Motocross of Nations
The Motocross of Nations (MXoN), officially the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, is an annual international team-based motocross racing event sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocross (FIM), where riders represent their nations in a weekend-long competition held at the end of the motocross season.[1] Each participating country fields a team of three riders—one competing in the MXGP class (450cc), one in the MX2 class (250cc), and one in the Open class (eligible for either displacement)—who collectively race across three main motos to accumulate points for their team.[2] The event consists of qualifying races on Saturday to determine the 20 teams advancing to Sunday's main program, followed by three decisive races: MXGP versus MX2, MX2 versus Open, and MXGP versus Open, each lasting 30 minutes plus two laps.[1] Team scoring is based on the positions of the two participating riders in each moto, with points awarded inversely to finishing order (1 point for 1st place, 2 for 2nd, etc.), and the overall team result calculated by summing the scores from the two best motos while dropping the worst.[2] Often called the "Olympics of Motocross," the MXoN stands out as the sport's only major national team championship, drawing up to 37 countries and showcasing the world's elite riders in a patriotic, high-stakes format that emphasizes teamwork and endurance.[1] Originating in 1947 at the Wassenaar circuit in the Netherlands—where a British team secured the inaugural victory—the MXoN has been contested annually ever since, except for rare cancellations such as in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking its 78th edition in 2025.[3] Early dominance came from European nations like Great Britain and Sweden in the 1950s and 1960s, followed by Belgium's record 15 triumphs through the late 20th century, before the United States emerged as a powerhouse from 1981 onward, securing 23 victories since 1981 through professionalization and star riders like Ricky Carmichael and Ryan Villopoto.[3] In recent years, France has claimed six titles since 2014, while Australia achieved back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025, highlighting the event's growing global appeal and rotation across continents, including its sixth hosting in the United States at Ironman Raceway in 2025.[4]Overview
The Motocross of Nations (MXoN) is the premier team-based motocross event, organized annually by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) since its inception in 1947.[5] Often referred to as the "Olympics of motocross," it brings together national teams of elite riders to compete for the prestigious Chamberlain Trophy, also known as the Nations Cup, fostering international camaraderie and showcasing the sport's global appeal.[3] Originally launched as the Motocross des Nations, a 500cc-only competition, the event expanded in 1962 with the introduction of the parallel 250cc Trophée des Nations, allowing more riders to participate across engine classes.[6] In 1985, these formats merged into a unified multi-class structure, evolving into the modern MXoN that integrates MXGP (450cc), MX2 (250cc), and Open categories to highlight top international talent.[6] Today, the MXoN typically features 20–30 nations in the main competition, drawn from a larger pool of entries, and is held each September or October at rotating venues worldwide to promote accessibility and excitement.[7] This format not only unites the motocross community across borders but also spotlights riders from the FIM Motocross World Championship classes, contributing to the sport's growth and cultural significance.[3] Historically, 11 nations have claimed victory, with the United States leading with 23 titles as of 2025, underscoring American dominance in recent decades.[8][9]History
Origins and early development (1947–1961)
The Motocross des Nations was founded by the Fédération Internationale de Motocycliste (FIM) in 1947 as an annual international team competition in motocross, restricted to 500cc motorcycles (initially four-strokes) and open to European national teams.[5] The event emerged in the post-World War II period as a means to revive and internationalize the sport, which had developed from British scrambles racing in the 1920s and 1930s.[10] Initially featuring only three participating nations—Great Britain, Belgium, and the Netherlands—it served as a showcase for national pride and technical prowess on rugged, natural terrain courses.[10] The inaugural edition took place on July 20, 1947, at the Wassenaar circuit near The Hague in the Netherlands, where the British team of Bill Nicholson (riding a BSA), Bob Ray (Ariel), and Fred Rist (BSA) claimed victory ahead of Belgium.[10] The format involved teams of three riders competing in two motos on grass-rooted, undulating tracks typical of the era, with overall scoring determined by aggregating the finishing positions of all team members across both races.