Image: Octopi Media.

Team USA will officially defend its Motocross of Nations (MXoN) title at Ernee, France, next month with Aaron Plessinger, RJ Hampshire and Christian Craig making for an all-new roster in 2023.

Plessinger is set to wear number one as the squad’s MXGP entry, the Red Bull KTM rider making his second MXoN appearance after finishing third in the Pro Motocross 450MX standings.

“It really feels great to get to be on team USA again,” Team USA captain Plessinger said. “I’m very fortunate to have this opportunity to go race for my country.

“This is one race that I always look forward to and we have some big shoes to fill from what the boys did last year, so I’m ready for the challenge! I’ve got some really awesome teammates, a great team surrounding us, and we’re gonna go give it our all over in France!”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna regulars Hampshire and Craig will complete the team, with Hampshire to wear number two in MX2 and Craig returning from injury as number three in the Open category.

“I’m super-excited to represent my country,” Hampshire said. “I’m a proud American and will do my best to put our colors up front!”

Craig commented: “I’m extremely honored to be able to represent the USA this year at Motocross of Nations. Aaron, RJ and I will do everything possible to make our country proud.”

With 450MX champion Chase Sexton transferring from Honda to KTM – yet to be confirmed – and Eli Tomac recovering from injury, plus Justin Cooper being unavailable due to his wedding date, the Plessinger, Hampshire and Craig combination is an all-new line-up for the 2023 event scheduled from 6-8 October.

“With our race season being the longest ever and only having one week separating the end of the SMX and Motocross of Nations, as well as several riders who had been injured and some switching teams, it was the toughest year we have faced yet to find three riders ready to race an additional event and work together as a team,” Team USA manager Roger DeCoster said.

“I was very happy when we asked Aaron, RJ and Christian about going to France — they all jumped at the opportunity to represent the USA, and challenge the French team on home soil, and the rest of the world – this is one of France’s most spectacular tracks.

“After some mixed results during the long season, they are eager to prove they have more in the tank and are excited to show it to the world. I hope the U.S. supporters get behind these three riders as they take on the Motocross of Nations in a few weeks.”

AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier added: “After putting Team USA on the top step of the podium last year, we look forward to taking on the world once again in October as the defending champions. We have a team that is enthusiastic to represent the United States, and I look forward to seeing what we accomplish this year.”