MXoN!

MXdN The Legend

When we talk about the Motocross of Nations, we often talk about the great Belgian legend, Roger De Coster. De Coster was somebody who enjoyed success in the MXoN, winning in 1969, 1972, 1973, 1976, 1977 and 1979. He also won a handful of Trophee des Nations in his career, 11 in fact, from 1969 to 1978, but maybe his biggest victories have come with Team USA. 23 times the American's have won the Chamberlain Trophy and De Coster was there on every single occasions.

We have to go all the way back to 1981 at the Lommel circuit in Belgium to remember the first time Team USA showed the Grand Prix riders that they were good enough to win a Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (It was actually the Tropee des Nations). With Roger De Coster keen to send a team to Belgium, he selected his Honda factory team riders Johnny O’Mara, Danny Laporte, Chuck Sun, Donnie Hansen and David Bailey for the job.

With full support from Honda America, that young team arrived in Belgium early and it was a feeling of confidence that this young American line-up had enough to trouble the Belgian sand specialists.

“Our team went over early,” De Coster remembered. “We went to sand tracks and practiced and practiced and practiced. We initially had a lot of bike problems because we had no experience in the US riding on sand like that. But we worked through the whole thing, and by race-time we were ready.”

Although suffering mechanical issues, De Coster felt the Honda machines of the 1981 season were special and with some extra work could easily give his team some type of result to surprise the Grand Prix riders.

“We could see the potential in the Honda bikes and team members for those events. Our guys were not winning at the time though. Suzuki had Mark Barnett winning the 125 class and in supercross. And Kent Howerton on Suzuki was strong in the 250 class. Our team was Johnny O’Mara, Chuck Sun, Danny LaPorte and Donnie Hansen. Towards the end of the year, our results started to improve. We thought ‘We need to go to the Nations’.”

De Coster, being a Belgian legend in the sport didn’t feel comfortable bringing a team to beat his beloved Belgians, but a job is a job, and he went in 100% to bring the Chamberlain trophy back to America with his Honda team.

“I had problems with myself to a certain extent because it felt strange coming and representing the US. I had always tried to win as a rider for Belgium. In the Trophee des Nations, as a member of the Belgian team, I was part of the winning team ten years in a row. We also won six times in the open class (500cc – Motocross des Nations).”

“I like des Nations; I like the event a lot and I think it is one of the best events of the year. I like to help, but if they like somebody else to do it and they can do a better job, I am on board. I have been thinking about the format, I would like to see two motos 250 and two motos 450, and not them racing against each other. That would be better. It would cost a little bit more, because it would mean four riders, but I think it would be better, more balanced, I think the racing might be better. Now, the guy who has to ride the 250, it is no fun, because you know you will most likely have a poor start and the 450 roost, the whole thing.”

“It used to be (important to everyone), whoever you wished to go, they would be happy to go, and the team would be happy to go, but now, some of the riders are not interested, or the rider is interested, and the team isn’t interested. Oh, damn. It is hard to say, it is hard to say. I hope the people will get back on it and maybe something can be done long term. They seem to be a better cooperation from both sides, from the European side and the American side. So, maybe, down the road we can get it better again.”

Will Eli do well on KTM?

How will Eli Tomac do on KTM? AC and Brayton give their view!

Alessandro Lupino on giving the Ducati Desmo250 it’s first victory

The sixth and final round of the Italian Pro Prestige MX2 Motocross Championship took place this weekend on the Ciclamino track in Pietramurata, where the Italian series concluded. After earning his second consecutive pole position on Saturday, Alessandro Lupino lined up for Sunday’s first race determined to make the most of his speed.

At the start of the first moto Lupino couldn’t capitalize his strong start, coming out of the first corner around the fifteenth position. The Italian then began a challenging comeback on the muddy track, and finished second. The final race of the year got off to a better start, with the 2024 Italian MX1 Champion sixth after the start and quickly making his way up the group on the first lap, moving into third, before taking second place a lap later. Alessandro caught up with the race leader on lap six, and the move came promptly after a few corners with a strong braking maneuver.

Once in the lead, Lupino held on until the finish line, crossing the checkered flag in first, securing the first position of the day. This was celebrated by all the team members and by Desmo250 MX project manager Davide Perni, who presented Lupino with a Ducati flag signed by everyone who worked on the 250 project in Borgo Panigale.

The 2025 season thus ended with a victory for the Team Beddini Racing Ducati Factory MX2 and the Ducati Desmo250MX, with Lupino securing his fifth podium of the year and second place overall in the Italian Pro Prestige MX2 championship.

Alessandro Lupino:

“I’m very happy with this result; this year has been much more difficult than last year, and today on the final lap I realized that we’ve once again written a new chapter in Ducati’s history. The Desmo250 MX is still very young, and in Ducati they’ve done a great job bringing it to this level. This weekend we have taken another step in the development for 2026, and I think whoever will ride this bike next year will appreciate it. I want to thank everyone who worked on the 250 project in Borgo Panigale, the Beddini team, and everyone at Ducati Corse.”

