This week in US Powersports racing.
Team USA Lands on Podium at 2025 FIM Motocross of Nations
The United States secured a second-place finish after a weekend of intense competition at the 2025 FIM Motocross of Nations, which took place at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Ind., on Oct. 3-5.
The trio of Eli Tomac, R.J. Hampshire and Justin Cooper overcame adversity to finish on the podium at the prestigious international competition.
“Eli, R.J. and Justin represented the United States very well, showcasing unparalleled determination and devotion to their country while producing a strong finish at this year’s Motocross of Nations,” AMA Director of Racing and Team USA Manager Mike Pelletier said. “This year’s competition was a true team effort. Eli, R.J., and Justin worked closely together, supporting one another and riding with pride every step of the way. We’re incredibly proud of their collaboration and commitment to representing Team USA at the highest level.”
Joining the United States on the podium was Australia, as brothers Jett and Hunter Lawrence — along with Kyle Webster — led the Aussies to their second consecutive Chamberlain Trophy. Rounding out the podium was France, which finished the weekend with 33 points.
Tomac (4-2), competed to a second-place finish overall in the MXGP class, falling just short of class champion Australian Jett Lawrence, who went 1-3 in motos.
In the MX2 class, Cooper landed in second place thanks to a 10-10 performance in motos. Charging to the championship was Netherlands’ Kay de Wolf, who claimed the class crown behind an 8-8 finish in motos.
After going 7-33 in motos, Hampshire claimed ninth place in the Open Class while Australia’s Hunter Lawrence earned the class title with a 1-1 finish in motos.
The 2026 FIM Motocross of Nations will run in Ernée, France on Oct. 2-4.
Full Circle: Jason Anderson Returns to Suzuki for 2026 Season
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC and Pipes Motorsports Group are proud to announce that 2018 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion Jason “El Hombre” Anderson will join Twisted Tea Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance, aboard the Suzuki RM-Z450 for the 2025 and 2026 World Supercross and 2026 SuperMotocross season.
Anderson’s return is more than a signing, it’s a homecoming. A product of the Suzuki amateur program in the mid-2000s, Anderson captured five Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Championships and earned the prestigious 2010 Nicky Hayden AMA Horizon Award before making his pro debut in 2011 with the Rockstar Suzuki team. He claimed his first pro podium in 2012 with a runner-up finish in Salt Lake City and scored his first professional win at Salt Lake City in 2013.
Anderson joins forces with a proven team for the upcoming season.
Known to fans as “El Hombre”, Anderson’s early success on Suzuki laid the foundation for a stellar professional career that includes the 2014 250SX West Championship, the 2018 AMA 450SX Championship, and more than 16 premier-class wins. His proven speed and tenacity, combined with his rich Suzuki heritage, make his 2026 return a true full-circle moment.
“Super excited to be back on yellow,” said Jason Anderson. “My first experience with factory support I ever had was from Suzuki in 2003, so 23 years later it’s pretty cool to be with them at the top level of the sport!”
“Bringing Jason Anderson back to Suzuki is another big moment for us. Jason has always had that rebel spark—flashy, gritty, and fearlessness on the bike. It’s a full-circle story that honors Suzuki’s history, but it also feels like the start of something new. With Ken Roczen’s precision and Jason’s creativity, we’ve got a 1-2 punch that’s as dangerous as it is stylish. Fans are going to love the energy these two bring when the gate drops,” said Chris Wheeler Motorsports Manager at Suzuki Motor USA.
“Everyone at the team is excited to have Jason on board starting at the Buenos Aires World Supercross event,” said Dustin Pipes, Team Principal of Pipes Motorsports Group. “Getting the opportunity to bring a former Supercross champion to the team is one we don’t take lightly, and we feel like the environment and structure of the team will bring the best out of Jason. We’re very excited to see what we can accomplish together.”
Jason Anderson in action aboard the Suzuki RM-Z450.
Anderson brings not just his winning résumé but also his distinctive style and grit back to the yellow brand. His addition bolsters an already strong lineup alongside Ken Roczen, creating a dynamic 1-2 punch as the team aims for wins and championship contention in 2026.
Fans will get their first look at Anderson in Suzuki colors at the Buenos Aires World Supercross round. After WSX, he’ll turn his focus to the start of the SuperMotocross season on January 10, 2026, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.
For the latest team updates, news, and race insights, visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Motocross or HEPMotorsports.com.
