MXoN History

As a motocross fan I love to see history made. The Ricky Carmichael, Stefan Everts and Antonio Cairoli eras of domination at the MXoN are some of the most enjoyable for all of us. While the racing might not have been as sensational as they ruled their competition, and on occasions helped their team onto the podium at the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, they always left their mark on the biggest motocross race in the world.

I think the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations is an event that continues to surprise us, and make us realize what a great sport this is.

Time hasn’t really changed this event, as the best riders in the world all come together, the event just grows as promoters Youthstream continue to take the infrastructure of the MXGP series and Motocross of Nations to another level.

For hundreds of motocross riders from the past, the Motocross of Nations spelt more than just any race and Everts remembers his time in the event.

“Motocross of Nations is of course one of the biggest races of the year, and for me personally it was very special. You are teamed up with your fellow countrymen, and that is really nice. Also the fans that come, they are so passionate about their country. For me as a rider it is something special. Matterley Basin in 2006 was very special for me. The biggest crowd I ever raced in front of in Europe, and racing against James Stewart. It was my last international race and I won both motos, and ended my career with a special memory. If anyone talks to me about the Motocross of Nations, it’s always about Matterley Basin or Foxhills in 1998 with the rain.”

Surprisingly American Supercross legend Jeremy McGrath only raced the MXoN twice, but took home victories on both occasions. His first in Austria in 1993 and again in Spain in 1996. He remembers the event well, but also the whole experience of racing in Europe and the huge motivation from the European fans.

“Obviously I spend a lot of my racing career racing in Europe and I spend many great memories. To get invited to the MXoN was a big deal, and I was invited many times, but I only got to race it twice. Once in 1993 and once in 1996. In 93 I was a young kid and didn’t have much experience in motocross and I was the weak link, but I had one good score. In 96 I was more developed and I won everything, all the riders went 1-1 and we had a fantastic team. The European fans always showed respect to us, and that made the experience one of the best in my career.”

This year around the famous Maggiora circuit in Italy, names like Tim Gajser, Jeffrey Herlings, Antonio Cairoli, Romain Febvre, Cooper Webb and many more will do their best to add to this already amazing history.