[10] This structure emphasized endurance and consistency, as riders navigated challenging, often muddy or rutted conditions without modern safety features or standardized circuits. Early events highlighted British dominance, with Great Britain securing wins in 1947, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1954, supported by riders like Les Archer and John Draper.[11] Belgium interrupted this run with a victory in 1948 at Spa, and added another in 1951 at Namur.[11][3] Throughout the 1950s, the competition grew in scope and prestige, expanding to include additional European nations such as Sweden, France, and West Germany, reflecting the sport's increasing popularity amid postwar economic recovery.[6] By 1961, participation had broadened significantly from the initial trio, fostering rivalries that elevated motocross's profile.[10] Sweden emerged as a strong contender in the mid-1950s, capturing titles in 1955 at Randers, Denmark, 1958, and 1961, where riders like Bill Nilsson excelled.[11] Great Britain continued success with wins in 1956, 1957, 1959, and 1960. However, the era was marked by logistical hurdles, including transportation constraints in war-ravaged Europe and inconsistent track preparations that tested riders' adaptability to diverse soils and weather.[5] Venues like Brands Hatch in the UK (1949 and 1952) exemplified the event's role in promoting motocross across borders, laying the groundwork for its evolution into a global spectacle.[3]Separate class events (1962–1984)
In 1962, the Fédération Internationale de Motocycliste (FIM) introduced the Trophée des Nations as a parallel competition to the existing Motocross des Nations, establishing separate events for 250cc and 500cc motorcycles respectively; these ran concurrently but independently until 1984, allowing nations to field dedicated teams for each engine class and expanding international participation in the sport.[6] The 500cc Motocross des Nations retained its focus on larger-displacement bikes, while the new 250cc Trophée des Nations catered to the growing popularity of mid-capacity machines, fostering greater competition among European powerhouses and marking a pivotal evolution in team motocross.[12] Each event featured teams of three riders per nation, competing in a three-moto format to determine the winner through combined positioning scores, with the lowest total points securing victory; for the 500cc class, motos typically consisted of two longer races (around 20 laps each) involving pairs or the full team, followed by a shorter third moto (approximately 10 laps) to balance endurance and strategy, while the 250cc events followed a similar structure but with adjusted lap counts to suit the lighter bikes' performance characteristics.[13] This setup emphasized rider versatility and national depth, as teams rotated participants across motos—often with the lead rider anchoring multiple heats—highlighting tactical decisions in lineup selection and bike handling on varied terrains.[12] Belgium emerged as the dominant force in the 250cc Trophée des Nations during this era, securing 10 consecutive victories from 1969 to 1978 under the leadership of riders like Roger De Coster, Joel Robert, and Sylvain Geboers, who combined technical prowess and endurance to outpace rivals on challenging European circuits.[12] The Belgians added another title in 1980, amassing 11 wins overall in the class by 1984, a streak broken only by the Soviet Union's surprise victory in 1979—their sole triumph and the only non-Western win in the event's history—achieved by Guennady Moisseev and teammates on home-like conditions in Sweden.[12] In the 500cc Motocross des Nations, Belgium also excelled with seven victories (1969, 1972–1973, 1976–1977, 1979–1980), often powered by De Coster's multi-class dominance, though they faced stiff competition from early leaders like Sweden, which claimed four titles (1962, 1970–1971, 1974).[13] Sweden's early success extended to the 250cc class with five wins (1963–1964, 1966–1968), driven by Torsten Hallman and Ake Jonsson's agile riding style that suited the nimble 250cc machines, while Czechoslovakia asserted itself in the 500cc event with a breakthrough victory in 1975, leveraging strong team cohesion amid growing Eastern European involvement.[13][12] The United States began increasing its presence from the 1970s, sending competitive squads that adapted American speed to European mud and sand, culminating in their first 500cc win in 1981 with Donnie Hansen, Danny LaPorte, Johnny O'Mara, and Chuck Sun sweeping both classes that year and securing three straight 500cc titles through 1984.[13][12] The period was not without challenges, as Cold War tensions restricted Eastern Bloc nations' travel and participation in some years, limiting full international fields and creating uneven competition dynamics; for instance, Soviet and Czechoslovak teams often faced logistical barriers despite their talent.[6] By the late 1970s, the 500cc class saw a shift toward dominant two-stroke engines, phasing out four-strokes in favor of lighter, more powerful designs that revolutionized bike technology and race strategies across both events.[13]Combination and modern evolution (1985–present)
