When Youthstream announced that the 2015 FIM World Motocross Championship finale would take place at Glen Helen, the overwhelming question was: what US teams would send representatives? Today, in separate press releases, both KTM and Husqvarna have confirmed they will be heavily represented at the MXGP of USA on September 20.
KTM will send both the 250 and 450 Red Bull Factory KTM teams, which include Ryan Dungey, Dean Wilson (currently injured), Justin Hill, and Marvin Musquin. Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil KTM will also send their entire squad, currently made up of Jessy Nelson, Shane McElrath, Mitchell Oldenburg, and the injured Darryn Durham. Team BTOSports.com KTM, consisting of Andrew Short and Justin Brayton, is also scheduled to compete.
KTM’s motorsport director Pit Beirer said it’s a unique opportunity and that the “sport of motocross stands to benefit from such a high level competition in a race format that is different from the traditional MXoN, where riders meet to fight for their individual national glory.”
“We are going to Glen Helen with all of our factory riders from the MXGP World Championship and the US Motocross Series,” Beirer said in a statement. “This will not only bring our own guys together in the true ‘Ready to Race’ KTM tradition; it will also give them a chance to race alongside the world’s best. We want the last round of the season to be really memorable and we very much hope that other top factory teams from the US will take up the invitation and join us at Glen Helen.”
Husqvarna will also send its factory squad—Rockstar Energy Racing Husqvarna. Jason Anderson, Christophe Pourcel, Martin Davalos, Zach Osborne, and Zach Bell currently ride for the team.
“We believe that having our three factory teams [the US team and also the two Husqvarna GP teams] at Glen Helen will be a real highlight and a true celebration of our sport,” said Robert Jonas, head of Husqvarna Motorsports, in a statement. “Giving our US riders the possibility to race in the last round of the 2015 World Championship is an exciting opportunity, particularly for the fans, but also for the teams, to see the world’s best compete together.”
