The United States will be represented by three of its fastest motocross racers when the Fédération Internationale de Motocylisme Motocross of Nations returns to American soil on Oct. 6-7, at RedBud MX in Buchanan, MI.
The 2018 U.S. Motocross of Nations team includes 2018 AMA Supercross West 250SX Class champion Aaron Plessinger and AMA Supercross 450SX Class competitors Eli Tomac and Justin Barcia.
“America has wanted the Motocross of Nations to be at RedBud MX for a very long time,” said AMA Supercross Manager Mike Pelletier. “That wait is finally over, and we have a team of riders this year that can put the United States on the top step of the podium in front of a home crowd. Eli, Aaron and Justin are incredibly talented and accomplished racers, and I look forward to watching them take on the world together this October.”
It will be Plessinger’s first time competing as a member of the U.S. Motocross of Nations team. He will race in the event’s MX2 Class.
“Being selected to race for my country is something I have dreamed about ever since I started riding,” Plessinger said. “I’m so excited to get to represent the United States. With the event being held at RedBud MX, it couldn’t have been a more perfect year. If you know me, you know representing the red white and blue is part of my lifestyle. I can’t wait to see all the fans and hopefully make the Chamberlin Trophy stay here in the United States.”
For Tomac, 2018 will be his third time competing in this event. Tomac was a member of the 2013 and 2014 U.S. Motocross of Nations Teams. He will race in the event’s MXGP Class.
Barcia is no stranger to representing his country on one of motocross’ biggest stages. This year will be the fourth time Barcia has been a member of the U.S. Motocross of Nations team. He will race in the event’s Open Class.
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Roger DeCoster once again will manage the team as it seeks to secure the world championship. He manages the Red Bull/KTM AMA Motocross and Supercross teams and was a part of six victorious FIM Motocross of Nations teams in the 1960s and 1970s.
The U.S. team has won the Motocross of Nations 22 times, remaining the all-time leader in FIM Motocross of Nations overall team victories and claiming all of those wins under the direction of DeCoster.
The last time the U.S. Team won the Motocross of Nations was 2011. The 2017 team placed ninth.
The FIM Motocross of Nations is one of the most high-profile motorsport events in the world. It features national teams competing for a combined score to determine the overall championship-winning country. The event emerged in post-war Europe in 1947 and has run uninterrupted since that time.
Link: AMA
