Today at Round 10 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at the Unadilla National, the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) announced the three members that will represent the United States at the Motocross of Nations in September in Maggiora, Italy, on September 25.
Cooper Webb will lead the team in MX1. Webb made his first appearance at the Motocross of Nations last year and helped lead Team USA to a second place overall finish behind France. The North Carolina native currently leads the 250 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.
"I'm looking forward to going back again this year and trying to win," Webb said. "Last year, we came very close, but still got second. We have another chance this year to win. I'm looking forward to redemption. Riding MX1 is a huge honor."
"Every year, it seems to be harder to get our Motocross of Nations team together, with racers' busy schedules and injuries," team manager Roger DeCoster said. "This is one of the youngest teams we have put together over the years, but I am confident these three guys can do the job. They had a good battle in France last year, and he feels his chances are better this time around. Alex has been very strong in the outdoors and is one of a few guys who can come from behind and finish strong."
Making his first Motocross of Nations appearance, Jason Anderson will race the Open Class in Italy. Anderson has been out since the High Point National after suffering a broken collarbone and minor AC separation in practice crash. He is expected to make his return to racing next weekend at the Budds Creek National.
"Being the rookie and being off the whole summer, it is kind of crazy to be selected, but I'm up for the task and ready to do some work there," Anderson said. "Cooper and I on the 450s are definitely going to be able to battle for the front. And, if we get good starts, there's no reason we can't win. I'm going to race the Glen Helen GP and see where we are at coming into Motocross of Nations."
"[Trainer] Aldon Baker confirmed he should have him ready in time," DeCoster said. "Jason will race the last [round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship] and should be able to prove he is ready for the task. I feel that this forced break in his schedule, in the end, could benefit him for the Motocross of Nations."
Alex Martin will make his third Motocross of Nations appearance, and first for Team USA, in MX2. The Minnesota native represented Team Puerto Rico in 2013 and 2014.
"It's a huge honor to be chosen," Martin said. "It's kind of cool that I've been a part of the event twice now before with Team Puerto Rico. I saw how everyone treats the U.S. team and how it functions at the race, and now I'll get to experience that on the inside. I think just knowing the drill [will be helpful]. They operate a lot differently over there, with it being a two-day event rather than one-day. Practice is the day before. And I think the first time I raced in the event, I underestimated riders' abilities."
