Image: Foremost Media.

KTM Racing Team regular Nathan Crawford has been named as a shock inclusion for New Zealand’s 2024 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) team, the dual citizen set to represent the country for the first time at Matterley Basin.

Team New Zealand announced its three-rider squad today, revealing Crawford will join current ProMX MX2 championship leader Brodie Connolly (Honda Racing) alongside NZ MX1 champion Hamish Harwood (CML KTM Team) on 6 October.

Queensland resident Crawford, who has ties to New Zealand through his mother and holds passports for both countries, allowing him to put his name up for MXoN selection in either country. This year’s NZ team will be managed by former world champion Shayne King.

“I’m super-stoked to have been chosen to represent New Zealand at the Motocross of Nations this year,” Crawford told MotoOnline. “It works out great for me having dual citizenship and a New Zealand passport from my mum’s side of the family. It’s given me the opportunity to throw my name in the mix for Team New Zealand, and I’m stoked that they chose me.

“Most people are aware, but for those who aren’t, MXoN is basically the Olympics of motocross, so I’m just stoked to get over there and have a crack against the best guys in the world. Thank you to Bevan [Weale] and Shayne for seeing the potential in me and giving me this opportunity – it’s probably the biggest opportunity I’ve ever had in my career.”

The 27-year-old will bring international experience to the Kiwi outfit, having contested the MX2 World Championship in 2020 before returning home to Australia for the following season.

Team Australia was announced earlier this month, with the effort to be spearheaded by US-based brothers Jett and Hunter Lawrence (Team Honda HRC) alongside Australian MX1 points-leader Kyle Webster (Honda Racing).