In 1985, the FIM introduced a new format for the Motocross des Nations that merged the previously separate class events into a single team competition, featuring 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc classes with each nation fielding nine riders—three per class. The event consisted of three motos, each pairing two classes (125cc + 250cc, 125cc + 500cc, and 250cc + 500cc), allowing for mixed-field racing that emphasized team strategy and rider versatility across engine sizes. This change aimed to streamline the event and boost spectator interest by consolidating the competition into one weekend, marking a pivotal shift from the parallel class races of the prior era.[10][6] During the 1990s, the format evolved to reduce team sizes for practicality and cost, initially to six riders (two per class) before transitioning to three riders total—one per class—by 2003, a structure that remains in place today. In 2004, the 125cc class was eliminated in favor of an Open class, allowing the third rider to compete on a 450cc machine alongside the MX1 (450cc) and MX2 (250cc) representatives, reflecting the sport's shift toward larger-displacement bikes in elite competition. By the 2010s, the classes fully aligned with the FIM Motocross World Championship designations—MXGP for 450cc, MX2 for 250cc, and Open for 450cc—enhancing integration with global series while maintaining the team-based essence. These adjustments prioritized efficiency and alignment with professional motocross trends, reducing logistical burdens on national federations.[14][15] The United States asserted dominance in this era, securing victories from 1985 to 1993 as part of a 13-year winning streak that began in 1981, followed by additional triumphs in 1996, 2000, and 2005–2011, totaling 23 overall wins as of 2025 and underscoring American riders' adaptability to European tracks. European teams staged a resurgence in the mid-2010s, with France claiming five consecutive titles from 2014 to 2018 and another in 2023 for six since 2014, driven by riders like Gautier Paulin and Romain Febvrel; Belgium won in 2013, the Netherlands broke through with a home victory in 2019 led by Jeffrey Herlings, Italy in 2021, the USA in 2022, and Australia back-to-back in 2024 and 2025. This period highlighted a balance between American power and European depth, with no single nation repeating immediate success post-2011 until France's run.[16][17][18] Globalization accelerated with the event's first hosting outside Europe in 1987 at Unadilla, New York, USA, though it returned stateside more frequently from 2010 onward; notable venues include Matterley Basin in the UK (2006 and 2017) and RedBud in the USA (2022). The 2025 edition at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, from October 3–5, saw Australia claim victory, marking their second consecutive title after 2024 and signaling rising non-European competitiveness. Recent trends include the 2020 cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the annual schedule, and challenges like severe weather, as in the muddy 2018 RedBud event that contributed to rider injuries and debates over track conditions. Increased participation from nations like Australia and Japan has diversified the field, with venue rotations promoting international appeal.[19][20][21]Event Format
Team composition and classes
Each national team in the Motocross of Nations consists of three riders, one assigned to each of the event's three classes: MXGP, MX2, and Open, with teams representing a single Fédération Motocycliste Internationale (FIM) member nation (FMN) or, for continental unions (CONU), riders from at least two member countries.[2] A team manager, appointed by the FMN or CONU and not serving as a rider, oversees the squad.[2] The MXGP class is designated for premier-level riders, typically those ranked highly in the FIM Motocross World Championship, competing on motorcycles with engines exceeding 175cc for two-strokes or 290-450cc for four-strokes.[2] The MX2 class features specialists in smaller-displacement machines, often younger riders, on bikes over 100-125cc for two-strokes or 175-250cc for four-strokes, with participants aged 15 to 50 years.[2] The Open class provides strategic flexibility, allowing teams to select either MXGP or MX2 specifications, commonly a 450cc four-stroke but permitting two-strokes where eligible, though such choices are rare in modern competition.[2] All motorcycles must adhere strictly to the FIM Technical Regulations for Grand Prix motocross, undergoing technical control prior to the event with no modifications permitted beyond standard specifications, including a maximum sound level of 112 dB/A.[2] Riders' helmets and clothing are required to incorporate national flags or FMN/CONU emblem colors for identification, along with the mandatory FIM Championship logo on jerseys.