The 62nd edition of the FIM Motocross of Nations will conclude the 2008 season in style at
Donington Park in Great Britain this weekend.
35 nations will enter the prestigious event with the goal of winning the special Chamberlain Trophy. Defending champion's Team USA have won it for the last three years, including the last appearance in Great Britain, in 2006 at Matterley Basin.
The American squad is now the most successful team in the history of the event, courtesy of 18 Chamberlain Trophies. The team returns to action after their home clean sweep last year at Budds Creek with a slightly revised line up, following the retirement of Ricky Carmichael.
2007 Open class rider Tim Ferry and MX2 rider Ryan Villopoto remain, but the headline MX1 seat will go to reigning AMA Motocross champion James Stewart, who missed last year's event through injury.
Stewart was however part of the winning team at Matterley Basin, although he will have a point to prove this weekend after being beaten by European legend Stefan Everts at that event.
But Everts retired at the end of 2006 and it will be a major shock if any of the Europeans can topple the American team, with Villopoto - who won both of his races at Budds Creek last year - looking as unbeatable as Stewart, while Ferry is expected to score solid points.
Second last year was Team France, which will return with GP winners Sebastien Pourcel in MX1 and Nicolas Aubin in Open, while youngster Anthony Boissiere completes the squad in the MX2 class.
After a solid mid-season in the MX1 World Championship, Pourcel ended seventh in the standings while Aubin was a positive third in MX2, becoming the highest placed Yamaha rider after defending Champion Antonio Cairoli injured and pulled out of the season. Taking a couple of MX2 podiums this year, Boissiere gained a place in the team when Steven Frossard was injured.
