On the biggest stage of the season, and in an event in which top-quality products that enhance performance and reliability were essential, MOTOREX supported riders have enjoyed team podium and individual class topping results at the 72nd running of the annual FIM Motocross of Nations, held at the iconic RedBud track in Michigan, USA.
Standing proud on the top step of the final team podium was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin. The key performer for Team France, Paulin rode his MOTOREX backed FC 450 to second in the opening MXGP & MX2 race before placing third in the day’s final moto – the deciding MXGP & Open race. In doing so, and coupled with the performances of his team mates, he helped France claim their fifth consecutive MXoN team victory.
MOTOREX supported riders stood on each step of the final podium. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli helped Team Italy to a hard-fought runner-up result. Delivering the stand-out performances of the event, Team Netherlands riders Glenn Coldenhoff and newly crowned MXGP World Champion Jeffrey Herlings managed to finish third overall, despite losing the services of MX2 class rider Calvin Vlaanderen.
During the opening MXGP & MX2 moto MOTOREX supported riders claimed five of the top six positions with each making light work of the heavy conditions. Once out front Herlings dominated the proceedings, but not before he was made to work hard by Team Spain’s lightning-fast Jorge Prado. Leading for the first seven laps of the race, the 250 SX-F mounted MX2 World Champion showed incredible speed and composure to eventually place third behind experienced MXoN racers Herlings and Paulin. With American Eli Tomac fourth Clement Desalle for Team Belgium and Cairoli rounded out the top six for MOTOREX.
The MX2 & Open class race saw Red Bull KTM’s Glenn Coldenhoff dominate with a gate to flag victory. Despite the soft, muddy conditions being less of a challenge for the larger displacement bikes, 250f mounted KTM star Jorge Prado again showed impressive speed as he held second for much of the moto. Going on to place third in the race and second highest MX2 class rider, Prado ended the event as the highest ranked MX2 racer, wrapping up his incredible season in the best way possible.
The closing third and final moto for MXGP & Open class racers saw Red Bull KTM team mates Coldenhoff and Herlings claim a deserved one-two finish with MOTOREX supported riders filling the top four positions thanks to Gautier Paulin and Antonio Cairoli. With Husqvarna-mounted Team Great Britain rider Max Anstie finishing sixth, the combined performances of all MOTOREX backed riders at the 72nd FIM Motocross of Nations capped off a hugely successful and memorable season of international motocross competition for the pioneering Swiss brand.
Great Britain (Anstie, Watson, Searle), 48 Point