Dunlop Dominates MXoN 2025
Dunlop Motorcycle Tires once again stood atop the global motocross stage as the tire of choice for champions at the 78th edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at Ironman Raceway. Under warm Indiana skies, the world’s fastest riders battled for national pride, and when the dust settled, eight of the nine podium finishers were mounted on Dunlop tires—reinforcing the brand’s unmatched record of performance, consistency, and championship pedigree.
Team Australia delivered a flawless performance to capture back-to-back MXoN titles, led by the dominant Lawrence brothers. Jett Lawrence swept the MXGP class with a display of precision and control, while Hunter Lawrence conquered the Open class in similar fashion. MX2 rider Kyle Webster overcame multiple early-race setbacks to secure crucial points and seal the team’s commanding victory on Dunlop-equipped Honda HRC machines. The Australian squad’s second straight MXoN crown marks yet another milestone in Dunlop’s legacy at the pinnacle of world motocross.
In front of a massive home crowd, Team USA fought valiantly to a hard-earned runner-up finish. Eli Tomac delivered a standout ride in Race 3 with a second-place finish, while teammates Justin Cooper and RJ Hampshire added valuable points to tie France on overall score. The tiebreaker ultimately went in favor of the host nation, placing the Stars and Stripes in second overall. Every member of Team USA chose Dunlop tires for the challenging Ironman conditions, relying on their proven traction and stability throughout the grueling three-moto format.
Team France displayed remarkable consistency to secure third overall, thanks to strong rides from Romain Febvre and Maxime Renaux. Despite fierce competition and variable track conditions, Dunlop’s top European racers once again demonstrated the tire’s versatility and grip on one of the most demanding surfaces in the world.
The demanding Ironman circuit tested every aspect of rider skill and equipment durability. Dunlop’s Geomax MX34 and MX14 tires delivered the traction, control, and confidence needed to conquer the fast, rough, and rutted terrain. With eight of the nine podium riders—including both Lawrence brothers, Eli Tomac, and Romain Febvre—trusting Dunlop rubber, the results spoke volumes about the tire’s performance edge at the sport’s highest level.
“The Motocross of Nations is the ultimate test for riders, teams, and equipment,” said Broc Glover, Sr. Manager of Off-Road Motorsports for Dunlop. “To see eight of the nine podium finishers choose Dunlop is a tremendous validation of our commitment to developing the best motocross tires in the world. The results at Ironman are a testament to our riders, teams, and engineers working together toward one goal—winning.”
“Ironman Raceway delivered world-class racing and Dunlop riders delivered world-class results,” added Chad Geer, Director of Motorcycle Product, Marketing, and Motorsports at Dunlop Motorcycle Tires. “We are incredibly proud of every Dunlop athlete and team that represented their countries this weekend. Our goal has always been to provide riders with the confidence to push their limits, and this weekend proved that Dunlop is the tire trusted by champions.”
Ken Roczen Returns to progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki for 2026 Supercross Season
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC and Pipes Motorsports Group are excited to announce that Ken Roczen has re-signed to continue racing with the Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki team aboard the RM-Z450 for the 2026 SuperMotocross season.
Roczen, one of the sport’s most talented and popular riders, enters 2026 with renewed energy and high expectations. Building on the strong foundation developed over the past three years with the team, Ken looks to return to full health and contend for wins and championship points from the opening round. Roczen delivered standout results in 2025, taking the points lead and holding the red plate for a while, and carding an inspiring win at the Daytona Supercross, arguably the season’s toughest and most prestigious event.
Ken Roczen tears through a smooth left-hand turn on his RM-Z450 during the
2025 Anaheim 2 Supercross.
“I’m excited to sign another year with the team,” shared Ken Roczen. “We have built a solid foundation over the last few years, and I’m excited to continue to work with the people that I have worked with for the last four years because I feel like that is when the best results come. I think we have a lot up our sleeve for the 2026 season, and I am excited to continue this relationship.”
“Re-signing Ken Roczen was an easy decision. He led the points last year, delivered one of the sport’s most iconic wins at Daytona, and continues to raise the bar for our program. The next step is to keep building on that success, with a championship always being the ultimate goal we’re working toward together.” said Chris Wheeler, Motorsports Manager at Suzuki Motor USA.