Ricky Johnson Talks Haiden

𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲!

The United States enjoyed a successful weekend of competition at the 2025 Trial des Nations in Tolmezzo, Italy, on Sept. 20-21, claiming the team’s first International Trophy since 2005.

Led by the trio of Josh Roper, Alex Myers and Will Myers, the United States held off Japan and Germany by just four points on its way to its second International Trophy since the class was added in 1995.

MXoN - American Legends

Team USA have a long list of legends who have ridden for their country in the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations. As the winningest country in the event, with 23 victories, the will always be a contender, not matter what team they bring.

From their first victory in 1981 at the Lommel circuit in Belgium, to their last at the St Jean d’Angely circuit in France, they have produced brilliance. Sometimes a little lucky, but usually just too good for the opposition. We caught up with two of the legends of this event, first up winner Danny Laporte, from the 1981 team, and 1993 and 1996 winner, Jeremy McGrath.

McGrath rode for Team USA on two occasions in 1993, and 1996. The Supercross legend didn’t let America down as he pulled off victories on both occasions, although in 1993 as a rookie he went into the event nervous and not sure how well he would do. Around the very old school European circuit of Schwanenstadt, in Austria, McGrath finished fourth in his very first MXoN race, and helped Team USA to victory.

“Obviously I have spent a lot of my racing in Europe,” McGrath said. “As a rider, to get invited (to the MXoN), I was invited several times, and I managed to race for Team USA twice, and both times we won. Amazingly enough it was two different experiences. I went in 1993 and I was a young kid, and didn’t really have much experience riding motocross, and I wasn’t very good. I was the weak link in the team, but I managed to get one score that was good enough and we got the win.”

Three years later at the Jerez circuit in Spain, Team USA completely dominated, and McGrath was a major part of their success story. McGrath, Jeff Emig and Steve Lamson all won their class, and gave the rest of the world little chance of beating them.

“In 1996, I was a much better rider and we won the Motocross of Nations again. We went and won everything, and that experience was one of the best racing experiences in my career. The level of the Europeans is maybe better than our guys now. I think the Motocross of Nations is a race any motorcycle enthusiast should see.”

In 1981 Team USA, with Chuck Sun, Danny Laporte, Johnny O’Mara and Donny Hansen sent the Grand Prix riders packing as they dominated the event. Harry Everts and Eric Geboers of the Belgian team (and favourites) couldn’t believe the speed of the American riders around the tough Lommel circuit. It would be the start of the most dominating era in MXoN history and one that would prove that America was a force in World Motocross. Danny Laporte remembered it well.

“The US was having trouble putting a team together,” Laporte said. “So, we went with our (Honda) team, myself, Johnny O’Mara, Donny Hansen and Chuck Sun. I had no idea what I was doing, and it was the first time we ever won a championship at the Motocross of Nations.”

Jett Lawrence on winning SMX, pocketing over a million dollars and Deegan

By overtaking Eli Tomac with four laps to go in the second SMX 450 moto in Las Vegas, Jett Lawrence secured the race win and clinched a new SMX championship title. Just minutes earlier, Hunter Lawrence was on the verge of claiming his first premier-class title. But – once again – his younger brother stole the spotlight. Starting behind his main championship rivals in the final moto, Jett came close to giving up.

“A lot of doubt to be honest” said Jett about the last race of the season. “Hunter and Eli were riding really well and honestly, I had a good few laps of trying to catch them like halfway through the moto and I caught them a smidge and I made one mistake and lost all that ground. So, I kind of, not give up, but I am like, ‘Dude I honestly don’t think I can catch them.’ And I got three or four laps to go, and I am just like, ‘I am just going to go as hard as I can and if I crash it’s going to hurt and if I don’t hopefully, we can get close enough to make a pass.’ Thankfully put a few laps together and was able get close and as soon as I got behind Eli, I tried to make a pass straight away and I was able to make it stick. And I am super happy so yeah.”

It’s a double for Honda HRC in the SMX championship this year – actually, a triple. Jett and Hunter occupy the top spots in the 450cc class, while Jo Shimoda takes the SMX 250 crown. He becomes the first Japanese rider to win an AMA championship on a Japanese bike. Six years ago, Jett and Jo were already teammates at Geico Honda, making their professional debuts on the same day – during the 250 outdoor at Unadilla.

“It’s awesome, honestly. I think I was stressed in the truck, like I was watching my brother out there” he says. “I was sick to my stomach, and I was hoping he’d do good because I don’t think anyone else deserves that title as much as Jo or Seth. Seth rides in our compound as well. So I was going for both of them. Jo rode well. He got that holeshot and put his head down and just went for it. No, I’m super stoked. Obviously Jo and I have been friends for a long time since Geico days, and it’s cool we’re both sitting up here. It’s awesome for the team. He deserves it. I’m just super happy for him. It’s been a long time coming for him, I feel like. He’s put a lot of good years together and has come up shy all those years, but this year was finally his one. He put in three really good rounds, and I’m super stoked for him.”

