MXoN

The Finnish Team are the latest to announce the three riders who will make their way to Ernée, France in October for the 2023 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations!

MXGP - Miro Sihvonen

MX2 - Emil Weckman i

Open - Jere Haavisto 

The same trio as the last two editions will compete for their country.

Emil Weckman: "Motocross of Nations is undoubtedly the highlight of the season, and it's fantastic to represent Finland again," says Weckman, who is participating in the Finnish national team for the third time. "I've competed in Ernée twice before, so the situation is a bit easier compared to last year in Michigan, where the track was completely new to me. Also Ship To Cycle Honda SR Motoblouz team is from France, so this race holds special significance for them as it's their home race."

Jere Haavisto:  "I'm thrilled to be part of the team once again. I participated in my first Motocross of Nations in Ernée in 2015 when I was just 16 years old. To be honest, going up against the world's top riders in front of such a massive crowd was a bit overwhelming at the time. But having participated in MXON three times now, I've become accustomed to the thrill. I'm currently in my third season with the Finnish Silve Racing team, and with each passing year, we've been progressively narrowing the gap towards the leading contenders in the MXGP series. Overall, I'm feeling pretty confident as we approach this year's race."

Miro Sihvonen: "I started my national team career in Ernée just like Haavisto, back in 2015. It's amazing to think that it's already been eight years since then. Representing Finland in the Motocross of Nations is an honourable task, and I'm proud to be part of the team for the fifth time. It's great to be back in the team with Jere and Emil, and I’ll be working hard in the upcoming month to prepare for the race" 

Kusti Manninen: “The conditions for this year's race are naturally more favourable, as all riders will be able to ride their own race bikes instead of borrowed ones, and the track is familiar to all our riders. On the other hand, Ernée's hilly and tight clay track isn't traditionally the optimal terrain for Finnish riders used to sandy tracks. Fortunately, Emil Weckman, based in France, has been primarily training on clay tracks for the past couple of years, and Jere and Miro also have many years of experience on the hardpack tracks of the World Championships. Passing on the Ernée track isn't easy, making good starts super important. I've emphasised to the riders that they should work on their starts thoroughly. The starting gate order for the qualifying heats will be drawn, adding an element of luck into the mix. Luck or not, I have confidence in our team, and the goal is to continue the strong performances from the last two years

Team Latvia has announced their rider line up for the 2023 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations that will take place in Ernée on the 6th, 7th and 8th of October

The Latvian line-up will certainly have all their chance to get a good results in at the MXoN.

MXGP - Pauls Jonass

MX2 - Janis Reisulis

MX Open - Karlis Reisulis

Team Canada has announced their rider line up for the 2023 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations that will take place in Ernée on the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th of October

Kourtney Lloyd, Team Manager
“Congratulations boys, I am so happy and excited to get this opportunity to show the World what Canada has to offer! I think we have a very strong Team this year and can really make Canadian fans proud. Thanks for coming along on this journey and trusting me to lead the way.”.

MXGP - Dylan Wright

MX2 - Ryder Mcnabb 

MX Open - Jess Pettis

Photo Copyright: Triplecrownseries & Kyle Thompson

The 2022 edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations has concluded and once again, the event was nothing short of incredible with intense races and amazing fan support which created a unique atmosphere that the Monster Energy FIM MXoN is so known for.

While the top teams fought for the Chamberlain Trophy, there was another big award up for grabs – that is the Fox Holes Award!

Starts are always a fundamental part of any race strategy but even more so at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations as each team fight for every possible advantage. And with many riders joining us for the race weekend from all corners of the world, it gave the opportunity for somebody new to have a shot at winning the Fox Holeshot competition.

In the first race (MXGP/MX2) it was Team Belgium’s Jago Geerts who was the first rider to reach the first corner and claim the first Fox Holeshot of the day, while in race two (MX2/Open) the cheque went to Team Italy’s Mattia Guadagnini who led the rest of the field. In the third and final race of the day (Open/MXGP) the final Fox Holeshot went to Team France’s Maxime Renaux who went on to claim the race victory and helped put Team France second on the box.

The winners of the Fox Holeshot Prize not only got the advantage of getting out front in the races but were also awarded with a prize cheque.

Watch the Fox Holeshot films below.

REDBUD (United States) 27 September 2022 – Following the tradition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations this year’s winners Team USA were presented with special Champion rings to secure their historic victory at the 75^th edition of the event.

Team USA’s Eli Tomac, Justin Cooper and Chase Sexton were presented with the silver jewels by Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo at the winners press conference in Redbud, following the last race of the day.

These unique pieces of jewellery are custom-made to symbolise victory, each one engraved with the year and the location of the event, as a special keepsake for the riders to remember this triumph in the future. 

The rings were designed and produced by the Italian company ‘PR Model’ which is headed by Mr. Telemaco Cane, a huge fan of motocross himself.  It was the perfect way to celebrate this years winners and marks the end of the 75^th edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Redbud, USA.  