[2] Each rider may have two motorcycles available in the waiting area but is limited to reusable tire covers.[2] Riders must possess a valid FIM Motocross World Championship license and a passport from the nation they represent, based on birth or residency, with no dual representation permitted in the same calendar year; MXGP riders are aged 16 to 50, while Open class participants face a maximum age of 50.[2] Riders from officially approved FIM teams cannot participate as "permanent" members, and non-permanent riders are restricted to no more than five FIM events per year.[2] Once entered, teams may replace riders or adjust classes only under specific conditions before the warm-up, with entries closing 30 days prior to the event.[2] The current team and class structure evolved from the event's post-1985 combination format, which prior to 2004 included a dedicated 125cc class; the Open class was subsequently introduced to replace it, enabling teams to make tactical decisions such as fielding 250cc two-strokes.[2]Race structure and motos
The Motocross of Nations unfolds over a three-day weekend, commencing with free practice sessions on Friday for each class (MXGP, MX2, and Open), lasting 40 minutes per group with a maximum of 50 riders.[2] Saturday features qualifying races, each 20 minutes plus two laps, held separately for MXGP, MX2, and Open classes to determine the top 20 riders per class for the main event; non-qualifiers compete in last-chance B-Finals (and C-Finals if more than 37 teams participate), also 20 minutes plus two laps, with the top performers advancing.[2] The main competition occurs on Sunday with three motos, each lasting 30 minutes plus two laps and limited to a maximum of 40 riders.[2] The motos pair two classes each to ensure every rider participates in exactly two races while skipping one: Moto 1 combines MXGP and MX2 riders; Moto 2 pairs MXGP and Open; Moto 3 features MX2 and Open.[2] This structure, with 20 riders per class in the mains, results in 40 competitors per moto starting from a shared gate.[2] Races begin with a tape drop from a starting gate at least 40 meters wide, positioned on a level straight of 80-120 meters without jumps.[22] The track is a shared motocross circuit measuring 1.5 to 2 kilometers in length, incorporating jumps (numbered for safety and rollable where possible), whoops or rolling waves (spaced 8-10 meters apart with peaks up to 80 cm high), and rhythm sections to test rider skill and bike handling.[22] Motos may be shortened if time constraints arise, and red-flag interruptions for major incidents trigger restarts: full restarts if fewer than two laps are completed; restarts from the last full lap if two or more laps but less than 51% of the distance is finished; otherwise, results stand based on the completed portion.[2] Since the early 2000s, the format has evolved with the reduction of main moto durations from 40 minutes plus two laps to the current 30 minutes plus two laps, enhancing event pacing.[23] Additionally, following the discontinuation of the 125cc class after the 2003 season, the event eliminated separate motos for that category, standardizing around MXGP (450cc), MX2 (250cc), and Open classes.[6]Scoring and qualification
The scoring system in the Motocross of Nations assigns points to riders based on their finishing position in each moto, with the first-place finisher receiving 1 point, second place 2 points, and so on, up to 1 point more than the number of starters for the last-place rider (for example, in a 36-rider field, last place receives 36 points).[24] In each of the three motos, only two riders per team compete while the third sits out, and the team's moto score is the sum of points earned by its two participating riders (discarding the non-participant's zero score for that moto).[24] Across the three motos, this produces six individual rider results per team; the team's overall score is calculated by discarding the single worst individual result (typically the moto where the team's weakest performer sat out or underperformed) and summing the remaining five, with the lowest total score determining the Nations Cup winner.[24] In the event of a tie in overall team points, tiebreakers are applied sequentially starting with the team's best single moto result (the lowest points total from any one moto); if still tied, the second-best moto result is compared, and this process continues as needed until a winner is determined, with historical cases occasionally resolved by photo finishes or official reviews for close individual positions.[25][26] Qualification for the Motocross of Nations begins with the selection of participating national teams by the FIM, prioritizing the top 20 nations based on aggregated "Nations standings" from the prior year's MXGP and MX2 World Championships (summing points earned by each country's riders across both series).