For the third consecutive time, Jett Lawrence wins the SMX 450 championship. The Honda HRC rider now adds his 10th AMA title to his record, including six in the 450cc class. Since moving up to 450cc in summer 2023, Jett Lawrence has claimed six of the eight titles on offer – an impressive feat.

“Winning the SMX, it’s an extra million in the bank. Of course that means a lot. It’s kind of nice because it’s a shorter series, three race weekends, if you do well, you can get a championship bonus. It makes it exciting for the fans because no matter what happens you always have two people that has a chance of winning it no matter how well you do at the first two. It’s exciting. I love it.”

For now, Jett Lawrence isn’t worried about Haiden Deegan moving up to 450, planned for summer 2026. Even though the Star Racing Yamaha rider was a step above this season in 250, the jump to 450 will be a whole new challenge. Before he can challenge Jett, he’ll first have to compete with the other top riders in the class.

“Honestly, he’s got a lot of other people to worry about than me.” Jett responds about a potential future rivalry with Haiden Deegan. “ I’ve got to worry about Hunter, Chase, and Eli. Honestly he’s not really on my radar. I’m focused on the guys I’m racing right now because they’re racing really well. It’s a different league on the 450cc, and it’s hard to back up the answer that Jo gave. It ain’t much of a rivalry if you keep beating the kid.”

Jett Lawrence pocketed over a million dollars from the SMX championship this year ($100,000 at Concord and Vegas, $50,000 at St. Louis, plus the $1,000,000 championship bonus). A million that adds to previous earnings, amounts that make many dream, and continue to widen the gap with Europe. Across the three rounds of the SMX championship, Valentin Guillod earned more than $40,000 in bonuses, finishing 14th at Concord and Saint Louis, and 15th at Vegas. The Swiss rider secured 16th place overall in the 2025 SMX 450 championship.

“For now, I don’t have a specific plan for this million dollars,” Jett Lawrence concludes. “I might put a bit more money into my house, or maybe buy another property. We’ll see. Right now, I’m eyeing a Ferrari F8 in Atlanta. But it’s my outdoor bonus that’s going into it. We’ll wait for the check to arrive, and it’s going straight there, no stops! The money goes straight from my account to the dealership’s account [laughs].”

What About Team USA?

For the second year in a row Team USA is in a scramble before the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. Two of the three riders on the team went down on Saturday at the SMX World Championship finale in Las Vegas, with Haiden Deegan cracking his collarbone after his takeout attempt on Jo Shimoda, and Chase Sexton crashed out of the final 450 moto while running fourth. KTM announced Sexton suffered "a mild concussion and a weak shoulder that he will have further evaluated this upcoming week."

We believe it's doubtful either rider will be able to line up for the MXoN, which takes place on October 5th. So what does the AMA do to fill the squad?

With this year's event taking place in the U.S. at Ironman Raceway, it's much easier to find participants in both riders and teams. At Las Vegas, RJ Hampshire, Justin Cooper and Cooper Webb all said they would line up for the team if given the call. Hampshire would prefer Sexton's 450 slot, we believe Webb and Cooper said they would race either bike. Webb jumped in last year on a 250 at the last moment. 

Hampshire told our Aaron Hansel: "I’m ready to go. My practice bike is ready and if I get the call I’ll be there."

Justin Cooper said he was told he would be an alternate for the team. That makes sense as he's a teammate of both Deegan, who was supposed to race a 250, and Eli Tomac, who will race a 450. That makes him a logical fill-in if either of those riders were to be unable to race. With Deegan's injury, JCoop might get the call.

Said Justin: "Team USA is not looking good right now. Hopefully we can fill in for it."

The Latest on Prado: Can He Get Out of His Deals?

Meanwhile...Jorge Prado isn't participating in the SuperMotocross Playoffs but there's still talk behind the scenes about where he will end up in 2026. It seems obvious that his tenure with Monster Energy Kawasaki will be ending based on how badly this season went, but we have heard that both Monster Energy and Kawasaki aren't simply letting him walk away from a multi-year contract without some complications. That has slowed the concept of him taking a deal with Red Bull KTM, which did plan to have a 450 slot available for Tom Vialle, who instead is heading back to MXGP to race for Honda HRC. Could Prado take that slot? With the Monster Energy and Kawasaki tie up, it has not been that simple.

Enter another rumor of a way that Prado could race a KTM but retain a Monster Energy deal. Team Tedder has been racing on KTMs with a Monster sponsorship for years, and we've heard that has emerged as a potential spot. Steve Matthes reported that possibility this week.

So, still much up in the air here. Can Prado even get out of his current deals? Will the stipulations of his old deals guide the decisions for his future? Even while not at the races, this situation is making news.