Racing

Team USA Riders Announced for 2023 Motocross of Nations

Three riders, all on Austrian bikes, will represent the USA at the 2023 MXoN.

September 16, 2023

The announcement of who will represent the United States at the annual Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Motocross of Nations (MXoN) has come later than in years past, but nevertheless, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has confirmed the three-rider lineup—all of whom will be on Austrian equipment. Representing the United States at the 2023 MXoN in Ernée, France, on October 6–8 will be Aaron Plessinger, RJ Hampshire, and Christian Craig.

“After putting Team USA on the top step of the podium last year, we look forward to taking on the world once again in October as the defending champions,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “We have a team that is enthusiastic to represent the United States, and I look forward to seeing what we accomplish this year.”

Aaron Plessinger will serve as team captain racing the MXGP class in his second time competing at MXoN. “It really feels great to get to be on Team USA again, and I’m very fortunate to have this opportunity to go race for my country,” the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider said. “This is one race that I always look forward to and we have some big shoes to fill from what the boys did last year, so I’m ready for the challenge! I’ve got some really awesome teammates, a great team surrounding us, and we’re gonna go give it our all over in France!”KTM

AMA Motocross Hall of Fame legend Roger DeCoster will serve as team manager for the American effort once again. The Belgian will use his extensive experience as a five-time motocross world champion, and his current role as KTM/Husqvarna/GasGas North America motorsports director to help guide the red, white, and blue to victory for the second year in a row. Not to mention he also took part in six victorious FIM Motocross of Nations teams in the 1960s and 1970s.

“With our race season being the longest ever, and only having one week separating the end of the SMX and Motocross of Nations, as well as several riders who had been injured and some switching teams, it was the toughest year we have faced yet to find three riders ready to race an additional event and work together as a team,” DeCoster said. “I was very happy when we asked Aaron, RJ, and Christian about going to France—they all jumped at the opportunity to represent the USA and challenge the French team on home soil, and the rest of the world. This is one of France’s most spectacular tracks. After some mixed results during the long season, they are eager to prove they have more in the tank and are excited to show it to the world. I hope the US supporters get behind these three riders as they take on the Motocross of Nations in a few weeks.”

This year marks RJ Hampshire’s first time competing at MXoN. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider will contest the MX2 division for Team USA. “I’m super excited to represent my country,” he said. “I’m a proud American and will do my best to put our colors up front!”Husqvarna

The FIM Motocross of Nations, which began in postwar Europe back in 1947, brings national teams from across the globe together to compete for a combined score that determines the championship-winning country. The US team continues to hold the record as the all-time leader in FIM Motocross of Nations overall team victories, having won the competition 23 times—21 of them with DeCoster managing the effort. The US team last claimed a victory in 2022 and returns to the event as the defending champion.

Another first-timer at this year’s MXoN is Christian Craig, who will race the Open class on his FC 450 Rockstar Edition. “I’m extremely honored to be able to represent the USA this year at the Motocross of Nations,” the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Racing rider said. “Aaron, RJ, and I will do everything possible to make our country proud.”Husqvarna