REDBUD (United States) 25 September 2022 – Team USA’s Eli Tomac, Justin Cooper and Chase Sexton ended the nation's 11-year wait with a win at the 2022 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations on home soil in RedBud, Michigan.

While yesterday’s qualifying day presented the perfect weather conditions, today was a different story, with an overnight downpour and continued rain throughout the day creating some challenging conditions which tested not only man but also machine – but did not hinder the spirits of the thousands of fans who showed their support! The atmosphere around the venue was next to none, with incredible support from start to finish by the huge crowd of fans that turned out in their most patriotic outfits and made plenty of sound throughout the day. 

It was a big victory for the hosting nation, as Tomac, Cooper and Sexton made history by putting the American flag back on the top step for the first time since Saint Jean d’Angely in 2011.

Joining the winners on the podium was Team France with Maxime Renaux, Marvin Musquin and Dylan Ferrandis who finished with 23 points, 7 behind Team USA, while rounding out the podium was Team Australia’s Mitch Evans, Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence with 26 points.

In the first MXGP and MX2 combined race, the Fox Holeshot went to Team Belgium’s Jago Geerts who held a very tight line into the first corner ahead of Team USA’s Eli Tomac who took over first place immediately. Team France’s Maxime Renaux was third ahead of Team Switzerland’s Jeremy Seewer as the Yamaha-bound riders dominated the opening race.

Further down the field, Team Italy’s Antonio Cairoli managed to pass Team Australia’s Hunter Lawrence and Team USA’s Justin Cooper, as he moved himself up to seventh, where he would eventually finish the race.

Geerts meanwhile put up a fight to Tomac, as he set several fastest laps of the race, and managed to whittle the gap down to a second or so, before making a mistake and allowing the American to break free again.

Team Netherlands’ Glenn Coldenhoff had an unfortunate start to his race as he struggled down in 32^nd in the first few laps, while his fellow countryman Kay de Wolf was in 10^th.

Team Belgium’s Liam Everts passed Adamo for 11^th as Seewer closed in on Renaux for third. The Swiss was able to get alongside the Frenchman, but could not make the pass stick, despite making several attempts.

Team Switzerland was dealt a blow as Valentin Guillod struggled with his bike and was forced out of the race which meant that a good result from Seewer was crucial for the squad.

Further down the order, Adamo, Team France’s Marvin Musquin and Team Norway’s Kevin Horgmo battled closely for 13^th, with Musquin able to find a way past, as Team Great Britain’s Max Anstie came into pitlane with a bike issue.

In the latter stages of the race, Tomac looked in control as Geerts remained close and Renaux continued to fend off Seewer behind him. Team Australia’s Mitch Evans came under pressure from Team Spain’s Jorge Prado at one stage of the race but was able to remain calm and bring it home in fifth for the Aussie squad.

In the end, Tomac won ahead of Geerts, Renaux, Seewer and Evans.  

Main Photos: 2022 MXoN Podium - Eli Tomac

Bottom Photos: 1. Race 1 Start , 2. Mitch Evans

Race 1 (MXGP + MX2) – Top 10 Classification: 1. Eli Tomac (USA, Yamaha), 35:23.672; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:03.243; 3. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:58.986; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +1:11.659; 5. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +1:24.846; 6. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), +1:29.402; 7. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +1:33.403; 8. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +1:34.431; 9. Justin Cooper (USA, Yamaha), +1:48.130; 10. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +1:56.440;

The second heat saw Team Italy’s Mattia Guadagnini take the Fox Holeshot from Team USA’s Chase Sexton and Team Australia’s Jett Lawrence, as several riders went down in the first corner which included Team Great Britain’s Tommy Searle and Team France’s Dylan Ferrandis, among others.

The second rider of the American team, Cooper, started well in fourth, as Australia’s H. Lawrence crashed to re-join in 19^th.

Further down the field, Ferrandis was making great progress through the field as he got himself into 11^th and set his sights on breaking the top 10, with his teammate Musquin also ahead.

At the front of the group though, Guadagnini was still in control, with J. Lawrence pushing Sexton for that second position. After several attempts, Sexton was able to get through on Guadagnini, though the Italian responded shortly after.  

Sexton then lost second to J. Lawrence, who forced the issue on the American. Moments later, the Aussie was also able to get by Guadagnini to lead the second race.

As J. Lawrence led the way, Ferrandis was making moves down in seventh, and then sixth after passing Team Netherlands’ Calvin Vlaanderen and setting the fastest lap of the race. Meanwhile his teammate, Musquin was coming under pressure from H. Lawrence, who eventually passed the Frenchman but then threw it away moments later.

Sexton then got around Guadagnini for second, as also Cooper closed in on the Italian, but Guadagnini was able to hold off the American until the chequered flag.

