Fenton, MI — June 30, 2026
While almost the entire global population is focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, another international event is drawing the attention of motocross enthusiasts worldwide. Especially here in Michigan, where 14-year-old Joseph Vicari has been named to represent Team USA in the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship.
“The American Motorcyclist Association has set its roster for the 2026 United States Junior Motocross Team at the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship, running July 4-5 in Jinín, Czech Republic. Joey Vicari, Chase Brennan, and Austin Keller will compete on behalf of the Stars and Stripes in the 85cc class in the event.” (AMA press release)
Joey told The Lasco Press, “I am overwhelmed with pride representing Team USA and all my sponsors on a global stage. I am so excited to race the best amateur motocross racers in the world.”
If the Vicari name sounds familiar, Joey’s family owns the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group. With locations throughout Michigan, including Andiamo Pasta + Chops right here in downtown Fenton since 2019. Joey’s father, Dominic Vicari, is the group’s operating partner.
The Lasco Press has reported on Joey’s accomplishments as he has competed at numerous events, drawing hundreds of top young amateur riders from across the country and the world. Including the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, the Thor Mini O’s (Winter National Olympics) at Gatorback Cycle Park, and the Daytona Amateur Supercross inside the iconic Daytona International Speedway.
We share Joey’s excitement and wish him the best of luck as he chases his motocross dream. The Lasco Press will update this story as the championship weekend unfolds, and Joey has promised us an interview when he and his family return from Europe.
What is the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship
“The world’s brightest young Motocross talents are bound for the Czech Republic this weekend as the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship arrives at the historic circuit of Jinín on the 4th & 5th of July, with all the action from Sunday’s finals broadcast LIVE on MXGP-TV.com! Fans across the globe can cheer on their nation’s riders from home and discover the names that could shape the future of the sport.
A record-breaking entry underlines the event’s booming global appeal, with more than 282 riders from 40 nations descending on Jinín – 100 in the 125cc Junior World Championship, 94 in the 85cc class, and 88 in the 65cc Junior World Cup. Alongside host nation Czech Republic and European powerhouses such as France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain and Great Britain, riders from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa, Colombia and Costa Rica line up, while Uganda, Mongolia, Israel, Indonesia and the Philippines complete a truly worldwide grid.
Following the devastating earthquake that has struck Venezuela, the Venezuelan Team will be unable to attend the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship in Jinín. The entire MXGP paddock stands in solidarity with the riders, their families, and the Venezuelan people as they face this difficult time.” Report Courtesy of MXGP.com
About Jinin Czech Circuit
Located in the south-west of the country, around 130km south of Prague and close to the borders of Germany and Austria, Jinín is one of eleven Czech circuits to have hosted World Championship Motocross. Its hard-pack surface is typical of the region and will reward the riders with the technique to master its slick, ever-changing grip.
Jinín staged five Grands Prix between 1995 and 1999 – two in the 125cc class, one 500cc, and two 250cc. The roll of honor reads like a who’s who of the sport: Alessio Chiodi (Italy, Yamaha) won the 125cc in 1995; Sébastien Tortelli (France, Kawasaki) took the 125cc in 1996 – the year Paul Malin claimed the opening moto for the only Grand Prix race win of a season that ended with him runner-up in the Championship! Sweden’s Peter Johansson gave Yamaha the 500cc win in 1997 as the venue’s only four-stroke victor, before Germany’s Pit Beirer (Honda) won the 250cc in 1998 and Frenchman Frédéric Bolley (Honda) did likewise in 1999.
The circuit also hosted five Sidecarcross Grands Prix between 1996 and 2008. In June 2014, it welcomed an EMX85 Regional Qualifier won by a certain Jorge Prado in the 85cc class, with Dane Rasmus Pedersen victorious in the 65cc class.
Jinín is no stranger to the World Juniors, either, having staged the event twice before. In 2013, Pauls Jonass won the 125cc class, Conrad Mewse the 85cc – with a young Hunter Lawrence second! – and American Aiden Tijero, the 65cc, all aboard KTMs. Back in 2005, when the event featured just two classes, Belgium’s Dennis Verbruggen won the 125cc on a Yamaha and England’s Steven Clarke the 85cc on a Suzuki. With that pedigree, this weekend’s winners will be joining illustrious company. (Courtesy of MXGP.com)
The Format and How to Watch
The two-day event splits Qualifying on Saturday 4th July from the main Championship races on Sunday 5th July. Each of the three classes – 125cc, 85cc, and 65cc – will be divided into two groups for Free and Qualifying Practice, with Saturday’s program closing with the Last Chance Races for those who miss out on automatic qualification. An additional race for each class will take place on Sunday morning for all riders not qualified for the main races. Adding to the racing experience for the young riders making the trip to Jinin.
Every race will be broadcast LIVE on MXGP-TV.com on Sunday.
