Official: Lotte van Drunen to contest two WMX AMA Pro Nationals

Reigning WMX World Champion Lotte van Drunen has announced she will compete in two rounds of the WMX AMA Pro National Championship in the United States this summer. The Dutch rider, who is aiming for a third consecutive world title, has had a challenging start to her 2026 campaign and currently sits ninth in the WMX World Championship standings. With a break in the world championship calendar before the next round at Foxhill in the UK, Van Drunen is seizing the opportunity to race on American soil at the Thunder Valley and High Point venues, both well-known stops on the AMA Pro Motocross circuit. Van Drunen’s decision to race in the US comes as a strategic move to gain valuable track time and build momentum ahead of the crucial second half of the WMX World Championship season. She will face a strong field of competitors, including established WMX stars like Lala Turner and familiar rivals such as Australian rider Charlie Cannon, who has previously raced against Van Drunen in the world championship. These appearances will test her speed and resilience as she looks to regain form and confidence after a difficult start to the year. The Dutch Yamaha rider expressed her excitement and gratitude on social media, thanking her sponsors and supporters for making the AMA appearances possible. Her participation in the American rounds not only offers a chance to sharpen her racecraft but also provides a platform to remind the motocross community of her capabilities. With the pressure of the world title temporarily eased, this transatlantic challenge could be pivotal in revitalising her campaign. Looking ahead, Van Drunen’s performances in the AMA Pro Nationals will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike, as they may signal a turning point in the 2026 WMX World Championship. Success in the US could help her close the gap on championship leader Daniela Guillen and re-establish herself as the rider to beat. Ultimately, these races represent a critical opportunity for Van Drunen to reset and refocus as she pursues a historic third world title.