Special to Iredell Free News

Organizers of the 2022 REV Dealer Summit could have held their event anywhere in the world.

They chose Moto40 MX Park near Statesville for Monday’s event, which provided leading manufacturers like KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS with an opportunity to showcase their new motorcycles to dealers from around the world.

Nearly 1,000 people attended the private event.

More than 350 dealers from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — and as far away as Austria — attended the all-day event. Most participants flew into Charlotte Douglas International Airport and were transported to the summit by motor coaches.

About two dozen professional motocross riders like Cooper Webb were on hand to meet the dealers and ride the advanced track at the 69-acre Moto40 MX Park, which is co-owned by motocross legend Chad Reed.

Mayor Costi Kutteh said the event provided international exposure to the City of Statesville.

“I have encountered many of the over 950 people out here today who have had the opportunity to enjoy our amazing city and restaurants,” Kutteh said. “They are ready to come back.”

Cindy Sutton, executive director of the Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau, also attended the event.

“Tourism opportunities are all around us,” she said. “I am looking forward to strengthening relationships with our attractors like Moto40 to bring more events like this to Statesville.”