DeCoster Steps Down As MXoN
Team Manager
R
oger DeCoster, who has
guided Team USA to 21
victories at the Motocross of
Nations, including America's first
MXoN victory in 1981, says he
is officially retiring as the U.S.
team manager. He also led the
team to victory in the Trophee
des Nations four times.
"I always wanted our sport to
become bigger, more important,
and more respected around
the world," DeCoster said. "This
is why I raced in many places
around the world besides the
GPs—Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador,
Peru, Australia—and ended up in
the United States for good. For
me, the Motocross of Nations
became the single biggest race
of the year, and I am very thank-
ful to the U.S. riders and all the
people who supported this event
with their best efforts and gave
me the support to fulfill a lot of
my dreams. Thank you, all."
MX Sports Pro Racing, the pro-
moter of the AMA Pro Motocross
Championship, said, "There has
not been a more important or pop-
ular global ambassador for this
entire sport than Roger DeCoster,"
said Davey Coombs, president
of MX Sports Pro Racing. "In the
1960s, Roger helped introduce
Americans to professional moto
-
cross through the Inter-Am tour
and then showcased the sport
to much of the rest of the world
during his reign as a five-time FIM
500cc World Champion in the
1970s. After retiring as a racer
in 1980, Roger quickly moved to
America and helped lead Team
USA to the top of the world for
the first time in 1981, and he has
helped maintain that success
ever since. Throughout his time
with American Honda, Suzuki,
and most recently KTM, Roger
DeCoster has played a vital role in
leading each brand to new heights
on the AMA circuit. His influence
and leadership contributions will
WIND
IN THE
P34
Roger DeCoster
says he's retiring as
team manager for
the U.S. Motocross
of Nations Team.