[27] Additional teams qualify through performance in continental championships organized by FIM Continental Unions (such as European or Pan-American events), with the FIM awarding wildcards to fill the field up to a maximum of around 30-37 teams depending on entries.[2] Once at the event, all entered teams must compete in class-specific Qualifying Races (MXGP, MX2, and Open classes, each 20 minutes plus 2 laps) to advance to the main motos; the top 19 teams by combined results (summing the two best riders' positions per class, discarding the worst) auto-qualify, while others enter a B-Final (and potentially a C-Final for larger fields), with the winner securing the 20th and final spot in the main event.[2][28] Prior to 1985, the event consisted of separate class-specific competitions (Motocross des Nations for 500cc, Trophée des Nations for 250cc, and Coupe des Nations for 125cc), each scored independently using position-based points similar to the modern system but without team-wide discards across classes.[14] The 1985 combination into a single event introduced the current three-moto team format with inter-class participation, while the 1990s saw simplification to overall-field position scoring (rather than class-specific) to emphasize combined results against all competitors.[6]Participation and Selection
Eligibility criteria
The Motocross of Nations is governed by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), which mandates that only national teams entered by FIM Member National Federations (FMNs) or Continental Unions (CONUs) are eligible to participate.[2] Each nation is limited to one official team, with no allowances for club, private, or non-federation entries to ensure representation is strictly national.[2] This structure upholds the event's focus on international team competition under FIM oversight. Riders must be at least 16 years old for the MXGP class or 15 for the MX2 class, with an upper age limit of 50, and hold a valid FIM Motocross World Championship license.[2] To represent a nation, riders must hold a passport from that country, as verified by the FMN.[2] The event is open to riders of all genders, though it has historically been male-dominated due to the sport's traditional structure.[2] The first female rider to compete was Tarah Gieger of Puerto Rico in 2007 at Budds Creek, marking a milestone in inclusivity. All participants are subject to the FIM Anti-Doping Code, with positive tests resulting in immediate disqualification of the rider and their team, forfeiture of results, and potential suspensions that bar future eligibility.[2] Unsporting conduct or violations of FIM regulations can lead to fines, disqualifications, or team exclusions, enforced by the FIM Race Direction.[2] Eligibility rules have evolved under FIM governance, with pre-1990s formats permitting more flexible rider selections across nations, while post-2000 updates have imposed stricter nationality and residency requirements to curb the formation of "super teams" and promote genuine national representation.[14]Team selection process
The team selection process for the Motocross of Nations is managed by each participating nation's national motocross federation, which nominates three riders to represent their country—one for the MXGP class (typically 450cc), one for the MX2 class (250cc), and one for the Open class. These federations, such as the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) for the United States and the Fédération Française de Motocyclisme (FFM) for France, evaluate candidates based on performance in the preceding season's FIM Motocross World Championships (MXGP and MX2 series) or equivalent domestic national series.[29][30][31] Selection criteria emphasize recent results over the prior 24 months, including overall speed, consistency, fitness, international experience, and prior participation in the Motocross of Nations, with additional consideration for gate starts, health status, and ability to contribute to team dynamics. Injuries or other unforeseen issues can prompt substitutions, as seen in various national teams where reserves are named or last-minute changes occur to maintain class balance. For instance, federations like Motorcycling New Zealand require riders to submit an Expression of Interest form, after which a selection panel weighs these factors to finalize the lineup.[31][32] Announcements typically occur 1–2 months before the event, allowing time for preparation and logistics. The AMA, for example, revealed the final United States' 2025 team—Eli Tomac (Open), Justin Cooper (MX2), and Tommy Hampshire (MXGP)—ahead of the October 3–5 event at Ironman Raceway.[33][34] Similarly, the FFM has historically announced French squads through official channels, prioritizing top-ranked riders from the MXGP series like Romain Febvre and Tom Vialle.[30] The process has occasionally sparked controversies, often involving debates over exclusions or inclusions of high-profile riders. In 2025, the AMA's decision to remove Haiden Deegan from the initial U.S. selection after his announcement drew significant criticism from fans and media, highlighting tensions between form, experience, and federation priorities. Wildcard selections for veterans, such as multiple-time participants like Eli Tomac, are sometimes used to leverage expertise despite not always topping recent standings.[35][36] National federations generally provide administrative and partial financial support for travel and preparation, supplemented by private sponsors who cover equipment, bikes, and additional costs. While the FIM coordinates the event, it does not directly fund team selections, leaving such responsibilities to the federations and riders' personal or team sponsorships.[30][37]All-time participating nations
