Top Honda Riders Prepped for Motocross of Nations

The Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) is the most prestigious international motocross competition in the world. Held this year on the 25-26 September at Thunder Valley Motocross Park on the outskirts of Denver, the MXoN marks the pinnacle of the season and will see the best from the AMA National series go up against the best from the World Championship series in a titanic team battle.

Riding Honda will be a selection of some of the finest riders in the world, representing their individual countries. GEICO Powersports Honda will have two riders representing their respective countries. Representing Team USA will be 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross 250cc Champion Trey Canard, while Australia will feature 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross 450cc runner-up Brett Metcalfe.

Canard joins a U.S. team that has dominated in recent years and that features Supercross and Motocross 450cc champ Ryan Dungey and Red Bull Honda rider and Colorado native Andrew Short, who finished 3rd in the 450cc MX class this year.

"The Motocross of Nations has been a dream of mine for a long time," Canard said. "To be a part of that team and to accomplish something I've dreamed about is a huge honour."

Metcalfe has represented his country four times in the Motocross des Nations. "This race is always special to be a part of," Metcalfe said. "To represent your home country is always something special. The fact that it's in the U.S. this year is going to be unreal. Denver will give the event a good showing."

He will have fellow Aussies Dean Ferris and Jay Marmont on his team. Dean Ferris tied up 3rd position in the Australian MX Nationals this year and has made several guest performances in the World Championship for Honda Racing MX Martin. While at times he has struggled to get to grips with the World Championship format, he illustrated that he has speed required at the top level. His Australian team mates will be hoping that he can bring his ‘A’ game this weekend.

LS Motors Honda rider Tanel Leok will be flying the flag for Team Estonia. The hard-charging eastern European is riding in what will be his 10th MXoN for his country. It will also be his last his last time riding the LS Motors Honda CRF450R before he makes his switch to TM Racing for next season.

Another one to watch will be Troy Lee Designs Honda rider Ben Townley, riding for Team New Zealand. Ben wrapped up 4th position in the AMA National series and had an impressive wildcard performance in the U.S. Grand Prix where he took a moto win. The former MX2 World Champion and AMA SX Lites Champion is a popular and well known rider on both sides of the Atlantic and is experienced in mixing it with the best that Europe and American has to offer.

Other Honda pilots who could cause an upset are PAR Honda’s Brad Anderson (riding for Team Great Britain), Grand Prix regular Ivo Stienbergs (riding for Team Latvia) and hot young property Fredrik Noren (riding for Team Sweden).

"It is fantastic to such a strong Honda contingent in this great event. Many eyes will be on Team USA and I am sure that Canard and Short, alongside Dungey, will be tough to beat, but there are many talented riders on Honda. Many that are more than capable of causing an upset. It will certainly be an interesting one to watch, the MXoN is always a bit special and can throw up the unexpected." Roger Harvey, Off-road Manager, Honda Motor Europe

A total of 32 nations will be sending riders to Denver this weekend. Practice and qualifying will take place on Saturday with the final racing taking place on Sunday.

For an event report and to find out how the Honda guys got on, visit www.hondaproracing.com over the weekend