AMA Announces 2006 Motocross of Nations 'AMA Team USA'

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced the members AMA Team USA, presented by Loretta Lynn's, which will compete at the 2006 Motocross of Nations, scheduled for September 23 - 24 at Matterley Basin/Winchester, Great Britain.

Representing the U.S. and defending its 2005 Motocross of Nations
victory will be Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, and Ryan Villopoto.
Carmichael was chosen as team captain.

The members of AMA Team USA, presented by Loretta Lynn's, were announced yesterday during ceremonies at the 2006 AMA Air Nautiques Amateur Motocross National Championships at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

Motocross fans played a role in choosing this year's team, through
online nominations and voting on AMADirectlink.com; the final voting
also served as a fundraiser for the team. All proceeds from the
fundraiser go toward supporting AMA Team USA, presented by Loretta Lynn's.

The other five nominees for the 2006 U.S. team were Mike Alessi, Thomas Hahn, David Millsaps, Nicholas Wey, and Kevin Windham.

Often called "The Olympics of Motorcycling," the Motocross of Nations features three-rider teams from around the world competing in three races, or motos. In 2005, Team USA defeated a strong international field to take its 16th winner's trophy, its first since 2000. From 1981 to 1993, Team USA was undefeated in the Motocross of Nations, winning 13 straight times.

A 17th win would put the Americans alone at the top of the all-time wins list, just as the U.S. prepares to welcome the 62nd Motocross of Nations, scheduled for September 21 - 23, 2007 at Budds Creek Motocross Raceway in Maryland.