What is Speedway of Nations?
The Speedway of Nations (SoN) is the world championship for national teams in speedway. Each team has two main riders and a reserve. The competition starts with two semifinals, each featuring seven nations. The top teams advance to the final. In total, 15 teams take part.
This year’s SoN final takes place on October 4, 2025, in Toruń, Poland. Fans in the United States can watch it live on RACER Network.
Speedway is currently active in almost 30 countries worldwide, but the United States is the most notable absentee from the international stage.
Team USA results in Speedway of Nations
Since the current format was introduced in 2018, Team USA has entered five times. The results show a consistent presence, but never a spot in the final:
- 2018 – 5th in semifinal
- 2019 – 5th in semifinal
- 2020 – not competing, only a final was held with the top seven teams
- 2021 – 4th in semifinal, just one place away from the final
- 2022 – 5th in semifinal
- 2023 – Speedway World Cup, no USA
- 2024 – 6th in semifinal
Why Team USA is not competing this year
The American Motorcyclists Association (AMA) decided to withdraw Team USA from this year’s Speedway of Nations. There has been no official statement from the federation and no clear information about future plans. The only formal note came from FIM Speedway, which mentioned the withdrawal in the same announcement that confirmed Argentina’s entry.
This situation is especially disappointing because the U.S. currently has strong riders ready to compete. Luke Becker has been showing excellent form in Europe, and four other American riders already have equipment based on the continent. The team could have been a real contender not necessarily for the final, but at least for a qualification spot in the 2026 Speedway World Cup.
Team USA’s history in world team competition
Although recent results have been modest, the United States has a proud tradition in world team speedway. The U.S. has won the World Team Cup five times:
- 1982 in London
- 1990 in Pardubice
- 1992 in Kumla
- 1993 in Coventry
- 1998 in Vojens
In total, American teams have collected 16 medals: 5 gold, 4 silver, and 7 bronze.
Looking ahead
Right now, there is no official confirmation of when Team USA will return to the Speedway of Nations. American fans, riders, and the wider speedway community are waiting for an announcement from AMA about the future of the national team.