursuance of growing the sport’s legacy.
Australia’s Super X Round at Mount Smart stadium in NZ in 2018. Credit: MXLink
The resounding success of Kevin Williams – WEM Williams Event Management – transformed Australia’s MX Nationals to unprecedented heights over the span of 23 years. Capitalizing on Kevin’s astute business sense and detailed organizational skills, rider’s from Australia, NZ, and Europe embraced the opportunity to race on well designed tracks as either pre-European season or post NZ MX season. The flow-on effect of establishing a professional race calendar from March through to April gained the added advantage of attracting American Pro outdoor rider’s to test their race-craft prior to AMA Pro MX Championships which opened in May.
Such growth achieved in Australia’s MX Nationals extended to WEM operating Australia’s Super X Rounds, including Rounds held in NZ. Without a doubt, as witnessed in a group session with Kevin speaking to various NZ MX Club delegates, his extensive knowledge of running MX Nationals as a business enterprise which not only profiles rider’s racing careers, but also Brands, Teams, and industry sponsors – provided much needed real-time information on achieving sustainable National MX Championships in the future.
All of which speaks volumes on the contribution and influence each has made on the growth of Motorsport, world-wide – a legacy which will be challenging to match.
Header photo: Stefan Everts, Davey Coombs, and Kevin Williams. Image: MXLink.
Words: Sharon Cox.
Article and film interview with Stefan Everts in 2016. Credit: MXLink
Article and interview with Davey Coombs in 2014. Credit: MXLink
Article on Kevin Williams WEM as Preview of Australia’s MX Nationals in 2015 Credit: MXLink
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