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RacerX Illustrated founder, 2nd-generation motocross promoter, track owner, prolific media entrepreneur, and all-round good guy Davey Coombs just announced in Racerhead #28 that he is stepping down from the day-to-day operations of his RacerX empire to focus on the future of outdoor MX and the pro motocross Nationals. In less than a year we've gone from feeling the AMA genuinely wanted to kill the outdoor series to having someone like DC step up to drive the sport forward. Very few, if any, have a better grasp of the sport's past and future than DC. We could not be in better hands.

Coombs has already talked about things like raising the minimum age for Pro licenses, the problems with pulling children out of school to focus on becoming professional MX racers, the increasing danger posed by faster bikes and bigger obstacles, and many other issues that face the sport. I don't know if there is anyone in the US who is more respected for his balanced views and genuine interest in protecting the sport than DC. That he made this announcement one day after the AMA confirmed the sale of AMA Pro Racing to DMG is telling. It's a strong indicator that DMG will leave professional motocross in the hands of businessmen who know and love it. That bodes well for all of us.

I don't know Coombs, and he has never heard of me. But his media savvy is unquestionable. I've been in various parts of the printing, graphic arts, and publishing business for more than 20 years and what he's built RacerX into is impressive. His list of accomplishments is proof he has a talent for motivating, organizing, and managing. More than that, he is an innovator and has a true passion for out sport. All of these traits will be needed in his new endeavor, and we should be grateful that someone with his skills is willing to tackle the challenge.

My best wishes to Coombs and the NPG family. For the first time in a long time I am actually excited by what the future holds for MX, despite the serious issues we face with land closures, environmentalists, and rising fuel costs. For years it felt like the sport was a bastard stepchild. Now it feels like Allstate - the good hands people - are in charge. Carry on, guys.