Ryan Nitzen | September 25, 2022
It is a packed house here at Red Bud for the 2022 Motocross of Nations. Fans came out in droves to support Team USA and the riders are feeling the vibes, American or not. We’re on the ground to bring you all the action from the weekend. Be sure to scroll through this page to catch all the action
SUNDAY
Race One – MXGP & MX2
The first race of the day put the MXGP and the MX2 riders on track together. Track conditions were deep but still rideable as almost all the competitors still cleared every obstacle. Jago Geerts was credited with the holeshot by about half a bike length but was quickly overtaken by Eli Tomac going into turn two.
Tomac took the lead by turn two and never relinquished. Photo: Brown Dog Wilson
Tomac proceeded to lead every lap of the race despite consistent pressure from Geerts. The two Yamaha riders yo-yo’d back and forth but a few mistakes from Geerts late in the race allowed Tomac to inch away. The American began jumping Larocco’s leap late in the race and said that helped him stay up front. Geerts held on and was a close second. France’s Maxime Renaux stayed consistent all race and finished third.
The MX2 riders had their work cut out as the deep conditions robbed the bike’s of power. Hunter Lawrence finished eighth and was the top 250 rider in the field. Justin Cooper was just one spot back in ninth and Kay De Wolf was 10th. These were the top MX2 riders, going 8,9,10 in the race.
Tomac and Geerts were this close for most of the first moto. Photo: Brown Dog Wilson
Tomac’s first and Cooper’s ninth puts USA in front with 10 points. Australians are second with 13 points from Mitch Evans and Hunter Lawrence finshing fifth and eighth respectively. Belgium is third with 14 points from Geerts’s second and Liam Everts’s 12th.
Results – Race 1 – MXGP & MX2 (Top 10)
| 1. |
Eli Tomac |
(Yam) |
USA |
| 2. |
Jago Geerts |
(Yam) |
BEL |
| 3. |
Maxime Renaux |
(Yam) |
FRA |
| 4. |
Jeremy Seewer |
(Yam) |
SUI |
| 5. |
Mitch Evans |
(Hon) |
AUS |
| 6. |
Jorge Prado |
(GG) |
ESP |
| 7. |
Antonio Cairoli |
(KTM) |
ITA |
| 8. |
Hunter Lawrence |
(Hon) |
AUS |
| 9. |
Justin Cooper |
(Yam) |
USA |
| 10. |
Kay De Wolf |
(HUS) |
NED |
Race 2 – MX2 & OPEN
Racers from MX2 and the Open divisions took to the track for moto two. This put Justin Cooper and Chase Sexton on the line as rain began to fall just before the gate dropped.
Italy’s Mattia Guadanini took the holeshot over Sexton and Jett Lawrence. Justin Cooper crossed fourth, making him the first MX2 rider. As Guadanini led, Cooper and Hunter Lawrence tangled on lap one which put Lawrence on the ground while Cooper stayed up.
Mattia Guadanini grabbed the start in race two. Photo: Brown Dog Wilson
Sexton continued to pressure Guadanini and managed to make a pass in the Monza turn. He led all the way to Larocco’s Leap, when Guadanini hit the triple and Sexton doubled. This put Guadanini back in the lead with Jett Lawrence now in closing territory.
Jett slipped from third to first in one lap and never looked back. He passed Guadanini in the same Monza turn and checked out to an 11 second lead. This is Jett’s first race on the 450 and best case scenario for him. Chase Sexton got a pass done on Guadanini late in the race to secure second.
Cooper held on for fourth, earning him the MX2 overall. Photo: Brown Dog Wilson
Justin Cooper held on for fourth in the moto, making him the top 250 rider in the field. A second and a fourth for Team USA keeps them in the runnings for the top country.
We can’t mention race two without talking about Dylan Ferrandis. The French rider fell in the first turn but worked his way to sixth at the finish. Ferrandis set the fastest time of the race coming through traffic and even fell on the last lap. Still, a valiant effort from the number-15.
After two races USA still leads over Australia and France.
Jett Lawrence took the win in race two, his first on a 450. Photo: Brown Dog Wilson
Results – Race 2 – MX2 & Open (Top 10)
| 1. |
Jett Lawrence |
(Hon) |
AUS |
| 2. |
Chase Sexton |
(Hon) |
USA |
| 3. |
Mattia Guadanini |
(GG) |
ITA |
| 4. |
Justin Cooper |
(Yam) |
USA |
| 5. |
Ruben Fernandez |
(Hon) |
ESP |
| 6. |
Dylan Ferrandis |
(Yam) |
FRA |
| 7. |
Calvin Vlaanderen |
(Yam) |
NED |
| 8. |
Harri Kullas |
(Yam) |
EST |
| 9. |
Marvin Musquin |
(KTM) |
FRA |
| 10. |
Hunter Lawrence |
(Hon) |
AUS |
Race 3 – MXGP and OPEN
Race three saw all the heavy hitters come together for the final moto of the day. This is the race that decides it all as the MXGP and Open class racers take to the track.
