Honda's top riders are ready for battle this weekend as they represent their countries at the 64th Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations at Thunder Valley Motocross Park on the outskirts of Denver, USA
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.
Metcalfe has represented his Australia 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 Yamaha mounted Australian Champion 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 ‰Û÷A‰Ûª game this weekend.
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."
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.
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‰Ûªs 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).
‰ÛÏIt 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.‰Û
