Team USA confirmed for 2006 Motocross of Nations.

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that 'AMA Team USA' will defend its title at the 2006 Motocross of Nations, scheduled for September 23 - 24 at Matterley Basin, Winchester, Great Britain.

The team's presenting sponsor will be Loretta Lynn's, which is marking its 25th year of hosting the AMA Air Nautiques Amateur Motocross National Championships at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

After the controversy of last season, when Mike Brown was announced in the initial team line-up - but then replaced after suffering poor form - Motocross fans will also be involved in choosing the members of AMA Team USA by casting their votes at AMADirectlink.com and will be able to contribute to an online fundraiser supporting the team.

The online nomination process, during which fans can suggest who should be considered for AMA Team USA will begin by the end of next week. When the list of top vote-getters is posted in mid-June, fans will be able to vote on these final nominees, in return for a $5.00-per-vote contribution to the team.

The members of "AMA Team USA presented by Loretta Lynn's" will be announced in August.

"The AMA is proud that this year's team will compete as the reigning champions of the Motocross of Nations," said AMA President Robert Rasor. "We know that American motocross fans will join us in supporting AMA Team USA, presented by Loretta Lynn's, both with their votes and with their contributions, to help us bring home the winner's trophy again."

"We're also thrilled to have the support of Loretta Lynn's as presenting sponsor of AMA Team USA," Rasor continued. "Today's top professional motocross racers all 'grew up' at Loretta Lynn's, and we believe that this is a great way to celebrate our 25-year relationship."

Often called 'The Olympics of Motorcycling,' the Motocross of Nations features three-rider teams from around the world competing in three races, or motos.

In 2005, the team of Ricky Carmichael, Kevin Windham, and Ivan Tedesco defeated a strong international field to take the winner's trophy for the 16th time, and for the first time since 2000. From 1981 to 1993, Team USA was undefeated in the Motocross of Nations, winning 13 straight times.

All proceeds from the online fundraiser will go toward supporting AMA Team USA, presented by Loretta Lynn's. The final team selection will be made by the AMA, with Carmichael - who has made clear his support for the event - sure to be included. Fellow superstar James Stewart is another rider certain to be selected, should he - unlike in previous years - decide to enter the event.