There is no doubt, when Zach Osborne rolls his Rockstar Energy / Husqvarna factory bike out for the first practice of the 2017 Montster Energy Motocross of Nations there will be a very loud applause from the European motocross fans in attendance.

I seriously think for the first time in maybe three decades, Team USA will be one of the most popular teams (with crowd support) at the MXoN, and a lot of that will have to do with the soon to be 2017 AMA 250 motocross champion.

It’s been a year of success for the former GP winner, with an AMA 250 supercross title, and seemingly an AMA 250 motocross title to his name. To end his season with the Chamberlain trophy in his hands is something nobody could have dreamt of. In fact, the last AMA 250 champion to celebrate an MXoN victory was Trey Canard in 2010 at the Thunder Valley circuit.

Osborne isn’t just a former Grand Prix rider, he is a rider who the British public accepted as one of their own. His friendly, polite character placed him in the hearts of the euro’s and they don’t forget that in a hurry.

The fact alone that the 2017 MXoN is being promoted by Steve Dixon, the man who reignited the career of Osborne, when he was unwanted in America, is just part of this amazing story. Dixon, who has been involved in the sport for more than 30 years has helped a lot of riders in his own career, and Osborne is one of his favourites, in fact, in an interview with Dixon a few months ago he mentioned who important that working relationship was with Osborne.

Typically, when I asked Zach for an interview he obliged, and despite a hectic weekend this weekend at Budds Creek, he sat down and answered the questions. Below is what he told us, and it’s a great read.

Zach has a 63 point lead with just two rounds to go.

Firstly, I don’t think you could ask for a better place to make your Team USA debut. What does it mean for you?

I’d have to agree. Obviously, the event is supposed to be in America next year, but I honestly feel like Matterley Basin is a better place for me to make my debut because of my ties with Steve Dixon, my history in England, and what that place and the people there did to help me revive my career.

 

Steve Dixon, one of the really nice guys in the sport, with his heart in the right place. What can you say about him and his part in your career?

You’ll never find anyone more passionate about motocross than Steve Dixon. I learned a lot of my resilience and commitment from him and his program. At times, it was so frustrating for me, but, looking back now, he and his positive attitude played a huge part in the person and racer I am today. Hopefully we can sit on the hill on Sunday and share some soft serve and some old stories because that guy loves ice cream.

 

You bothered Decoster for five or so years, and to finally get the call, has it probably burnt your fire for this race more than ever. I mean, you are killing it at the moment, so I guess it’s the perfect time or not?

To be part of this team has been a career-long dream of mine and to be chosen in a season where I’m on top form is ideal. I have big goals for the race and I hope to make a statement for the team. It’s an honour to be selected team Captain, and I hope to share my enthusiasm and knowledge of world motocross with my team mates.

 

Thomas is a great kid, as are you, and Cole seem like really down to earth guy. While this isn’t the dream team, it will without question be one of, if not the most popular team for the euro fans that USA have sent. Is that what you feel?

We have a team of people who are proud to be representing and are prepared to do the work needed to be on top form. I think that the European fans will be anxious to see where the Americans can stack up. I think a lot of people are underestimating what the three of us are capable of, but, to me, this is a dream team because we are all enthusiastic and we are all competing for Team USA for the first time.

The mud at Unadilla gave the riders fits

Never thought I would say it, and you know how much the euros and euro media want Team USA to flop, I can really see the crowd siding with you guys if you are close to winning. What do you think?

Team USA has lost the last 5 MXoN events, and a lot of people are expecting us to lose this one. But, being the perceived underdogs, if we were to go into the last moto with a chance of winning I think many fans will back us because of my history in Europe as well as Thomas’s.

 

When the team was announced, everyone expected you on the 450 and I heard you mention you would have done that. Any kind of feeling you should be on the 450?

I do have some experience on the 450 as I ride one quite a bit at Baker’s Factory during the week. Roger has seen me ride the 450 also, so I somewhat expected him to put me on the 450. He was adamant that I ride the 250 because in many instances this year I have come from behind after mediocre starts, and he knows that the 250 is at a disadvantage against the larger bike at the start of the moto.

 

Team USA standing holding the Chamberlain Trophy on Sunday night. Would it be the highlight of your career if it happens?

Yes, for sure, it would be the perfect ending to what has been a dream year for me.

 

Antonio Cairoli won a moto at Matterley in 2006 on the MX2 bike, and in the form, you are in, is that a goal?

For sure that would be one of my goals. I feel like Matterley suits my riding style, and it’s not out of the question for me. If I can get out of the gate reasonably close I think I have a chance to run at the front.

Whether Zach wins at MXoN or not, we are confident he will bring 100% of himself and his experience with him into every lap.

What other teams have you looked at and figured they will be tough to beat?

With France being the reigning champions, I am sure that they will be strong again despite Musquin’s absence. The Netherlands will also be tough to beat as all three of their riders have been performing well in the GP’s this year. Obviously, the Brits are going to be fired up as well as they are at home for this one and they have three solid selections.

 

Last question. Back up against the GP guys. I am guessing you have watched highlights of the races over here. How exciting is that having seen how the racing has been in Europe?

I watch the races every Sunday and still pay close attention to the series and everything that’s going on. There has been some awesome racing this year and some brutal conditions. I feel like I’ve improved my craft quite a bit since I left GP racing 5 years ago, so I’m excited to see where I stack up and excited for the event in general.

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