Dunlop would like to congratulate Team Dunlop alumni Justin Barcia and Blake Baggett for being selected to represent the U.S.A. at the 2012 FIM Motocross of Nations in Lommel, Belgium. On September 30, the Dunlop-sponsored team will join Team Manager Roger DeCoster and team captain Ryan Dungey as they work towards a record 23rd Motocross of Nations Championship for the United States. Barcia will compete in the open class aboard his Honda CRF450R, while Baggett will contest in the MX2 class aboard his Kawasaki KXF250.

In the 2012 Supercross Lites East series, Barcia dominated the competition, maintaining his points lead throughout the entire nine rounds to clinch his second championship title. He won six races including Arlington, Atlanta, St. Louis, Daytona, Toronto and finally Las Vegas where he also won in the East/West Shootout. Baggett has also had a successful year, being the current points leader in the 250 class of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. His consistency has paid off, making his way to the podium at eight of the nine rounds completed.

As members of Dunlop’s first–ever Team Dunlop amateur squad in 2007, Baggett and Barcia have both experienced great success with Dunlop tires throughout their amateur and professional motocross careers. Both riders have proven they have the speed and determination that it takes to help defend the Motocross of Nations Championship.

“We’re really proud to be a part of another American Motocross of Nations team,” said Dunlop’s Broc Glover. “And we are especially proud to see Justin and Blake representing our country as we have supported these guys through our Team Dunlop program since they were young amateurs. And Ryan has proven to be the class of the field in AMA Motocross, and that means it’s gonna be tough for the rest of the world. ”

Dunlop wishes the entire U.S. Team good luck at the 2012 FIM Motocross of Nations.