Gate Pick Selections for Saturday’s MXoN Qualifying Races

Gate Pick Selections for Saturday’s MXoN Qualifying Races October 3, 2025, 11:50am

Crawfordsville, IN Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN)Motocross of Nations On Friday’s Gate pick selections for Saturday’s qualifying race at the 2025 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. The old-school style selection process starts by drawing a ping pong-sized ball out of a first box (the country names box), with each country having their name folded up inside of the box. The country’s name is revealed, then a second ball is picked from the number box and revealed, announcing said country to having said number gate pick for Saturday’s qualifying races. FIM Director Antonio Alia Portela does the selection with the help of two volunteers. 

Team Latvia was the first country selection, and they received the 24th gate pick. At the end, Team Japan was the final country selected, who went to the final spot available, 23rd gate pick. Below is the full list of the gate pick number that was randomly selected by the country. For the second time in the last handful of years, Morocco received the first gate pick.

MoroccoFIM AsiaEstoniaVenezuelaFIM Latin AmericaDenmarkAustraliaThe NetherlandsCanadaRepublic of South AfricaNorwaySwitzerlandIcelandFrancePuerto RicoChileSwedenGermanyArgentinaItalyGreat BritainBelgiumJapanLatviaIrelandSloveniaUruguayIsraelMexicoCosta RicaAustriaUkraineHondurasFinlandUSASpainBrazil

Morocco gets the first gate pick! Mitch Kendra Watch the full gate pick ballot video below.

The following press release is from Infront Moto Racing (MXGP/MXoN promoters):

PRESS CONFERENCES AND BALLOT LAUNCHED MONSTER ENERGY FIM MXON WEEKEND IN IRONMAN RACEWAY

CRAWFORDSVILLE (Indiana, United States) – The Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations officially got underway at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana with the traditional Opening Press Conference and the ballot draw that decided the starting grid for Saturday’s qualifying heats.

Friday began with the welcome press conference featuring Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, and MX Sports’ Director Tim Cotter, the local organizer of the event. Each spoke about the anticipation for this year’s Motocross of Nations, the return of the event to American soil, and the extraordinary collaboration that has made this edition possible.

David Luongo, CEO, Infront Moto Racing:

“The Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations truly represents the pinnacle of our sport. To bring it back here to the United States is the result of a long journey and a strong collaboration with MX Sports, the AMA, and of course the FIM, with whom we work hand in hand throughout the season. We want to thank also the city of Crawfordsville for their tremendous support and warm welcome This is a very special weekend where, after a long season, the very best riders from around the world come together to represent their nations in front of thousands of passionate fans. Everything is set for a fantastic weekend of racing, and while some teams may arrive as favourites, the Motocross of Nations is always unpredictable and unique. I wish everyone an amazing weekend and safe, thrilling racing.”

Antonio Alia Portela, FIM/CMS Director:

“When you walk through the paddock and see the scale of the facilities and the huge camping area, you understand the true dimension of this event. None of this would be possible without the federations bringing their best riders, the work of Infront Moto Racing and the tremendous effort of the local organizers here in Crawfordsville. All of this created such world-class facilities, show the strength and commitment that exists within motocross. On behalf of the FIM, I want to thank everyone involved for making this possible, and I wish all the teams the very best in the battle for this prestigious trophy.”

Tim Cotter, Director, MX Sports:

“On behalf of MX Sports and Ironman Raceway, welcome to Crawfordsville, or as we call it this weekend, Motoville, Indiana. Hosting the Motocross of Nations is truly a bucket-list moment for our company, and over the past 14 months, we have worked tirelessly with our partners at Infront Moto Racing and the FIM, and our team of over 350 people is ready to deliver one of the best editions ever. This community has embraced the event, from the parade downtown to the Motocross of Nations Moto Bowl tonight, and it’s an honour to showcase this celebration of motocross here in America. Thanks to the strong collaboration with Infront and the FIM, we believe the sport has never been stronger.”

David Luongo, Tim Cotter, and Antonio Alia Portela MXGP Following the press conference, the teams and some riders started to gather nervously for the traditional ballot that decides the gate pick for Saturday’s Qualifying Races. It’s a part of the weekend that’s beyond anybody’s control and naturally throws up some random situations!

Team Latvia were first out of the hat, but assigned the 24th gate pick. The first top ten slot was quickly drawn for Team Denmark in P6, and then the first disappointment for a top team – Team Spain getting second from last in P36!

The first top team with a good pick were team Netherlands in P8, and although Team FIM Asia got second pick early on, the top spots remained open for some time! Team Brazil got the unfortunate final pick #37, before Team France and Team Italy got P14 & P20 respectively.  Then came the biggest response of them all – the home squad, Team USA, given the lowly P35 in the draw, leaving them needing to be sharp starters or good passers in tomorrow’s races!

With Team Belgium in P22, it was then Team Australia who celebrated a good P7. Team Morocco gratefully accepted the first gate pick, and Team Estonia P3, but amongst the favourites it will be the Australians and the Dutch who will be most happy with their lot, while the Spanish and the Americans will be looking for some passing lines come Free Practice in the morning!

Main image by Mitch Kendra