Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1014374
IN THE WIND P36 AMA NAMES U.S. MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS TEAM T he 2018 U.S. Motocross of Nations team will be made up of 2018 AMA Supercross 250SX West Champion Aaron Plessinger and 450-class riders Eli Tomac and Justin Barcia. The race is set for October 6-7 at RedBud in Buchanan, Michigan. "America has wanted the Moto- cross of Nations to be at RedBud MX for a very long time," AMA Su- percross Manager Mike Pelletier said. "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 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, it couldn't have been a more perfect year. If you know me, you know repre- senting 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. Moto- cross of Nations Teams. He will race in the MXGP class. "Having the opportunity to race in the Motocross of Nations and represent my country in front of the world stage is a feeling like no other," Tomac said. "This year, with it being at RedBud, it's going to be next level for the entire event. Fans will be going absolutely bonkers. Myself, Justin and Aaron will be ready for the battle, and it's a track that suits our riding styles. I have a really good feeling this is the year United States will get the Cham- berlain Trophy back." Barcia is no stranger to rep- resenting his country on one of motocross' biggest stages. 2018 will be the fourth time Barcia has been a member of the U.S. Mo- tocross of Nations team. He will race in the event's Open class. "I'm honored and so excited to be representing the United States at the Motocross of Nations," Barcia said. "I have had great results in the past at the event. I'm even more amped that the race is at RedBud. It's my favorite track on the schedule, and now they're hosting the Motocross of This year's U.S. MX of Nations Team will be made up of Aaron Plessinger, Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac, and will be managed again by Roger DeCoster.