With Nathan Crawford injured at the penultimate round of the Australia Pro Motocross series, Team New Zealand has been forced to make changes on their lineup before the 2024 Motocross of Nations at Matterley Basin on October 4, 5 & 6.
Crawford was involved in an incident during moto two at MX Farm’s penultimate round of the season, which resulted in a wrist injury. The 27-year-old managed to remount and finish the race, before remarkably completing the season at Queensland Moto Park’s final round this past Sunday. After undergoing surgery this week, the Queenslander will take the appropriate time to get back to 100 percent health and fitness, which unfortunately rules him out of his scheduled wildcard appearance at the MXGP of China next month and October’s FIM Motocross of Nations
FILL-IN RIDER CONFIRMED:
Josiah Natzke joins Hamish Harwood (MXGP) and Brodie Connolly (MX2) to replace Crawford in the OPEN class. This yera Natzke competing in the Canadian Triple Crown series. His first season in the 450 Pro Class has been nothing short of exceptional. Entering Round 8 within striking distance of Pettis, but needing fortunes on his side if he were to lift the trophy, the New Zealander finished third overall courtesy of a 1-5 scorecard. That secured him the runner-up spot in the final standings to complete the season.
Matterley Basin will be his fourth MXoN appareance after his debut in 2017 at the same track.
New Zealand MXoN 2024 Team Updated:
- MXGP: Harmish Harwood #40 (KTM)
- MX2: Brodie Connolly #41 (Honda)
- OPEN: Josiah Natzke #42 (KTM)