Since its inception in 1947, 42 nations have participated in the Motocross of Nations, with the event reaching a record of 38 entries in 2025, reflecting its growth from a small European competition to a global showcase. Core participants have included Belgium, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United States, which first entered in 1971 and has since competed in over 50 editions, establishing itself as a dominant force.[3][38] In the pre-1985 era, participation was largely confined to Europe, with approximately 15 nations involved, including Czechoslovakia and East Germany, emphasizing the event's origins as a continental rivalry among motocross powerhouses.[6] The combination of classes in 1985 and the United States' growing involvement helped expand the field to around 20 nations by the late 1990s, introducing more international diversity while maintaining a European core. From 2000 to 2025, the event achieved greater global reach, with additions like Australia, Japan, and South Africa pushing the total number of participating nations beyond 30, as evidenced by 38 countries competing in the 2025 edition at Ironman Raceway.[39][7] Belgium holds the record for most frequent participation, appearing in every one of the 78 events from 1947 through 2025, underscoring its foundational role in the competition's history.[5] In contrast, some nations have made only sporadic or one-off appearances, such as Canada in 2023, marking a rare entry for the North American country outside the United States. Regionally, Europe dominates with about 25 nations having competed, including long-standing entrants like Italy, Germany, and Finland. The Americas account for 5 nations, primarily the United States and recent additions like Canada and Brazil; Oceania has 2, led by Australia and New Zealand; and Asia has 3, with Japan and Thailand as key representatives. Nations outside the top qualifiers, such as Brazil, have frequently attempted entry through regional qualifying rounds but succeeded only occasionally until qualifying for the 2025 main event after persistent efforts.[28]Results and Records
Motocross des Nations winners (1947–1984)
The Motocross des Nations, originally contested as the premier 500cc class event from its inception in 1947 until the format's evolution in 1985, served as the flagship international team competition in motocross, pitting three-rider national teams against one another over three motos. Organized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), it showcased the dominance of European nations in the sport's formative years, with victories determined by combined finishing positions across the motos.[13] The following table lists all winners of the Motocross des Nations from 1947 to 1984, including the winning nation and key riders for each team. Notable inaugural victors in 1947 included Great Britain's Bill Nicholson, Bob Ray, and Fred Rist, who secured the win at Wassenaar, Netherlands, marking the event's debut. The final pre-merger triumph in 1984 went to the United States team of David Bailey, Rick Johnson, Johnny O'Mara, and Jeff Ward at the Norg circuit in the Netherlands.[13]| Year | Location | Winning Nation | Riders |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 | Wassenaar, Netherlands | Great Britain | Bill Nicholson, Bob Ray, Fred Rist |
| 1948 | Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium | Belgium | Cox, Jansen, Milhoux |
| 1949 | Brands Hatch, Great Britain | Great Britain | Lines, Manns, Soovell |
| 1950 | Billingstad, Norway | Great Britain | Draper, Hall, Lines |
| 1951 | La Pernelle, France | Belgium | Jansen, Leloup, Meunier |
| 1952 | Lønsbory, Denmark | Great Britain | Nex, Stonebridge, Ward |
| 1953 | Vimmerby, Sweden | Great Britain | Archer, Draper, Ward |
| 1954 | Dessel, Belgium | Great Britain | Curtis, Stonebridge, Ward |
| 1955 | Gyorszemere, Hungary | Sweden | Gustavsson, Sven Lundin, Bill Nilsson |
| 1956 | Marlboro, Great Britain | Great Britain | Draper, Smith, Ward |
| 1957 | Silkeborg, Denmark | Great Britain | Curtis, Martin, Smith |
| 1958 | Pankral, Sweden | Sweden | Gustavsson, Lundell, Bill Nilsson |
| 1959 | Wohlen, Switzerland | Great Britain | Draper, Rickman, Smith |
| 1960 | Billingstad, Norway | Great Britain | Curtis, Rickman, Smith |
| 1961 | Fermo, Italy | Sweden | Lundell, Bill Nilsson, Rolf Tibblin |
