Recently-crowned Pirelli MX Nationals MXD champion Regan Duffy says there’s no additional pressure from Team Australia as he makes his Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) debut this weekend at just 17 years of age in the Open category.

The Raceline KTM Thor rider was drafted into the squad just two weeks ago following the withdrawal of MX2 World Championship regular Mitch Evans (Team Honda 114 Motorsports), the Queenslander currently recovering from a list of ongoing injuries sustained throughout the year.

Duffy, who was racing the Australian Junior Motocross Championship this time last year, dominated in the MXD category in 2019, and made a glowing performance at the Manjimup 15,000 aboard the 450, where he defeated a number of the country’s top premier class contenders.

“It’s going to be tough,” Duffy stated to MotoOnline.com.au. “From what I’ve heard, there are two jumps that you get a break on, and the rest is deep sand and getting drawn into the dirt. I like the long motos and I’ve always been pretty good with that, hopefully I can just keep my head and ride like I know how to.

“It’s going to be a good experience, and I’ve got no pressure or anything – the team knows I’m there filling the spot, so it’s not like they want me to go out and get a top five as Mitch probably would – it’s cool like that.”

The Western Australian will join three-time MX Nationals MX1 champion Dean Ferris (Raceline Recover8 KTM) and Kyle Webster (Penrite Pirelli CRF Honda Racing) in the green and gold at Assen in the Netherlands.