U.S. Says No To Motocross des Nations

Paul Carruthers | October 5, 2002

The United States will not field a team in the rescheduled 2002 Motocross of Nations, which will take place in Bellpuig, Spain, on October 19-20, according to a release issued by the AMA.

The international Olympic-style motocross event was originally announced for San Jacinto, California, on September 28-29. It was canceled, however, when organizers appointed by the FIM encountered problems obtaining approval to use the newly-built Competition Park venue, the release states.

“It’s unfortunate that we cannot field a team,” said Scott Hollingsworth, AMA Pro Racing CEO, “but the time frame on the relocation was too tight. There are numerous schedule conflicts for our riders, and the costs associated with sending a team, support staff and equipment to Spain at such a late date was also a factor.” Hollingsworth noted that the absence of a U.S. team is especially disappointing since the American squad withdrew from the 2001 event after the events of September 11.

“The AMA is proud of its long involvement in the Motocross of Nations,” Hollingsworth said, “and we look forward to rejoining this traditional event and the friendly rivalry among FIM federations in the future.”