| 1962 | Sittard, Netherlands | Sweden | Johansson, Lundell, Rolf Tibblin |
| 1963 | Saint-Denis-de-Pilgar, France | Great Britain | Burton, D.E. Rickman, D.J. Rickman |
| 1964 | Farleigh Castle, Great Britain | Great Britain | D.E. Rickman, D.J. Rickman, Jeff Smith |
| 1965 | Dudelange, Luxembourg | Great Britain | Lampkin, Eastwood, Jeff Smith |
| 1966 | Ernée, France | Great Britain | Bickers, Eastwood, Rickman |
| 1967 | Boetsfort, Belgium | Great Britain | Bickers, Eastwood, Jeff Smith |
| 1968 | Vodniki, USSR | USSR | Arzhanov, Petushkov, Shinkarenko |
| 1969 | Gränna, Sweden | Belgium | Roger de Coster, Geboers, Joel Robert |
| 1970 | Elspe, Netherlands | Sweden | Bengt Aberg, Hakan Andersson, Ake Jonsson |
| 1971 | Pernink, Czechoslovakia | Sweden | Bengt Aberg, Hammargren, Jonsson |
| 1972 | Vimmerby, Sweden | Belgium | Roger de Coster, Van de Vorst, Van Velthoven |
| 1973 | Giessen, West Germany | Belgium | Roger de Coster, Geboers, Heeren |
| 1974 | Idegø, Denmark | Sweden | Bengt Aberg, Hakan Andersson, Johnsson |
| 1975 | Kruibeke, Belgium | Czechoslovakia | Barbovsky, Churavy, Novacek |
| 1976 | Klagenfurt, Austria | Belgium | Roger de Coster, Harry Everts, Gaston Rahier |
| 1977 | Lierop, Netherlands | Belgium | Roger de Coster, Andre Malherbe, Mingels |
| 1978 | Lommel, Belgium | USSR | Kavinov, Khudiakov, Korneev |
| 1979 | Parkstein, East Germany | Belgium | Roger de Coster, Harry Everts, Andre Malherbe |
| 1980 | Mäntyharju, Finland | Belgium | Georges Jobe, Andre Malherbe, Van den Broek |
| 1981 | Mirefleurs, Switzerland | USA | Donnie Hansen, Danny LaPorte, Johnny O'Mara |
| 1982 | Carson City, USA | USA | David Bailey, Danny Chandler, Johnny O'Mara |
| 1983 | Teutschenthal, East Germany | USA | David Bailey, Broc Glover, Jeff Ward |
| 1984 | Norg, Netherlands | USA | David Bailey, Rick Johnson, Jeff Ward |
Trophée des Nations winners (1962–1984)
The Trophée des Nations, introduced in 1962 as a parallel team event to the Motocross des Nations, featured national teams of three 250cc riders competing in two shorter motos each, typically lasting 30 minutes plus two laps, in contrast to the longer format of the 500cc counterpart.[40] This structure emphasized agility and endurance on mid-capacity machines, allowing for a distinct showcase of 250cc talent separate from the premier class until the events merged in 1985.[41] Winners of the Trophée des Nations from 1962 to 1984 are listed below, based on official team classifications. The 1965 edition was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.[41]| Year | Winning Nation | Location | Key Riders |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Great Britain | Ipswich, Great Britain | Jeff Smith, Dave Bickers, Arthur Lampkin[41] |
| 1963 | Sweden | Loppem, Belgium | Torsten Hallman, Lars Forsberg, Cenneth Loof[41] |
| 1964 | Sweden | Markelo, Netherlands | Torsten Hallman, Ake Jonsson, Olle Petersson[41] |
| 1965 | Cancelled | - | -[41] |
| 1966 | Sweden | Brands Hatch, Great Britain | Torsten Hallman, Ake Tornblom, Olle Petersson[41] |
| 1967 | Sweden | Holice, Czechoslovakia | Torsten Hallman, Ake Jonsson, Olle Petersson[41] |
| 1968 | Sweden | Payerne, Switzerland | Bengt Aberg, Christer Hammargren, Bengt-Arne Bonn[41] |
| 1969 | Belgium | Kester, Belgium | Roger De Coster, Joel Robert, Sylvain Geboers[41] |
| 1970 | Belgium | Knutstorp, Sweden | Roger De Coster, Joel Robert, Sylvain Geboers[41] |
| 1971 | Belgium | Holice, Czechoslovakia | Roger De Coster, Sylvain Geboers, Jaak van Velthoven[41] |
| 1972 | Belgium | Genk, Belgium | Roger De Coster, Joel Robert, Jaak van Velthoven[41] |
| 1973 | Belgium | Donington Park, Great Britain | Roger De Coster, Sylvain Geboers, Jaak van Velthoven[41] |
| 1974 | Belgium | Vesoul, France | Roger De Coster, Gaston Rahier, Harry Everts[40] |
| 1975 | Belgium | Maggiora, Italy | Roger De Coster, Gaston Rahier, Harry Everts[40] |
| 1976 | Belgium | Wohlen, Switzerland | Roger De Coster, Gaston Rahier, Harry Everts[40] |
| 1977 | Belgium | Markelo, Netherlands | Roger De Coster, Andre Malherbe, Harry Everts[41] |
| 1978 | Belgium | Kester, Belgium | Roger De Coster, Gaston Rahier, Harry Everts[41] |
| 1979 | Soviet Union | Stockholm, Sweden | Guennady Moisseev, Vladimir Kavinov, Vladimir Korneev[41] |
| 1980 | Belgium | Maggiora, Italy | Andre Malherbe, Harry Everts, Georges Jobe[41] |
| 1981 | United States | Lommel, Belgium | Donnie Hansen, Danny LaPorte, Johnny O'Mara[40] |
| 1982 | United States | Gaildorf, West Germany | David Bailey, Johnny O'Mara, Danny Chandler[40] |
| 1983 | United States | Povazska Bystrica, Czechoslovakia | David Bailey, Mark Barnett, Broc Glover[40] |
| 1984 | United States | Varberg, Sweden | Broc Glover, Johnny O'Mara, Ricky Johnson[40] |
Combined event winners (1985–2025)
