Norwegian rider Cornelius Tøndel recently embarked on a three-round American tour, competing in the prestigious AMA Pro Motocross Championship – a venture that proved worthwhile for the Norwegian. He signed with the JWR Honda squad for the 2025 season, giving him the opportunity to dip his feet into American waters and tick off a goal that many European racers share: to race Stateside.

Tøndel lined up to race Southwick, RedBud, and Spring Creek, and it didn’t take long for him to grab the attention of American fans – qualifying third-fastest in the Southwick sand. He carried that pace into Moto 1, mixing it up inside the top ten and finishing an impressive eleventh, all while battling some of the sport’s biggest names – an achievement he reflects on fondly.

“Racing the AMA’s was great. It was so cool to be up there with those guys and especially Southwick, 20 minutes with Cooper Webb one of my biggest idols straight in front of me in 6th position, that was really cool!” he told Cult Moto.

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The speed wasn’t limited to the sand either, as Tøndel qualified 12th at both RedBud and Spring Creek. This challenges the common theory that European riders struggle in the AMA series due to limited track time. Unlike a typical MXGP weekend, the American schedule follows a one-day format with just two qualifying sessions. However, this wasn’t something the Norwegian found particularly challenging; it was the difference in high-speed race tracks that posed more of a test.

“The track time was not an issue for me! I get quickly into the track and I don’t need much time. I like to visualise and before I go on track I’ve already done many laps in my head. The tracks are way faster, and that was something I struggled with in the end of the races. Just to keep that intense focus at high speeds for that long.”

Whilst he entered his American trip fairly under the radar, Tøndel wasn’t surprised he showed top-ten contention, and he is eager to piece a plan together which allows him to race Stateside in the future.

“I would not say I surprised myself, because I knew I had top 10 speed in MXGP and I felt like I had that in AMA as well. Coming into the series with better preparation, better material and more experience I definitely think I would be a top 10 guy. For sure for 2026 I’m looking for a deal to come back again! It was a great experience and it’s always been a dream so I hope we can make it work!”

Unfortunately, a return to MXGP racing wasn’t so kind to Tøndel, as he sustained a broken ankle in a qualifying crash in Czechia, which recently required surgery.

“The surgery of my ankle went well and so far the recovery is going to plan. Still painful, but it will be 6 weeks before I can put any pressure on it so I have time. Then it’s expected another 6 weeks to get back to 100%.”