The two French riders, Dylan Ferrandis and Maxime Renaux, took off with the early lead over Chase Sexton. Beligan rider Jago Geerts fell in turn one which forced Eli Tomac back to 12th position.
Race three start. Tomac got pushed wide shortly after this. Photo: Brown Dog Wilson
Ferrandis and Renaux looked to be taking off and making up for lost points. They led about half the race until Ferrandis fell after the triple step up and handed the lead to Renaux. Sexton stayed close but was already in contention for the overall team win and didn’t want to throw that away.
A third in the final moto was good enough for Sexton. Photo: Brown Dog Wilson
With Sexton playing it safe, Jett Lawrence struck quick and made the pass for second. His lap times were about two seconds faster than the two leaders and he closed up on Renaux soon after. It looked like he would make the pass, but Renaux held strong and stayed up front for the win.
Tomac was the other American but also played it relatively safe in the final moto. After a poor start he worked his way up to sixth.
Renaux held on to win the final race and the MXGP overall. Photo: Brown Dog Wilson
With their finishes in the final race, Maxime Renaux and Jett Lawrence earned their respective overall victories in the MXGP and Open categories. Justin Cooper was the day’s top overall MX2 rider.
Final results put the USA on top, France second, and Australia third.
Team USA wins the 75th running of the Motocross Of Nations. Photo: Brown Dog Wilson
Results – Race 3 – MXGP & Open (Top 10)
| 1. |
Maxime Renaux |
(Yam) |
FRA |
| 2. |
Jett Lawrence |
(Hon) |
AUS |
| 3. |
Chase Sexton |
(Hon) |
USA |
| 4. |
Dylan Ferrandis |
(Yam) |
FRA |
| 5. |
Jeremy Seewer |
(Yam) |
SUI |
| 6. |
Eli Tomac |
(Yam) |
USA |
| 7. |
Jorge Prado |
(GG) |
ESP |
| 8. |
Ruben Fernandez |
(Hon) |
ESP |
| 9. |
Antonio Cairoli |
(KTM) |
ITA |
| 10. |
Dylan Wright |
(Hon) |
CAN |
SATURDAY
Free Practice – Highlight Video
Qualifying Race 1 – MXGP
Jago Geerts bumped up to a 450 this weekend and swept the field in the opening moto of the day. The Belgian led almost all of the race and held off a charging Eli Tomac at the end. Not bad for a 450 first timer.
MXGP racers on the line for race one. Photos: Ryan Nitzen
Tomac got off to a top 10 start but had his work cut out for him as the others started a gap early on. One by one he picked through the field and made a daring pass late in the race to secure second. The pass came when Jeremy Seewer of Switzerland missed Larocco’s Leap. Tomac hit it and passed Seewer on the landing. Seewer came home third.
Tomac clawed back to second while Jago Geerts took the win.
| 1. |
Jago Geerts |
(Yam) |
BEL |
| 2. |
Eli Tomac |
(Yam) |
USA |
| 3. |
Jeremy Seewer |
(Yam) |
SUI |
| 4. |
Mitch Evans |
(Hon) |
AUS |
| 5. |
Jorge Prado |
(GG) |
ESP |
Qualifying Race 2 – MX2
Justin Cooper absolutely decimated the field in the MX2 race. This comes as a surprise for some since Cooper was a bit of a wild card coming into this event. He led every lap of the 20+2 moto and logged another strong result for Team USA.
Justin Cooper was on rails in the MX2 qualifying race.
Hunter Lawrence finished second with Marvin Musquin third.
Hunter Lawrence brought home second.
| 1. |
Justin Cooper |
(Yam) |
USA |
| 2. |
Hunter Lawrence |
(Hon) |
AUS |
| 3. |
Marvin Musquin |
(KTM) |
FRA |
| 4. |
Guillem Farres |
(Yam) |
ESP |
| 5. |
Andrea Adamo |
(GG) |
ITA |
Qualifying Race 3 – Open
Calvin Vlaanderen grabbed the early lead in race three over Dylan Ferrandis and Chase Sexton. Sexton quickly made his way past both riders and jumped into the top spot. He led nearly the whole race despite pressure from Ferrandis. A tip over on the final lap spelled disaster for Sexton as it allowed Ferrandis to slip through. Jett Lawrence, making his 450 debut, finished third.
Sexton and Ferrandis were this close for almost the entire Open class moto.
2-1-2 finishes gave Team USA the lowest score and earn them the win in today’s qualifying race.
