Team USA are the proudest nation in our magnificent sport, but damn, some of the infighting to pick a team, and riders not wanting to go, and some US media asking for the American team to be funded to come, I just don’t get it.

America has the biggest motocross industry in the World, many of the American based riders are paid more money than everyone else in the World and the organizing of the most successful team from the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, in recent years has been the toughest job in the World.

If countries like Brazil, Czech Republic, Canada, Iceland, Ireland and Venezuela can pick their teams with no hassle, and all their riders want to race, then why can’t Team USA and why would the richest motocross country in the World need to be asking for money to come (not that they are asking for money, but some would like that they did).

Let’s get one thing straight, as much as we all love Team USA coming, and we love to see them battle the GP guys, I am not even sure Team USA are as big a draw as they used to be. If I had to pick the teams/riders the Worldwide fans want to see would be The Netherlands/Herlings, Australian/Lawrence brothers, Spain/Prado, or defending champions, France. I would then probably put Team USA in fourth of fifth place in teams we most look forward to seeing.

As somebody who feels that money ruins most things, in many different sports, I cannot stand it when people ask for money to race the Olympics of our sport. Like the Olympics, it isn’t about money, it’s about representing your country and racing as hard as you possibly can to win the Chamberlain trophy. At least, that is what I love about the Motocross of Nations, and I think I speak for the majority of fans.

The fact AMA 450 motocross champion, Chase Sexton has told many media in America, that he is going no matter what and knowing he won’t be getting a financial benefit, well, that is what makes this race so great. Applause for Mr Sexton!!

Team Australian, are one of the favourites and I think I speak for many when I say the Lawrence brothers are probably the big draw at Matterley this year. I know back down in Aussieland, a group of members of Team Australian spend hours and hours working out ways the raise the funds for the Aussies to go and I love that. Many nations are the same or get some part of the cost from their local federation. Former Team Australian riders put their time aside to help raise the funds with riding schools and other fund raising. How cool is that!!!!

We will all celebrate when Chase Sexton hits the track in England and we should be more than thankful that he just gets on with it, puts on the red, white and blue and rides as hard as he can, without all the BS. His KTM mate, Aaron Plessinger might have struggled in the Nations in 2018 and 2022, but let’s celebrate him too, because he is desperate to come to England and that is what we all want from all the riders who will represent their countries.

We all know KTM will support whatever riders are going, we know HRC will support any riders going and we know the European teams will welcome riders under their tents and help them throughout the weekend. That is what the Motocross of Nations is, not a money grab or boasting how important we are, it’s a celebration of our sport and I am sure glad Team USA send a team, but their appearance is somewhat tainted with all the BS that goes on when team selection comes around and I am happy Chase Sexton and Aaron Plessinger agree.