“Very excited to have Ken back with the team for what will be our fourth-year building together.” added Dustin Pipes, Team Principal at Pipes Motorsports Group. “We’ve achieved great success together and look forward to continuing to build upon it. We want to see Ken on a yellow Suzuki motorcycle for the rest of his career.”
Roczen proudly carried the red plate as the championship points leader at
2025 Glendale Supercross.
Roczen continues to be a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki program. With a strong pre-season plan, a proven, championship-caliber bike, and the support of an experienced team, expectations are high for Ken to start the new season at peak form.
Fans will get their first look at Roczen’s 2026 campaign when the SuperMotocross season kicks off January 10th at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.
For the latest team updates, news, and race insights, visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Motocross or HEPMotorsports.com.
Dante Oliveira Clinches Sixth-Straight NGPC Title with FMF KTM Factory Racing
A convincing 2025 AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) season has seen FMF KTM Factory Racing rider Dante Oliveira clinch a sixth-consecutive title in the Pro Class with one round to spare, after claiming a dominant victory at Round 7 in Ridgecrest, California. In addition, teammate Mateo Oliveira joined Dante on the podium, adding further success to the race weekend for the team.
NATIONAL GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 7
Defending champion Dante Oliveira has been exceptional once again throughout this year’s NGPC series with FMF KTM Factory Racing, continuing the form that saw the 25-year-old earn the previous five titles dating back to 2020 in what has been a dominant stretch of racing.
In Ridgecrest, Oliveira powered his KTM 450 XC-F to the lead from the outset, achieving a wire-to-wire victory across the dusty, dry landscape from the front of the pack. With his win at the seventh round, Dante has taken six of a possible seven NGPC victories for the 2025 season with one round left to contest.
Dante Oliveira: “Today was more or less business as usual. I went out there in pursuit of the win – I wanted to get a good start and attack the track from there. I got an awesome launch, and then from there I was really focused on hitting my marks and staying off the ground. It was pretty smooth sailing today, and I never take winning these titles for granted. I love locking them up, so to get six in a row is a massive accomplishment for both me and the team!”
FMF KTM Factory Racing teammate and Mateo Oliveira was also in contention, with the younger of the two brothers maintaining P2 onboard his KTM 450 XC-F for the majority of the race, before eventually reaching the checkered flag third in class. He’s currently listed fourth in the Pro Class standings.
Mateo Oliveira: “Dante was better than me in some spots – I was better in others today – but I could never really get that close to him to make a pass. I was in P2 for a long time and battling with a couple of the other riders, but ultimately I finished up third for the weekend. I’m not too bummed, and I’m miles ahead of where I was last year! Congratulations to my brother – I’m looking to give him some more battles next year!”
Also achieving title-winning success was FMF RPM KTM Racing Team’s Mason Semmens, with the Australian rider charging to the Pro 2 Class victory in Ridgecrest, which earned him his second-successive title in the category. Semmens has earned six of seven class wins in 2025.
Pro Class Results
1. Dante Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Dare Demartile, Beta
3. Mateo Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing
NATIONAL ENDURO SERIES – ROUND 8
FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Ben Kelley was on track at Round 8 of the 2025 AMA National Enduro Series in Mathews, Indiana, racing to a fifth-place finish in the NE Pro1 Class onboard his KTM 350 XC-F.
Kelley was in the mix throughout the Saturday race, battling challenging conditions to secure a well-earned top-five result at the Muddobbers National Enduro.
Ben Kelley: “Our day was consistent at the Muddobbers National – not the fastest and not the slowest, but it’s always good to get a top-five. We’ll look toward getting back on the podium for the final NEPG round and closing this season out strong.”
Also competing at the Muddobbers National was FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers’ Gus Riordan, who was in the battle throughout the event in the NE Pro2 division with his KTM 250 XC-F. The Australian talent recorded a P6 finish in Indiana this weekend.
Gus Riordan: “Tough day in the office for us in Indiana! We were in the NE Pro2 Class battle, ultimately finishing up in P6. We’ll aim for more at the last one – thanks to the team for all the support.”
NE Pro1 Class Results
1. Grant Baylor, Kawasaki
2. Evan Smith, Yamaha
3. Ricky Russell, Triumph
5. Ben Kelley, FMF KTM Factory Racing
NE Pro2 Class Results
1. Nicholas Defeo, Kawasaki
2. Jayden Dahners, KTM
3. Hunter Smith, KTM
6. Gus Riordan, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
