Carmichael, Ferry, LaRocco named to US MXdN team.

The trio of Ricky Carmichael, Tim Ferry and Mike LaRocco will represent America in the 2002 Motocross des Nations, which will be hosted by the United States at Competition Park in the Soboba Indian Reservation near San Jacinto, California on 28-29 September.

In addition, Team USA, captained again by Motocross Hall of Famer Roger DeCoster, returns to the prestigious international event after withdrawing from the competition last September due the terrorists attacks on America. The US won the competition when it last competed in 2000.

"We are proud to announce Chevy Trucks Team USA and its return to the Motocross des Nations," said AMA Pro Racing motocross manager Duke Finch, "It's always a difficult process to select a team, but we feel that Team USA will be well represented with this year's members."

Carmichael is a seven-time national champion in both AMA Motocross and Supercross. The 22-year-old Honda factory rider was named the AMA/Speed Channel Pro Athlete of the Year in 2001, and his selection marks the fifth time he has been named to Team USA. He was the lead rider of the team that won at St Jean d' Angely in France in September of 2000.

The 31-year old LaRocco is a 15-year racing veteran and two-time AMA Motocross champion. The Hoosier native has been a member of three Motocross des Nations teams, including the victorious 1992 squad. LaRocco rides for Factory Connection Honda

By contrast, the 2002 selection marks a debut in Team USA for Ferry. The 27-year-old, however, is a twelve-year veteran of the pro tour and has been a top ten ranked national motocross rider for a decade. He is currently experiencing his best season to date in AMA Motocross, and is ranked second only to Carmichael in the 250 AMA Chevy Trucks US Motocross Championship. Ferry is a member of the Yamaha factory racing team.

"This is a team with a lot of experience," said captain Roger DeCoster, a winner of six Motocross des Nations with Belgium, "As always, there will be a number of countries with great teams, but I feel that, with the maturity level of this year's team, we certainly will be one of the frontrunners. Carmichael and LaRocco know what it takes to win the Motocross des Nations, and Ferry will be a great addition to the team."

The Motocross des Nations is an Olympic-style international competition. Riders from all over the world will represent their countries at this historic event, which began in 1947. The USA started competing regularly in the competition in 1972 and has since won 15 times. France, however, is the defending champion. This year will mark only the second time that the United States has hosted the Motocross des Nations. It last did so in 1987 in New Berlin, New York.