Thor Riders Put Forth Solid Efforts at Motocross of Nations
The world’s best motocross competitors gathered in Franciacorta, Italy last weekend for the 63rd running of the Motocross of Nations at Autodromo “Daniel Bonara.” Thor Motocross was represented on a global scale by six riders competing for six different countries with current Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Champion Chad Reed, former MX1 Champion David Philippaerts, former MX2 Champion Tyla Rattray, MX1 perennial front-runner Josh Coppins, three-time Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship winner Jake Weimer and Loretta Lynn’s Horizon Award winner Dean Wilson.
Reed, Philippaerts, Coppins, Rattray and Weimer represented their countries well and put forth outstanding efforts that served as key results in each team’s overall standing. At the end of three motos that combined the MX1, MX2 and MX3 classes, giving each group two motos apiece, it was Team USA atop the podium with its fifth consecutive Motocross of Nations victory.
Jake Weimer – Team USA: MX2
With the high expectations of Team USA combined with his first trip to the Motocross of Nations, it could have been easy for the pressure to effect Jake Weimer’s debut. An eighth place finish in the first moto helped push the U.S. to an early lead and despite a mistake in moto two, Weimer continued to fight and salvaged a 25th place finish to keep his team in the hunt. His dedication throughout each moto proved valuable to Team USA’s success and the countries 20th Motocross of Nations title.
(Courtesy Jeffrey Beerdsen)
David Philippaerts – Team Italy: MX3
The day started off promising for the home team with a big win by Antonio Cairoli in the opening moto, setting the team up for a chance at the overall. Italy kicked-off the weekend as the team to beat, qualifying first for the final motos on Sunday and looking equally impressive once the gates dropped for the main event. After rough starts in each of his motos, Philippaerts became a man on a mission, passing numerous riders in one of the most impressive individual performances of the entire race. He made his team and country proud, finishing second and third as the top MX3 competitor. Misfortune struck his teammates, relegating Italy to sixth overall.
(Courtesy CDS)
Chad Reed – Team Australia: MX1
After regaining his top form outdoors during the nationals in the U.S., Reed entered the Motocross of Nations with something to prove thanks to a lackluster performance in 2008. On paper, Team Australia possessed arguably the most talented team in the field and were favorites to grab the overall. Reed held up his end as the team leader, finishing a close second in the first moto and overcoming a first turn crash in the final moto of the day to finish ninth. As a result, he finished second overall in MX1. Australia has been known to suffer from misfortune in years past and the same held true in 2009 when a racing incident took out Michael Byrne and dramatically hurt the Aussies chances. Thanks to Reed’s performance, the team finished seventh.
(Courtesy CDS)
Tyla Rattray – Team South Africa: MX2
Rattray quietly put together the third best performance in the MX2 Class, leading his teammates and helping South Africa finish ninth overall. The 2008 World MX GP Champion’s return to Europe was successful as he posted finishes of 10th and 13th in each of the MX2 motos that were combined with the more powerful 450cc machines of the MX1 and MX3 classes.
(Courtesy CDS)
Josh Coppins – Team New Zealand: MX1
Coppins has been a title threat in the FIM MX1 Motocross World Championship for the past seven years. He was arguably the most experienced rider on the track in Italy and his veteran ability showed in his pair of sixth-place results. He finished third overall in the MX1 class, just one point behind Reed for the runner-up spot. As a team, New Zealand relied on its leader, finishing 11th overall.
(Courtesy Jeffrey Beerdsen)
Dean Wilson – Team Canada: MX2
Unfortunately for Team Canada, they did not get the chance to race for the Chamberlain Cup. The North American trio came up short in qualifying and had to race their way into the field on Sunday in the B-Final. Despite the adversity the team faced, Wilson impressed in his maiden voyage to the Motocross of Nations, winning the B-Final and giving the Canadians the best chance he could to make the race. However, misfortune struck the rest of the team, resulting in eighth overall and leaving Team Canada on the outside looking in.
(Courtesy Jeffrey Beerdsen)
Additionally, Thor and Parts Unlimited showcased their first class hospitality that has made them a staple in America as part of Monster Energy Supercross and the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Under the Parts Europe flag, those in attendance at the world’s biggest motocross race were treated to great food, refreshments and a stellar facility to take a break from the action and socialize with industry members from all over the globe.
(Courtesy CDS)
(Courtesy CDS)
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About Parts Unlimited
Parts Unlimited is the world's largest distributor of aftermarket accessories in the powersports industry and is owned by LeMans Corporation headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin. Parts Unlimited sells to over 12,000 dealerships world wide and continues to expand its market penetration with its sister companies, Parts Canada, Parts Europe and Drag Specialties.
Parts Unlimited continues to promote racing through its campaign WE SUPPORT THE SPORT®, helping to drive consumers to dealerships, while entertaining its dealers through hospitalities at the events it sponsors.
About Thor Motocross
Thor is one of the originators of motocross apparel. When Torsten Hallman made his first U.S trip to race and promote motocross in 1966, he inadvertently started to develop Thor riding gear. Thor is a hardcore, grass roots company that understands what it takes to reach the top and more importantly, how to stay there. It is one of a few companies with over 40 years experience in the motocross marketplace.
