There is no doubt, the news of Lucas and Sasha Coenen doing rounds of the AMA Nationals and also the Paris supercross in 2026 is some of the best news we will see this year. Both 19 year old brothers are battling for world titles in MXGP and MX2 and both are smart enough to know, that is the main goal, but these two things are huge for the sport on both sides of the Atlantic.

Obviously, similar to the Lawrence brothers, the Coenen brothers are special, not just the fact they are elite racers, but they also offer something a little extra. Huge personalities and watching Lucas cross the finish line in France last weekend, and how pissed off he was to not win, I just love that, the fact he wants it so bad and doesn’t mind showing it to the public.

It seems obvious that their future is in USA and when that happens, who knows, if its 2027 or 2028. They have a contract with De Carli KTM in Europe for next year, but I am sure that can be changed, if they want to head to USA at the end of 2026.

There is also zero doubt that these two talented young Belgians won’t be good in supercross straight away. Winning the Paris supercross won’t be possible, as the field is stacked, but I will not be surprised for a second if they don’t surprise a lot of people and give us some moments of excitement.

As for racing the AMA Nationals this year, well, WOW, WOW, and more WOW. They have mentioned they are not going there to win, but to have fun and learn and that is obviously the wise move, as Thunder Valley for starters will be difficult with the altitude and also the lack of preparation.

“We’re going there for fun,” Coenen mentioned last week. “To gain experience; our dream is to go there in the future. We’re going there to learn and to see how things work. I’m not going to USA to try and win. I’m going there to learn and I’m not going to take any risks whatsoever, because we want to fight for the title; that’s the main goal this year. But it’s going to be a fun experience. It’s a risk, that’s how people see it. But you can also look at the fact that Jeffrey raced a lot during the break, and I think right now the battle for the title is really interesting and intense. It’ll be a great experience and a dream come true. It’s going to be tough. I can’t wait.”

Fortunately, the AMA Nationals now have a media day on the Friday at Thunder Valley, so both Lucas and Sasha will get some extra time on the track and no doubt, MXsports will allow them plenty of time to get settled, which is great news for their preparation. Hopefully they will arrive on the Saturday with a much better knowledge of the track and the conditions.

Jeffrey Herlings, who made his US debut in 2017 and smoked the best AMA 450 riders, going 1-1 at Ironman knows the risk and rewards of doing a one off race in America. Herlings made his Ironman visit after being out of contention for the MXGP championship, but also knows there are risks in all forms of racing, not just one off trips in America.

“There’s a lot of rumours about Lucas going to the USA,” Herlings said. “Maybe in the future, next year, whenever. I think it’s good to get his feet wet. I am curious. I actually just said to him next to me, I’m very curious to see where we are at, our level. I think already last year at the Nations, he was actually the only one who could kind of stay with Jett and now we have to see how Jett comes back, and also with Haiden, I’m quite curious. You have to learn the track quick. Two times, 10- or 15-minutes practice, something like that and straight to the races, they’re very explosive in the beginning so it’s different. It’s a one day and in and out with shorter break. I’m quite curious to how he does. I’m actually very pleased that he goes because it will really show where we are at. But at the end of the day, I think and I hope he will not take too many risks, because at the end of the day, people want to see us fight for a championship. For sure, people will say, there’s more risk of an injury, but when you go practice, he also broke his arms during practice last year. I got hurt many times during practice, so it can also happen also at a practice. I’m looking forward to seeing how he does.”

As for the Paris supercross, this is another WOW, WOW, WOW moment, because we all want to see them racing indoors. With their incredible skills, they will adapt quickly and without question, both will be a success when they eventually head to USA to do both supercross and motocross.

Lucas Coenen: “It’s a dream, finally we can do it in Paris. I went there once just to watch and the atmosphere was crazy. I’m really looking forward to experiencing something new and just enjoying it. It’s going to be a great experience.”

Sacha Coenen: “I’m super happy that I can do my first race in Supercross, and to do it in Paris makes it even more special. I’m just looking forward to having fun and doing the best I can.”

For now, as fans, lets enjoy these two brothers, for sure while they are still in Europe, because the move to USA seems to be getting closer and closer.