How did we wind up with a pair of 250F riders at the helm of Team USA for the Motocross of Nations? Ivan Tedesco is accustomed to his role position in the MX3 division, but what about the rest of Team USA? It’s unusual, to say the least, in having Ryan Dungey selected for the premier MX1 division to lead the world’s historically strongest motocross squad. They guy doesn’t even race a 450, so why is he representing us on a big bike? Dungey was chosen because he’s easily at the top of the 250 division, and since our top 450 guys are out with injury, there was little choice but to bump him up. It isn’t like he's never been on a 450 before. The pressure on his shoulders must be immense, but if there’s anything we’ve learned about this Minnesotan it’s that he is adaptive, resourceful and extremely good on a Rockstar Makita Suzuki. He’ll have something for those big guns, whether or not it’s enough is the question.

If Dungey had stayed in the 250 division, which would have been an easy choice, Jake Weimer never would have gotten a chance – perhaps as an alternate. The Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider caught a huge break which will be a highlight moment in his entire racing career. Watching him saddle up on the Number 2 KX250F brings back memories of one serious badass. Ryan Villopoto crushed the competition for two years on a very similar machine. Weimer isn’t short on talent, but the guys seems to have a lot of fight in him, and I think he’ll do just fine.

If anything, this unique team selection proves that America truly hosts the best racing in the world. All the top guys are here, and once they vacated to represent their true nationalities, we were left with a much-depleted field. A few injuries for the homegrown and voila – here we are. Regardless, Roger DeCoster and the AMA have done a great job working with what wis available and I think the Stars and Stripes are going to be well-represented in Italy. If nothing else, the lack of a true superstar levels the playing field and gives even more reason to kick in the patriotism. This is what America represents, the American Dream – opportunities for working class Joes to prove themselves through hard work and determination. Our boys are going to do just fine, but make sure to get tuned in on Oct. 4 because we’ve got a huge battle on our hands.