Sexton fell on the final lap which gave Ferrandis the win.
| 1. |
Dylan Ferrandis |
(Yam) |
FRA |
| 2. |
Chase Sexton |
(Hon) |
USA |
| 3. |
Jett Lawrence |
(Hon) |
AUS |
| 4. |
Ruben Fernandez |
(Hon) |
ESP |
| 5. |
Calvin Vlaanderen |
(Yam) |
NED |
Pics From The Pits
Team Australia is all on Hondas this year. Note the differences between the GP bike of Evans (113) and the Lawrence bikes. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Hunter Lawrence is the Australian MX2 rider. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
More grip. Also note the hydraulic clutch on the 250. Photo: Hunter Lawrence
Hunta. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Mitch Evans’ ride. Note the different vents from what we normally see in the states. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
On to the Yamaha pits. The Star Racing rig is housing a bunch of riders including Calvin Vlaanderen of Team Netherlands. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Holy seat bump Batman. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Guillem Farres of Spain rode as a fill in rider for Star Racing earlier this year. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Jeremy Seewer of Switzerland won a few MXGP’s this year. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Eli Tomac’s ride is front and center in the Yamaha pits. Check out the sparkle graphics from D’COR Visuals. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Another look at the Stars and Stripes on Tomac’s ride. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Almost everyone including Tomac is running a scoop tire this morning. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Red carbon tip on the FMF exhaust. Yes please. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Tomac’s custom Alpinestars. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Dylan Ferrandis of Team France. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
More red white and blue for France. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
France’s Maxime Renaux is also under the Yamaha tent. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Lots of solid rotors are mounted up this weekend in anticipation of rain. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Justin Cooper’s YZ250F has a similar look to Tomac’s. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Carbon skid plate to cover the goods. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Ruben Fernandez of Team Spain is pitted under the second Honda truck. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Extra long header on Fernandez’s ride. Love the colors on the Yoshimura. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
The other side of Fernandez’s machine. Lots of foam packed in there. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Yuki Okura of Japan. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Japanese Honda’s are usually full of trick parts but Okura’s is the most stock looking of the bunch. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
The red white and blue of Chase Sexton. MXGP rules allow riders to have two bikes at the ready. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Machined ignition cover and red cylinder head. Drool. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Custom bar pads and grip covers from Renthal. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
More goodies on Sexton’s ride. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Throttle Jockey knocked it out of the park on these graphics. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Seat Concepts did this awesome seat cover for Freddie Noren of Team Sweden. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Fantic is a brand we don’t see much in the US. It’s basically a rebranded Yamaha, and yes Team Norway is racing the two stroke in the open class. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Got air? Photo: Ryan Nitzen
F&H Kawasaki of Norway’s Kevin Horgmo.. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
HGS Exhaust on Hormo’s KX. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Raw cylinder head. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
More carbon. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Tommy Searle is stateside for Team Great Britain. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Euro bikes make the most room for sponsors. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
British fans are showing their support. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
More GB love with Dean Wilson. This is likely the last race we’ll see Dean on a Husky. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Graphics on Team Husqvarna are usually very subtle. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
We’re starting a petition for mandatory handguards. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Carbon skid plate, FMF header, sharpened pegs and brake tip. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Where’s RC? This KX125 was posted up under the Pro Circuit tent. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Another look. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Jo Shimoda’s KX250. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Lots of colors and carbon from the PC squad. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
All in for the Team Japan theme. Good luck Jo san. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Kay De Wolf of Team Netherlands. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
You know what they say about big lugs? Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Jorge Prado of Team Spain is pitted under the usual Troy Lee Designs Gas Gas truck. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Check out Prado’s bar bend. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Another look at Prado’s ride. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Mattia Guadanini is normally an MX2 rider but he’s riding the open class for Team Italy. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Little details. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Factory. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Guadinini’s GasGas 450 power plant. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
MXGP has a recent partnership with Ram trucks. Someone pull some strings for this over here. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Marvin Musquin is racing a 250 for Team France. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Subtle digi camo for Musquin. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Polished engine cases. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Tony Cairoli is sporting the big number one. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Italian flag for Tony. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Numero uno. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Team Canada’s bikes are always top notch. This is Dylan Wright’s. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
GasGas colors make it easy for Canada. 42 is Tyler Medaglia. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Graphics on Ryder Mcnabb’s MX2 machine. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Anodized engine cases are always a good look. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Beta has a factory team in the MXGP series. This is Belgium’s Jeremy Van Horebeek’s ride. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Blue rims and a Pirelli scoop on the Beta. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
More air! Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Speaking of Beta, they had their new 450 motocross bike on display in the pits. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Another look at the new Beta. Photo: Ryan Nitzen
Bonus points if you can name the riders and the year. Let’s go racing! Photo: Ryan Nitzen
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