MXGP stars to eye AMA Pro National Motocross selected appearances this summer

Lucas and Sacha Coenen, the Belgian twin brothers and current frontrunners in the MXGP and MX2 World Championships, are set to make selected appearances in the 2026 AMA Pro National Motocross series, part of the SuperMotocross (SMX) calendar. Both riders, representing Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, have enjoyed strong starts to their seasons, with Lucas leading the MXGP standings and Sacha holding second place in MX2. Their planned participation in three AMA rounds marks a significant crossover into the American motocross scene, offering a fresh challenge alongside their ongoing world championship campaigns. The Coenens’ AMA outings are strategically scheduled to fit around their Grand Prix commitments, with provisional entries at the Thunder Valley National in Colorado on 13 June, the Southwick National in Massachusetts on 11 July, and the Ironman National Finals on 29 August. These events correspond to rounds three, five, and eleven of the AMA series and will see Lucas and Sacha compete in the 450MX and 250MX classes, respectively. The decision to race in the United States is facilitated by the close collaboration between the European and American Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teams, led by Davide De Carli and Ian Harrison. Both riders expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to race on American soil, a dream they have harboured since childhood. Lucas highlighted the excitement of balancing their world championship pursuits with the chance to experience the unique atmosphere and competition of AMA motocross, while Sacha reflected on the significance of racing on tracks they have long admired. Their participation is expected to generate considerable interest among fans and add a new dimension to the AMA series. Ian Harrison, Team Manager of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in the USA, welcomed the twins’ involvement, emphasising their impressive performances at the recent Motocross of Nations and the value they bring to the team. He noted that the Thunder Valley event would see an expanded Red Bull KTM presence and expressed anticipation for their adaptation to racing at altitude and in the American racing environment. The Coenens’ foray into AMA motocross could strengthen ties between the European and American motocross scenes and provide valuable experience ahead of the remainder of their world championship campaigns.