The ACU Motocross Department are delighted to announce the team for this year’s Motocross of Nations, which is being held at Kegums in Latvia on the 27th and 28th September. Team Manager Neil Prince has enlisted the services of Shaun Simpson, Tommy Searle and Dean Wilson to represent Team GB at the 2014 event. With a strong group of riders to select from, Prince has had some tough decisions to make in recent weeks.
The newly crowned MX1 British Champion Shaun Simpson who currently sits fifth in the World MXGP Championship will be leading the team in the MX1 class. Simpson has been in great form this season and will be pushing for a strong result at Kegums.
Tommy Searle will be taking full advantage of there being no age limit for the MX2 class at the MXON and will line up on aboard a Monster Energy CLS Kawasaki 250f against Italy’s Tony Cairoli and USA’s Jeremy Martin in the MX2 class. Tommy’s previous experience in the MX2 class where he has finished runner up in the World MX2 Championship in 2007, 2008, and 2012 will prove vital to the team.
Returning to the Team GB squad is Dean Wilson who will be riding in the Open class aboard a Kawasaki 450f with the help and support of KRT. Wilson who has missed the last two MXON events due to injury will return following a strong season in the AMA Championship, Wilson is in good form going into the event.
Speaking about the team selection Team Manager Neil Prince said “Realistically the final choice was between four riders and I am sure everyone connected can see that. Sometimes it is necessary to take a chance to try and gain a podium position as we did when we last won at Roggenberg. We all know that Max (Anstie) has the speed but equally his current machines reliability is questionable and whilst I understand the bike is still under development we have to make sure we get five good race results in Latvia. With Dean Wilson having access to full KRT machinery the decision was easier to make. As expected, Max has been a true professional when he was told and I respect him tremendously for that.”
ACU MXC Chairman expanded by saying, “The MXC entrusted Neil with the job of selecting the final team and obviously we stand by his decision. He has kept us informed along the way of his thought process and when you have four equally talented riders picking three is always going to be difficult. With the support of Kawasaki and Steve Gutteridge, I am convinced we have a realistic podium opportunity with Dean and the speed of Shaun and Tommy at GP level has already been proven.”
The Team GB Squad will be hoping to make the podium at this year’s event after just missing out in recent seasons, and with such a strong line up the team must have a strong chance.
Be Part of Team GB with SO FUND
We want to make 2014 a great year for Team GB, we have a rich heritage in the MXoN and with the help of our army of supporters.
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ACU Motocross Chairman, Brian Higgins said “The ACU will still be fully supporting the team, both financially and logistically, but we are happy to work with So Fund to get the British fans involved and to enhance the teams approach to this massive event. The crowd funding approach gives us a unique platform to connect with the hugely loyal fan base that the Motocross of Nations attracts. We will be offering them the opportunity to have their photos on the riders helmets or their names included on the back of the official t-shirts. All proceeds with go to improving the facilities for Team GB at the Motocross of Nations, as well as the wider Motocross community“
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