The Motocross of Nations transitioned to a unified multi-class format in 1985, combining the previous 500cc and 250cc events into a single team competition featuring MXGP (formerly 500cc), MX2 (formerly 250cc), and Open classes, with overall victory determined by combined moto scores across the three disciplines. This era has seen dominance by several nations, particularly the United States with 19 wins, followed by Belgium and France with six each, reflecting shifts in global motocross talent and team preparation.[11][13][4] The following table lists the overall winning teams from 1985 to 2025, highlighting key riders where they played pivotal roles in the victory. The 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first such interruption since World War II.[4]| Year | Location | Winning Nation | Key Riders |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Gaildorf, West Germany | United States | David Bailey (MXGP), Ron Lechien (MX2), Jeff Ward (Open) |
| 1986 | Mantua, Italy | United States | David Bailey (MXGP), Rick Johnson (MX2), Johnny O'Mara (Open) |
| 1987 | Unadilla, USA | United States | Bob Hannah (MXGP), Rick Johnson (MX2), Jeff Ward (Open) |
| 1988 | Égény, France | United States | Rick Johnson (MXGP), Ron Lechien (MX2), Jeff Ward (Open) |
| 1989 | Gauteng, South Africa | United States | Mike Kiedrowski (MXGP), Jeff Stanton (MX2), Jeff Ward (Open) |
| 1990 | Mäntsälä, Finland | United States | Damon Bradshaw (MXGP), Jeff Stanton (MX2), Jeff Ward (Open) |
| 1991 | Vojens, Denmark | United States | Damon Bradshaw (MXGP), Mike Kiedrowski (MX2), Jeff Stanton (Open) |
| 1992 | Markelo, Netherlands | United States | Jeff Emig (MXGP), Mike Kiedrowski (MX2), Guy Cooper (Open) |
| 1993 | Zolder, Belgium | United States | Jeff Emig (MXGP), Mike Kiedrowski (MX2), Jeremy McGrath (Open) |
| 1994 | Roggenburg, Switzerland | Great Britain | Rob Herring (MXGP), Kurt Nicoll (MX2), Paul Malin (Open) |
| 1995 | Rignols, France | Belgium | Marnicq Bervoets (MXGP), Stefan Everts (MX2), Joel Smets (Open) |
| 1996 | Nauen, Germany | United States | Jeff Emig (MXGP), Steve Lamson (MX2), Jeremy McGrath (Open) |
| 1997 | Motocross Park, Netherlands | Belgium | Marnicq Bervoets (MXGP), Stefan Everts (MX2), Joel Smets (Open) |
| 1998 | Wörrstadt, Germany | Belgium | Marnicq Bervoets (MXGP), Patrick Caps (MX2), Stefan Everts (Open) |
| 1999 | Indaiatuba, Brazil | Italy | Andrea Bartolini (MXGP), Alessio Chiodi (MX2), Claudio Federici (Open) |
| 2000 | Saint-André-de-Cubzac, France | United States | Ricky Carmichael (MXGP), Ryan Hughes (MX2), Travis Pastrana (Open) |
| 2001 | Bellpuig, Spain | France | Yves Demaria (MXGP), Luigi Seguy (MX2), David Vuillemin (Open) |
| 2002 | Bellpuig, Spain | Italy | Andrea Bartolini (MXGP), Alessio Chiodi (MX2), Alessandro Puzar (Open) |
| 2003 | Zolder, Belgium | Belgium | Stefan Everts (MXGP), Joel Smets (MX2), Steve Ramon (Open) |
| 2004 | Freisen, Germany | Belgium | Stefan Everts (MXGP), Kevin Strijbos (MX2), Steve Ramon (Open) |
| 2005 | Lierop, Netherlands | United States | Ricky Carmichael (MXGP), Kevin Windham (MX2), Ivan Tedesco (Open) |
| 2006 | Mill, Netherlands | United States | James Stewart (MXGP), Ryan Villopoto (MX2), Ivan Tedesco (Open) |
| 2007 | Budds Creek, USA | United States | Ricky Carmichael (MXGP), Ryan Villopoto (MX2), Tim Ferry (Open) |
| 2008 | Fermo, Italy | United States | James Stewart (MXGP), Ryan Villopoto (MX2), Tim Ferry (Open) |
| 2009 | Plaines-de-l'Ain, France | United States | Ryan Dungey (MXGP), Jake Weimer (MX2), Ivan Tedesco (Open) |
| 2010 | FMX Park, Czech Republic | United States | Trey Canard (MXGP), Ryan Dungey (MX2), Andrew Short (Open) |
| 2011 | Loretta Lynn's, USA | United States | Blake Baggett (MXGP), Ryan Dungey (MX2), Ryan Villopoto (Open) |
| 2012 | FMX Park, Czech Republic | Germany | Maximilian Nagl (MXGP), Ken Roczen (MX2), Marcus Schiffer (Open) |
| 2013 | Ottobiano, Italy | Belgium | Ken de Dycker (MXGP), Clément Desalle (MX2), Jeremy van Horebeek (Open) |
| 2014 | Ķegums, Latvia | France | Gautier Paulin (MXGP), Arnaud Tonus (MX2), Steven Frossard (Open) |
| 2015 | Ernéé, France | France | Gautier Paulin (MXGP), Valentin Guillod (MX2), Romain Febvre (Open) |
| 2016 | Maggiora, Italy | France | Gautier Paulin (MXGP), Benoît Paturel (MX2), Romain Febvre (Open) |
| 2017 | Matterley Basin, UK | France | Gautier Paulin (MXGP), Christophe Charlier (MX2), Benoit Paturel (Open) |
| 2018 | Red Bud, USA | France | Gautier Paulin (MXGP), Dylan Ferrandis (MX2), Jordi Tixier (Open) |
| 2019 | Assen, Netherlands | Netherlands | Glenn Coldenhoff (MXGP), Calvin Vlaanderen (MX2), Jeffrey Herlings (Open) |
| 2020 | Cancelled (COVID-19 pandemic) | N/A | N/A |
| 2021 | Mantua, Italy | Italy | Antonio Cairoli (MXGP), Mattia Guadagnini (MX2), Alessandro Lupino (Open) |
| 2022 | Red Bud, USA | United States | Chase Sexton (MXGP), Justin Cooper (MX2), Eli Tomac (Open) |
| 2023 | Ernée, France | France | Romain Febvre (MXGP), Tom Vialle (MX2), Mikkel Haarup (Open) |
| 2024 | Matterley Basin, UK | Australia | Jett Lawrence (MXGP), Kyle Webster (MX2), Hunter Lawrence (Open) |
| 2025 | Ironman Raceway, USA | Australia | Jett Lawrence (MXGP), Kyle Webster (MX2), Hunter Lawrence (Open) |