3 European MX rider’s will race the up-coming Pro Motocross Championship Round at Thunder Valley, Colorado this weekend – what’s in store for all watching? Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider’s – and twin brother’s – Lucas Coenen MXGP and Sacha Coenen MX2 along with Da Baets – AIT Yamaha Supported Team rider – Lotte Van Drunen WMX – will line-up against the best 450, 250, and WMX rider’s at Lakewood CO on Saturday, June 14.
While some may speculate on the reasons why the Coenen’s would make the trip to the USA and race a Round on bike’s and track they are not familiar with – mid-way in MXGP/MX2 Championship season – and when both are holding the Red Plates – there is no doubt their entries will boost competition in both classes. For defending WMX Champion – Van Drunen – gaining race-time against America’s WMX rider’s – within a long 7 week gap between Europe’s WMX Round 2 and 3 – may well re-set her race-plan having conceded a few too many points in the opening rounds.
Breaking down the decisions further, results from Rounds 8 of 19 state, Lucas commands 62 points lead over second placed rider – Jeffrey Herlings – and Sacha holds 37 points over team-rider – Simon Langenfelder – standing P2 overall. Such margins provide both rider’s an opportunity to make the most of gap weekends in the MXGP/MX2 race schedules, to experience the dynamics of competing in America’s Pro MX Championship Round this weekend. Van Drunen currently stands P9 overall with 3 Rounds remaining and will undoubtedly shed light on her pace against America’s WMX line-up.
So, how will the whole experience play out for Lucas, Sacha, and Lotte? Straight up – the race schedule for 450 and 250 with Practice, 2x Qualifying, and 2x 30 minute motos plus 2 laps all on Saturday will be a challenge in itself. Europe’s split of Qualifying on Saturday and Moto 1 and Moto 2 on Sunday gives rider’s an advantage of qualifying on a track which is prepped on Saturday with minimal racing, as opposed to Pro MX Championship Rounds whereby the track will more than likely change alot from Q in the morning to the Final Moto late afternoon. For Lotte, the race schedule would be familiar, learning a new track layout, dirt compound, and racing at altitude not so much.
Additionally, most Pro MX rider’s have already completed AMA SX Championship of either 17 Rounds for 450SX or 10 Rounds for 250SX. Log in another 2 Outdoor Rounds with 9 to go and that is a heck of a lota race-time. MXGP/MX2 has 19 Rounds with WSX only featuring in their off-season and WMX has dropped to 5 Rounds from 6 in 2025. If the Coenen’s follow the steps set by former MX2 Champion – namely Ken Roczen – then adjustments to race fitness, schedule, and mental dexterity would have to be top of their agendas. As noted by Jorge Prado – assimilation to America’s SX/MX Championships has not been the easiest process, yet has been the most valuable. All up, looking forward to this weekend.
Header photo: Pro MX Championship Round at Hangtown 250 start Image: RacerX/Align Media
Words: Sharon Cox.
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