Industry Seating Podcast — Episode 217: MXdN Review

Host: Jason Thomas
Date: October 11, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jason Thomas delivers an in-depth, country-by-country breakdown of the 2025 Motocross of Nations (MXdN). He offers insider analysis of team selection decisions, race outcomes, and key performances, while also sharing personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes details from his unique vantage point on-site. The episode also touches on upcoming Silly Season moves and missing news, and Thomas reveals plans for the podcast’s future format.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jason’s Perspective on MXdN

• Jason is a lifelong, passionate supporter of the Motocross of Nations, recounting years of attending the race at personal expense before working in official capacities:
  • “I've always loved it. ...I paid my own way. I would pay to go to Europe...because I wanted to be there and I love this race.” (06:34)
• His role has evolved to include industry representation and MXGP TV commentary, a responsibility he takes seriously.

Australia: Dominant Performance

• Australia entered as the favorites, especially after Team USA’s roster was reshuffled by injuries.
• Analysis of each class:
  • Jet Lawrence vs. top US (Sexton/Tomac): Jet consistently favored in head-to-heads.
  • Hunter Lawrence vs. US MX Open rider: Despite on-paper parity, “domination by Hunter” ensued.
  • MX2: US (typically Deegan or Cooper) had an edge on Australia’s Kyle Webster, but not enough to overcome the Lawrence brothers’ excellence.
• Even with crashes and adversity, Australia’s strength sealed the win by 14 points.
  • "You just saw how powerful having the two best guys on your team is. It can make up for a lot." (28:20)

USA: Second Place and Challenges

• Eli Tomac delivered under pressure after a difficult Saturday, earning high praise.
  • “He stepped up to the plate. He delivered in the face of, I’m sure what was some doubt about pace and the bike and pressure, but he did great.” (30:30)
• RJ Hampshire’s performance was marred by crashes post-collision with Jo Shimoda, leading to panic and mistakes:
  • “All those crashes came because he was overriding the racetrack...In crisis, you go back, you can fall easily into old trappings and old habits.” (33:55)
• Justin Cooper had a tough task dropping to the 250, racing against intensively prepared MX2 GP regulars, but delivered solid results.
  • “We needed both of his results and both of those results factored into second place overall. Period. Full stop.” (39:16)

France: Solid Podium, Key Performances & Moments

• Not a favorite, but managed a podium via steady performances.
• Febvre: Three-time world champ, but not at absolute peak (“championship hangover”).
• Matisse Valin, first time racing in America, exceeded expectations:
  • “Nothing but kudos to give that guy, like great, great job.” (41:29)
• Notable unsportsmanlike moment: Valin’s girlfriend cheered when RJ Hampshire crashed, drawing Jason’s glare.
  • “Don’t cheer when people are on the ground, especially when you’re in their home country. Probably not a great move.” (42:40)
• Maxime Renaux’s late pass by Gifting cost France second overall; health and consistency remain issues for him.

Belgium: Team to Watch

• Excitement about the potential of the young Belgian squad (the Kunin brothers and Liam Everts).
  • “That team has the potential to get red hot for the next decade. Truly, it does. ...If Team Belgium was a stock, you would want to be buying Team Belgium, anytime it’s on sale.” (50:45)

Netherlands: Team Selection Controversy

• Despite a strong available pool (including a healthy Jeffrey Herlings), internal politics and contractual complications led to Herlings being left out.
• Jason highlights the missed podium chance and the need to avoid similar selection controversies in the future.
  • “It sounded like there was a lot of nonsense going on behind the scenes.” (54:15)

Spain, Italy, Germany, Slovenia

• Spain: Missed opportunity due to Prado’s health and Fernandez’s crash; poised for strong 2026.
• Italy: Aging roster, with Cairoli at 40, but some hope for the next generation.
• Germany: Catastrophic luck—MX2 world champ out immediately, Roczen crashes twice, little pace from third rider.
  • “What an absolute disaster for Team Germany.” (01:03:47)
• Slovenia: Tim Gajser solid, young Jan Pancar’s aggressive tactics (“brake-checking” RJ) draw criticism from Jason.
  • “Break checking RJ Hampshire is not it...You have to understand you’re in the USA...read the room a little bit.” (01:07:42)

Silly Season & Missing News

• Still awaiting many official team/rider PRs:
  • No definitive announcements yet for Shimoda, Tomac, Sexton, Febvre, Gajser, Hurlings, and others.
  • Key question: Who fills the second Monster Energy Kawasaki seat in the US?
    • “If you want any sort of uncertainty, really, where is the story? ...The second seat at Monster Energy Cowie in the US is the story.” (01:13:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I just felt like the math really leaned into the Australians. As long as Jet and Hunter did what Jet and Hunter do, and they did, they executed...” — Jason Thomas on Australia’s win (27:41)
• “In panic, you go back, you can fall easily into old trappings and old habits. And I just very much believe that’s what happened to RJ Hampshire.” — Jason Thomas (34:10)
• “If you’re worried about what’s fair or not, it’s going to be a rough time. ...Life isn’t fair. It’s never going to be fair.” — Jason Thomas (38:02)
• “If I ever see [Gifting] out, I’ll buy him a drink for that because it got America into second place.” — Jason Thomas on late-race drama (46:24)
• “Break checking RJ Hampshire is not it. ...That is not the way to—looking over, trying to time when he’s going to cut back under you to make sure he runs into you...I don’t like that.” — Jason Thomas on Jan Pancar’s tactics (01:07:45)
• “That team has the potential to get red hot for the next decade. Truly, it does.” — On Belgium’s future (50:51)
• “...If Team Belgium was a stock, you would want to be buying Team Belgium, anytime it’s on sale.” — Jason Thomas (51:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [06:35] — Jason’s background with MXdN & passion for the event
• [13:00] — Australia vs. USA: Pre-race analysis and math behind team strengths
• [25:20] — Execution and the impact of the Lawrence brothers' performances
• [30:30] — Team USA breakdown: Tomac, Hampshire, Cooper
• [41:29] — France’s result and notable moments
• [50:45] — Belgium’s youth movement and future outlook
• [54:18] — Netherlands team controversy
• [01:03:47] — Germany’s disastrous weekend
• [01:07:45] — Critique of Jan Pancar’s tactics for Slovenia
• [01:13:44] — Silly Season updates and key unannounced signings

Tone and Language

Jason Thomas maintains a conversational, candid tone infused with competitive passion and analyst clarity. He doesn't shy from calling out unsportsmanlike behavior or tough team decisions, while offering praise and constructive criticism where warranted. The summary closely reflects his original, no-nonsense commentary style.

Summary & Closing

Jason Thomas’ MXdN review offers unparalleled insight into each country's strategy, personnel moves, and key moments from a week on the ground. His analysis deftly mixes objective assessment with industry insider knowledge—making this an essential listen for anyone following motocross internationally. The episode closes with anticipation for Silly Season news and a tease of podcast format innovations to come.