- Ken Roczen leads the MXoN Team Germany in Matterley Basin/GB
- Simon Längenfelder competes in the MX2 class
- Max Nagl races in the Open category
The MXoN Team Germany line-up for the 77th Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, taking place October 5-6 at Matterley Basin, UK, has been finalized. With Ken Roczen (MXGP), Simon Längenfelder (MX2) and Max Nagl (Open), Team Managers Marcel Dornhöfer and Karsten Schneider present a very strong team that many experts believe has a good chance of finishing on the podium.
The Motocross of Nations, or MXoN for short, is the most prestigious MX race of the year. The 77th edition of the Team World Championship will take place on October 5th and 6th at the British track in Matterley Basin, located about 200 km west of Dover. The DMSB-nominated Team Managers, Marcel Dornhöfer and Karsten Schneider, have been able to start planning for 2024 early and are confident that they have assembled the best possible team for this year’s MXoN from the six-man squad. Exciting news is the participation of superstar Ken Roczen in the MXGP class, where he won the Individual Rider title last year. “I am excited for another go at the Motocross of Nations. This one feels extra fun for me as Matterley Basin is one of my favorite tracks. I’m hoping for good teamwork with Simon and Max and an exciting weekend. If we can make smart choices and avoid making little mistakes, and of course the big mistakes too, I think we can have a shot at the podium! We have a really strong team and everyone has experience at MXON and at Matterley Basin. I’m really looking forward to the event this year,” smiles Roczen, who will race the #10 in the MXGP class.
Like Roczen, Simon Längenfelder is hoping for a top result in the MX2 class. The Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing rider recently proved that he is one of the fastest motocross riders in the 250cc class with a race win in the MX2 World Championship and a third place finish in the World Championship standings. “I am very happy to be part of the German team again. With Ken and Max we are very well positioned. Matterley Basin is a good track and I have good memories there. I got my first Grand Prix win there. We will all do our best and as we showed last year, we are capable of a lot,” says Längenfelder, who will start with #11 in the MX2 class.
Max Nagl proves that being 36 years old does not prevent a top athlete from achieving success. After a two-year hiatus, the veteran is returning to the MXoN for the 18th time, making him one of the oldest and most experienced riders in the race’s history. “I’m really excited to be back. I rode my first MXoN when I was 16 and have only missed it three times since. Matterley Basin will probably be my last go at the MXoN, but I am motivated and we have a good team. We have podium chances, although luck is always a factor, but a top-five finish should be possible,” beams Nagl, who will ride his trademark #12 in the Open category.
Teammanagers are looking forward to the Motocross of Nations with confidence. “With the return of Ken Roczen and Simon Längenfelder, and the addition of Max Nagl to the team, we have a strong squad heading into Great Britain. Last year we just missed out on the team podium, and Ken won the MXGP individual championship against many factory riders. We hope that luck is on our side this year and that all our riders get good results in the three races. Then nothing should stand in the way of a good result,” say Dornhöfer and Schneider.
Strong partners are just as important as excellent riders and good equipment for a successful participation in the Motocross of Nations. Long-time supporters of the team such as LS2 Helmets, ORTEMA, Werkzeugschleiferei Schneider and MDS Designs have already pledged their support for 2024 early on. Additional sponsors and supporters are currently being negotiated. “We are happy that we were able to start planning early this year and with the help of our sponsors we will be able to deliver good racing on a solid basis,” emphasize Dornhöfer and Schneider.
Photo: Ralph Marzahn/Seven One Pictures
