Jean Turner | September 28, 2021
Forty years ago, Team USA shocked the world at the Motocross des Nations, taking a first-ever win on the international stage with riders Chuck Sun, Danny Laporte, Donnie Hansen and Johnny O’Mara. To commemorate the 40th anniversary, and the forthcoming feature-length documentary film “1981: The Story of America’s 1981 Motocross des Nations Team,” Doffo Winery in Temecula, California played host to a press conference celebrating America’s landmark win at the historic event.
In attendance were all four racers, Sun, Laporte, Hansen and O’Mara, along with team members Roger DeCoster and Dave Arnold. It is said that the Doffo event was the first time all six have been reunited. Hosted by Laurette Nicoll, the conference-style event included accounts from all, including some lesser-known back stories from the Lommel race, such as worrying that the bikes wouldn’t go the distance on the sandy power-robbing track, and scrambling to find parts and support for the team. Roger DeCoster even took the time to explain why he punched a man in the face during the race—yes, the rumor is true.
The Europeans called it a fluke when the Americans won in Belgium, but when Team USA—discounted as a “B Team”—won again in Germany and sealed the 1981 MXdN overall win, it turned the international motocross scene on its head, setting in motion a 13-year win streak.
The live event at Doffo Winery offered food and drinks to attendees, as well as commemorative posters featuring photography from Henny Ray Abrams and an autograph session by the entire 1981 MXdN team.
Did you miss it? Check out the live stream from the 1981 MXdN Press Conference at Doffo Winery on Facebook.
Look for more info coming on the movie, “1981: The Story of America’s 1981 Motocross des Nations Team,” from Pipeline Digital Media, creators of “The Motocross Files,” “Penton: The John Penton Story” and “The Carlsbad USGP: 1980,” at the official movie Facebook page.
Production is scheduled to begin in 2022.