1981: The Year Team USA Shocked the World at Motocross des Nations

The Motocross des Nations, often referred to as the "Olympics of Motocross," is a storied event that has showcased the world’s best motocross talent since 1947. For decades, countries like Great Britain, Belgium, and Sweden dominated the event. But in 1981, Team USA changed everything in a moment that rivaled the legendary "Miracle on Ice" in hockey.

Before 1981, the United States had an underwhelming history at the Trophée and Motocross des Nations. The team had never won and hadn’t come close to doing so. Frustration and lack of interest were so high that the U.S. didn’t send teams in 1979 and 1980. Heading into 1981, it seemed Team USA’s involvement in international motocross might fade away entirely.

Then, like the twist in a Hollywood plot, hope emerged. Concerned about America's standing in the motocross world, industry leaders began looking for solutions. Among them were Dick Miller, editor of Motocross Action Magazine, and Roger DeCoster, a five-time world champion and one of the most respected figures in motocross. Together with Dave Arnold, Honda’s race team manager, they hatched a groundbreaking plan: rather than assembling riders from different manufacturers, why not send an entire team from Team Honda?

The idea was simple but unprecedented, and with Roger DeCoster’s influence, Honda agreed to support the plan. Dick Miller launched a grassroots campaign to drum up further support for the team through Motocross Action Magazine. Financial backing came from corporate sponsors, including Bel-Ray, a major oil company in the motocross industry. But even with outside help, the cost to Honda was substantial and not part of their budget. Nevertheless, the team was committed.

Team Honda for 1981 consisted of a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Danny LaPorte and Chuck Sun were former U.S. champions, while Donnie Hansen and Johnny O'Mara were promising but relatively unproven. Together, under the guidance of DeCoster and Arnold, they began intense preparation. The team trained relentlessly, focusing on unity and cohesion, and by the time they arrived in Europe, they were ready.

The first half of the 1981 Motocross des Nations took place in Belgium, in the 250cc class, on a challenging sand track. In the first moto, Belgian rider Andre Vromans won, but Team USA made a bold statement by taking the next three positions: O'Mara in second, LaPorte in third, and Sun in fourth. In the second moto, Vromans repeated his victory, but LaPorte and O'Mara followed closely in second and third, with Sun finishing sixth. When the dust settled, Team USA had shocked the world, winning the Trophée des Nations for the first time in history.

But the challenge wasn’t over yet. The team traveled to Germany for the second half of the event, racing in the 500cc class. In the first moto, Hansen finished second, LaPorte sixth, O'Mara 11th, and Sun 20th after a mechanical issue. Trailing the English team by just one point, Team USA faced a daunting task heading into the final moto. Sun re-injured his ankle and had to bow out early, but the remaining three riders gave it everything they had. When the race ended, Team USA had pulled off the unthinkable—winning both the Trophée and Motocross des Nations.

The 1981 victory wasn’t just a single moment of triumph; it was the start of an era. Team USA’s win catapulted the careers of its riders and set off a winning streak that lasted until 1994. For Honda, it marked the beginning of their domination of motocross, with the DeCoster-Arnold duo earning countless championships over the years.

For the United States, the 1981 Motocross des Nations was a defining moment, proving that American riders could compete—and win—on the world stage. Today, the legacy of that victory still resonates, remembered as the race that changed the course of American motocross history.

Team USA's Historic 1981 Motocross des Nations Victory: Key Facts

• The first time the United States won the Trophée and Motocross des Nations.

• Team Honda included Danny LaPorte, Chuck Sun, Donnie Hansen, and Johnny O'Mara.

• The victory ignited a winning streak for Team USA that lasted until 1994.

• The 1981 team’s preparation and unity set a new standard for international motocross competition.