Lucas Coenen talks racing AMA Nationals

Lucas Coenen and his brother Sacha are set to compete in three rounds of the AMA Nationals this year, marking a significant step towards their ambition of racing full-time in the United States. The announcement follows Coenen’s rising profile as a teenage talent currently challenging MXGP legend Jeffrey Herlings for the 2026 world title. This move to America represents a long-held aspiration for the brothers, who see it as both an opportunity to gain valuable experience and a chance to test themselves against some of the best riders outside Europe. Coenen described the decision to race in the US as a calculated risk, given his ongoing championship fight in Europe. He acknowledged the pressure and expectations that come with competing in America, especially in comparison to the success of riders like Jeffrey Herlings, who have made the transition before him. Despite this, Coenen emphasised that the primary goal is to learn and adapt to the American racing scene, which has been a dream since he and his brother started following Supercross and motocross as youngsters. The Belgian rider reflected on his early exposure to both European and American motocross cultures, noting that his passion for Supercross began during the era of riders like James Stewart. This dual influence has shaped his ambition to eventually race full-time in the US, where the racing style and competition differ from Europe. Coenen’s participation in the AMA Nationals is therefore not just a short-term challenge but a strategic move towards realising a long-term career objective. Looking ahead, the experience gained from these AMA rounds could prove invaluable for Coenen as he balances his European championship ambitions with the demands of American racing. His willingness to embrace this challenge highlights both his talent and maturity as a young rider. Fans and industry insiders will be watching closely to see how this next chapter unfolds and whether the Coenen brothers can make a successful transition to the highly competitive US motocross scene.