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/1476967
Legend Roger DeCoster will again manage the U.S. team as it strives to secure the world championship. DeCoster, who heads up KTM, GasGas and Husqvarna's racing efforts in AMA Supercross and the Pro Motocross series, took part in six victorious FIM Motocross des Nations teams back in the 1960s and 1970s, and is a five-time mo- tocross World Champion. "I am really happy with the way things are coming along for the Motocross of Nations at Red Bud," said Roger DeCoster. "Clearly there is a different feel than recent past years. We now have the best three riders, and their teams are excited to go. Nine events have gone by since we won in France and the pres- sure will be enormous, but I feel that the way they have been rac- ing, Eli, Chase and Justin will be up to the task." The FIM Motocross des Na- tions—which emerged in post-war Europe in 1947—is one of the world's most high-profile motors- ports events. National teams from across the globe compete for a combined score to determine the overall championship-winning country. The U.S. team still holds the record as all-time leader in FIM Motocross des Nations overall team victories, having won the event 22 times—20 of them with DeCoster as team manager. The last time the U.S. team claimed a Motocross des Nations victory was in 2011. Honda HRC will be in full force at RedBud. The Red Rid- ers will field three semi-trucks to support not only Sexton, but Team Australia's Jett and Hunter Lawrence, and MXGP rider Mitch Evans, which promises to be a formidable team. Jett Lawrence, who is currently leading the MX2 Championship in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Champion- ship, will ride a 450cc machine alongside Evans, who will also ride a 450cc. Hunter Lawrence will compete on a 250cc. Honda HRC will also support Team Japan's Kainosuke Oshiro and Team Spain's Ruben Fernan- dez. "The Motocross of Nations has always meant a lot to Honda, as evidenced by our proud history of success in the event," said Bran- don Wilson, Manager of Sports & Experiential at American Honda. "We're pleased not only that Chase Sexton has been selected for Team USA, but that Jett and Hunter Lawrence will compete for Team Australia, highlighting both the competitiveness and the international aspect of Team Honda HRC. As American Honda, of course we'll be pulling for Team USA, but because the event will be held on U.S. soil this year, we also relish the opportunity to wel- come and host our Honda friends and partners from all over the globe. We're hoping for a positive event for every Red Rider on the entry list." The numbers the U.S. riders will carry for the 2022 MXdN are the same that the lineup of Ricky Carmichael, Ivan Tedesco, and Kevin Windham wore during the 2005 event, when the United States last started its dominant streak of victories. Tomac with wear number 101, Cooper 102 and Sexton 103. CN VOLUME 59 ISSUE 34 AUGUST 23, 2022 P29 Play Golf To Support Team USA T o help support the Team USA Motocross des Nations effort, a fundraiser golf tournament is being or- ganized for September 4 at Redhawk Golf Club in Temecula, California. Honda HRC announced that Chase Sexton will be taking part, as will Team Honda HRC manager Lars Lindstrom and 250cc crew chief Grant Hutcheson. Honda is also sponsoring a hole. Registration is $200 per golfer, which includes a catered lunch, a sleeve of Team USA golf balls, one en- try into a drawing for a #raiseit4USA- branded Stacyc and much more. For info on how to take part or do- nate, visit www.raiseit4usa.com. CN Redhawk Golf Club in Temecula, California, is planning a fundraiser for the U.S. MXdN Team.