Motul Pirelli Suzuki's Matt Moss has declared himself unavailable for the 2013 FIM Motocross of Nations, to be held at Teutschenthal in Germany on 29 September.
Motul Pirelli Suzuki’s Matt Moss has declared himself unavailable for the 2013 FIM Motocross of Nations, to be held at Teutschenthal in Germany on 29 September.
The in-form 25-year-old, who inched to within four points of the MX1 MX Nationals series lead after winning Appin last weekend, will instead opt to focus on the Australian Supercross Championship, which commences in Darwin a fortnight before the MXoN.
Moss was the MX2 representative when Team Australia claimed third in France during 2011, but following that experience he admits that financially it’s more viable for him to focus his efforts on the national titles.
“Obviously the des Nations is a big thing,” Moss told MotoOnline.com.au. “We were able to claim the bronze medal and I was very happy with that, but I had to pay for my own dinners and I didn’t have anybody else with me.
“I’d really love to go back and it’s something I’d consider in the future for sure, but that stuff plays a big part being in a foreign country by yourself and racing for your country. I just think we did our country so proud, but I don’t think we got looked after as well as we should have.
“It’s a good feeling representing your country, I’d like nothing more for them to look after me with no bills to pay while I’m over there so I can get the job done with no worries, but my goal right now is to win Motocross and Supercross. I’ve never won a 450 championship, so they’re my goal right now.”
With Moss officially out of the running, the favourites considered to represent Team Australia in 2013 include Moss’ domestic rival Todd Waters, MX2 series leader Luke Styke, MX2 world title contender Dean Ferris, as well as experienced internationals Chad Reed and Brett Metcalfe.