With the UK set to host the 2024 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at Matterley Basin this weekend, we caught up with ACU Team GB Manager, Mark Chamberlain, to get an insight into preparations, expectations, and the MXoN spectacle itself.
Q: MXoN is almost upon us. How have Team GB’s preparations been going?
A: “Pretty good I would say. One of our riders, Max Anstie, is based in the US so he’s been preparing there with his Star Yamaha team, and Tommy Searle and Conrad Mewse have been prepping in the UK together. Early next week, Max flies across and all three riders will be spending time together – socially and on the track – so they can get into the groove of the weekend as a unit. The biggest thing for me is that they spend time talking, bonding, and really trying to establish a good team spirit as Team GB.”
Q: You’ve selected Max, Conrad and Tommy as Team GB riders. What do you expect that line-up will give you?
A: “Overall, the goal is to try and score the best possible results in the MXoN races.When selecting, I look at current form, what type of conditions riders are best in, and their experience on the track. I like to get a good overall mix.
“Max is having a decent season. He switched teams and then started to ride the US outdoor championship, which is super, super tough – almost an equivalent of the Grand Prix. It's a good yardstick to see where he's at, and he's effectively on what is widely known as the best 250 bike in the world. Having the best 250 is a massive thing for the Motocross of Nations, because it's a mixed competition. If the 250 rider can get a good result, that can be pivotal to the whole team's performance.
“It wasn’t easy to secure Max for the event because he’s in the US and the cost of getting him and his professional team across would always be a challenge, but we worked hard on the fringes to make sure the funding was in place and I’m thrilled he’ll be in Team GB colours.
“Conrad’s had such an outstanding domestic season and he’s tried to do a few more Grands Prix and shown some really good form against Jeffrey Herlings who’s one of the best riders in the world.
“And then with Tommy, he wasn’t initially in the plan as a rider because I was keen to maybe bring him on board in an advisory role. But then he was riding so well domestically and we had a lot of younger guys that had injuries as well. Nobody else stood out to be a clear pick, so Tommy got the spot because his form has been good, his race management is excellent, and he’s vastly experienced. This is his 13th year representing Team GB and he’s the right rider for the job.”
Q: This year’s Motocross of Nations is a home race for the Team GB riders. Do you think there is such a thing as a home advantage at Matterley Basin?
A: “The track’s only used once a year so effectively there’s no advantage over a Grand Prix rider that races the track every year. But I do think there’s an advantage to be had from the adrenaline-fuelled home fans. We’ve really tried to get the Team GB fans engaged and enthused in the run up to next weekend because we know they’ll create a great atmosphere for the boys.
“As a rider, you can’t beat the feeling when you know the crowd is behind you and the louder they are the better. The crowd can definitely carry a rider, particularly in the last 10 minutes of a race when it’s getting tough. If the crowd’s loud, visible and getting behind the lads, it can mean the difference between dropping two seconds a lap at the end of a race and maintaining some good speed because you’re running on pure adrenaline. People talk about the crowd being a 12th man in football. The same principle applies in Motocross.”
Q: Matterley Basin is regarded as one of the best tracks in the world. How do you view the track and the challenge it presents to riders?
A: “It’s a track that’s been good to us and I think the more technical it is the more favourable it will be for our riders. They’re making a few changes and putting some new soil down before the weekend, so I hope that will make it as technically ‘rutty’ as possible. The weather's looking 50/50, right now. I think we're going to have some rain before the event and we could have rain at the event. But that doesn't bother us. I’m just hoping the track will be nice and technical.”
Q: You’ve been the Team GB Team Manager since 2017. What does Motocross of Nations mean to you personally?
A: “My personal relationship with the Nations started in 1988 when I was 10. My dad took me and my family to watch and I fell in love with it instantly. It’s such a colourful event with fans from all across the world, different flags waving, people with their faces painted, fans dressed up in Union Jack suits…the list goes on. And it’s always super friendly with good-natured banter between the different fans. It’s a special place to be and there’s a very, very cool atmosphere to enjoy as each nation rides for their team-mates, country and national pride.
“From a personal perspective, I love the Motocross of Nations and I’m proud to have been involved for the last seven years. I love my country and I love motocross, so it’s the perfect combination. Yes, being Team Manager involves a lot of hard work and it’s sometimes a challenge to pull everything together, but I’ve got a great family and team around me and we always get it done.”
Q: How do you rate the Motocross of Nations competition this year?
A: “I think it’s as tough as it’s ever been. Australia, America and Belgium are all very fast and then you’ve got Holland and France who are really strong with good riders as well.
“But the Nations is effectively a one-day event by the time you get to Sunday and anything can happen, with it being mixed, classes and two guys on the line. That’s what I love about it. With the right performance, you can turn everything on its head and make something special happen. That’s what we’re aiming for as Team GB.”
Q: You’ve finished in 10th place for the last couple of years. What’s your target result for Team GB in 2024?
A: “It’s always difficult to set a target. We obviously always want to be on the box, but it’s very difficult to achieve that. It’s a question of taking the weekend one step at a time and seeing how things play out. On Saturday, there’s a random ballot for the gate positions in the heat races, so the first bit of action is based on pure luck and totally out of your hands.
“Once you’re into Sunday, it’s about putting your maximum into every lap and seeing where you’re at. It’s important to get clean starts in all the races and to stay out of trouble. It’s crucial to go into the Motocross of Nations with all the confidence in the world that you can pull off a really special result. That’s the mindset we’ll try and have as Team GB this weekend.”
Tickets for the Motocross of Nations are still available here.