PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The U.S. team of Ryan Dungey, Blake Baggett and Justin Barcia finished third behind the German and Belgium teams at the 2012 FIM Motocross of Nations in Lommel, Belgium, on Sept. 30. Competing against the best motocross racers in the world, the American riders stumbled early and never fully recovered.
“This was one of the most challenging Motocross of Nations in recent history, on a distinctive and challenging track, and against an international crop of riders proven to be among the best of the best,” said AMA Director of Supercross and Pro Racing Relations Kevin Crowther. “We are proud of our riders for putting forward their best effort and finishing on the podium at this prestigious event, and we congratulate the German and Belgium riders for an excellent performance in Lommel.”
Each rider at the Motocross of Nations competes in two motos, each of which combines two classes. In individual results, Dungey finished seventh and 14th riding in the MX1 class. Baggett finished 15th and sixth riding in the MX2 class. Barcia finished 14th and third in the Open class.
“In addition to the riders, we would also like to thank the mechanics, the support crew and many others who supported our effort,” Crowther added. “Supporters such as Feld Motor Sports with their generous financial contribution, as well as Fox, Alpinestars and MX Sports. We also salute the riders’ teams — Red Bull/KTM, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki and GEICO Honda — for providing the significant support necessary for this event.”
The Motocross of Nations features three-rider teams on a range of motocross machinery. In the 2012 event, Dungey raced the MX1 class, which features 450cc four-stroke machinery. Baggett competed in the MX2 class, which features 250cc four-stroke motorcycles. Barcia raced the Open class.
The Motocross of Nations is one of the most high-profile motorsport events in the world. It features national teams competing for a combined score to determine the overall championship-winning country. The event emerged in post-war Europe in 1947 and has run uninterrupted since that time.
The United States last won the Motocross of Nations in 2011 when the event was held in Saint D’Angely, France. The United States is also the all-time leader in Motocross of Nations overall team victories with 22. Great Britain is second with 16.
The 2013 FIM Motocross of Nations will be held in Teutschenthal, Germany.
