The 2025 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations has descended on Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, marking the event's historic debut on American soil. For the first time in its 78-year run, this pinnacle of international motocross brings together top riders from over 20 nations, all vying for the Chamberlain Trophy amid the rolling hills and demanding layout of the 1.6-mile track. Indeed, the atmosphere buzzes with anticipation as teams finalize strategies, but the real test begins today with qualifying heats that could reshape the starting grids for Sunday's high-stakes races.
Friday's opening ceremonies set a festive yet tense tone, featuring a grand parade through downtown Crawfordsville that drew thousands of fans waving national flags. Key contenders include the defending champions from France, led by Romain Febvre in MXGP, alongside promising squads from Australia and the host USA, boasting stars like Jett Lawrence and Eli Tomac. However, the track's notorious whoops and rutted corners have already tested riders during free practice sessions on Saturday morning. Lawrence topped the MXGP timesheets with a blistering lap, while Justin Cooper edged out the MX2 field and Tomac dominated the Open class—early signs of a fierce home advantage, though injuries and jet lag could derail even the favorites.
Moreover, the weekend's schedule ramps up quickly: qualifying races kick off at 1 p.m. Eastern Time today, followed by tomorrow's triple-race format where MXGP pairs with MX2, then MX2 with Open, and finally Open with MXGP. Broadcasts stream live worldwide, pulling in viewers eager for those raw, unfiltered moments of glory or heartbreak. Yet, beneath the spectacle, questions linger about the sport's grueling demands on young athletes pushing limits in pursuit of national pride.
Indeed, as engines roar and dirt flies, this MXoN edition underscores motocross's blend of individual skill and team spirit. But what does hosting it stateside mean for the sport's global future?