J. Lawrence won the second heat ahead of Sexton, Guadagnini, Cooper and Team Spain’s Ruben Fernandez.

Main Photo: Jett Lawrence

Bottom Photos: 1. Race 2 Start; 2. Chase Sexton

Race 2 (MX2 + Open) – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jett Lawrence (AUS, Honda), 36:19.920; 2. Chase Sexton (USA, Honda), +0:14.240; 3. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, GASGAS), +0:20.238; 4. Justin Cooper (USA, Yamaha), +0:22.058; 5. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Honda), +0:25.555; 6. Dylan Ferrandis (FRA, Yamaha), +0:31.445; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Yamaha), +1:05.933; 8. Harri Kullas (EST, Yamaha), +1:11.398; 9. Marvin Musquin (FRA, KTM), +1:13.503; 10. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +1:18.053;

In the final and the most crucial race of the day the Fox Holeshot went to Renaux, as Ferrandis took over the lead almost immediately, which meant it was a 1-2 for Team France, followed by Sexton, Prado, Seewer and J. Lawrence.

Geerts crashed as he headed towards the second corner, which also caught out Tomac and meant both riders had to work their way up from the back of the field.

Evans, who was running pretty well at the beginning of the race crashed and got going again in 35^th. The Australian managed to bring it home in 28^th by the end of the heat.

Ferrandis was looking fast, with Renaux fending off a hard-charging Sexton who was pushing to get by. On lap four, there was a change for the lead, as Ferrandis crashed and got going again in sixth.

Renaux was the leader with Sexton, J. Lawrence, Prado and Seewer just behind. Tomac was in seventh at the time, but Ferrandis had a big enough gap to the American that he did not have to worry too much about potential pressure from behind.

Prado then dropped two positions to Seewer and Ferrandis, as Lawrence charged down the inside of Sexton to take second on lap eight. The Australian then focused his attention on Renaux who was keen to bring the win home for the nation.

In the end, Renaux held on and took the race victory from J. Lawrence, Sexton, Ferrandis and Seewer. Team USA ended up as this year's winners with a 16-point scorecard ahead of Team France who ended up second with 23 points ahead of Team Australia who were third with 26 points. 

Main Photo: Race 3 Start;

Bottom Photos: 1. Maxime Renaux; 2 Dylan Ferrandis

Race 3 (MXGP + Open) – Top 10 Classification: 1. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), 35:30.165; 2. Jett Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:04.600; 3. Chase Sexton (USA, Honda), +0:08.303; 4. Dylan Ferrandis (FRA, Yamaha), +0:17.408; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:19.507; 6. Eli Tomac (USA, Yamaha), +0:52.551; 7. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), +1:02.266; 8. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Honda), +1:18.847; 9. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +1:31.044; 10. Dylan Wright (CAN, Honda), +1:40.392;

Once the final race had concluded at the podium celebrations had ended, the team’s headed to the Media Centre for the official press conference where the top three nations, the individual class winners and the winner of the Ricky Carmichael Award answered journalists’ questions and were awarded with their prizes.

Team France’s Maxime Renaux was the overall winner in the MXGP category, while in the MX2 class it was Justin Cooper. Jett Lawrence who made his Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations debut with the individual win in the Open category was also awarded the Ricky Carmichael Award for the youngest and best scoring rider in the class

Following the words of each rider, the top three teams were presented with their FIM medals by FIM President Jorge Viegas, FIM Board Member Robert Dingman and FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, followed by the presentation of the Champions Rings to the winning team by Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo.

Nations Classifications – Top 10: 1. USA 16pts, 2. France 23 pts, 3. Australia 26pts, 4. Italy 49pts, 5. Belgium 50pts, 6. Spain 51pts, 7. The Netherlands 62pts, 8. Germany 71pts, 9. Switzerland 90pts, 10. Great Britain 98pts.

Eli Tomac: “That's what it was, it felt like a redemption you know from the team here and I just first off, I want to say how proud I am of my teammates, Chase and Justin. This is truly a team event and there is no race like this. Yesterday started great for us for the qualifying heats and then the rain this morning. This really levelled the playing field but we came through strong in these muddy conditions. 11 years is a long time, so I’m just proud of my teammates and everyone who is part of Team USA, this is very special for us".

Maxime Renaux: “Of course it’s great! But I want to start about the team, you know it was not the result we wanted, we wanted to go for the win, but sometimes things don’t go as planned and USA was really strong today. But I am really happy to say we had a really good atmosphere in the team, these guys were like friends that I knew a very long time, they were really like big brothers to me. They both know the track so they gave me a lot of advice and I want to thank them for that and my result for sure is a part of that. Personally, first victory at the Motocross of Nations in the 450 class was amazing with some pretty strong names”.

Hunter Lawrence: “It was really good. In the past years, we have had where we come into the last race somewhat in contention and close to the podium, and we’ve just not been fortunate enough to pull it off, so to do so here is awesome. To do it with my brother, but also Mitch, it’s really cool! Just stoked for everyone. HRC they all came together that was really cool. So yeah, it's good. And we're excited for next year we didn't have some really good years coming up”.

MONSTER ENERGY FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS, REDBUD – QUICK FACTS:

Circuit length: 1900m

Type of ground: Loamy Dirty

Temperature: 17

Weather conditions: Rainy

Weekend Crowd Attendance: 78,300

All the photos from the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations will be available HERE.

You can find the complete results HERE.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

RedBud