PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The U.S. team of Ryan Dungey, Eli Tomac and Justin Barcia finished second behind the team from Belgium at the 2013 FIM Motocross of Nations in Teutschenthal, Germany, on Sept. 29. Competing against the best motocross racers in the world, the American riders came close to their goal, but ultimately fell short of a world title.
“We congratulate Belgium for a stellar world championship performance at the 2013 FIM Motocross of Nations,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “As one of the most high-profile and prestigious motorsports events, the FIM Motocross of Nations attracts the best motocross racers in the world, and the U.S. team is honored to compete with such talented racers. We thank U.S. riders Ryan Dungey, Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac, as well as long-time U.S. Team Manager and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Roger DeCoster, for giving it their all. We look forward to next year and another opportunity to reclaim the Chamberlain Trophy.”
Each rider at the Motocross of Nations competes in two motos, each of which combines two classes. In individual results, Dungey finished sixth and seventh riding in the MX1 class. Tomac finished 16th and second riding in the MX2 class. Barcia finished fourth and 11th in the Open class.
In team standings, the lowest score wins. As a team, the U.S. riders finished with 30 points. Belgium had 27. The team from Italy rounded out the podium with 33 points.
“I’m very proud of the riders and all the team members for the incredible effort that was put into this race,” said AMA Director of Supercross and Pro Racing Relations Kevin Crowther. “Unfortunately, we had a few issues, but the guys fought hard to get us back on the podium. Congratulations to the team from Belgium on their victory, and we just want to thank all the fans for the great support.”
The Motocross of Nations features three-rider teams on a range of motocross machinery. In the 2013 event, Dungey raced the MX1 class, which features 450cc four-stroke motorcycles. Tomac competed in the MX2 class, which features 250cc four-stroke bikes. Barcia raced the Open class.
The Motocross of Nations is one of the most high-profile motorsport events in the world. It features national teams competing for a combined score to determine the overall championship-winning country. The event emerged in post-war Europe in 1947 and has run uninterrupted since that time.
The United States last won the Motocross of Nations in 2011 when the event was held in Saint D’Angely, France. The United States is also the all-time leader in Motocross of Nations overall team victories with 22. Great Britain is second with 16.