Swiss motocross standout Valentin Guillod made the trip stateside this summer to take on the legendary AMA Pro Motocross Championship. We caught up with him to hear about his experience racing in the U.S., how it compares to Europe, and how his gear kept him cool and confident through the toughest motos of the year.

1. What made you decide to race the AMA Pro Motocross Championship this summer?

It been always a dream to come race outdoor, I said once in my career I will do a race there. And here I am for the full 450 season and currently on P10 overall championship.

2. What’s been the biggest difference between racing in the U.S. and back home in Europe?

There is few different things, here with one day format it’s going very fast, to learn the tracks, adjust the bike and going for fast laps. The US tracks have more high speed as Europe, bigger jump, longer laps and deeper, softer ruts and bumps. The intensity is huge on the first few laps, because there is many possibilities to overtake, many lines in the corners. Sometimes in a corner 3 riders overtake you. This in Europe we don’t have it, there is less options. It’s very nice to see so many fans next to the tracks, cool to see American fans were following me in Europe and now they are happy I’m racing over here. I really like this championship. Unfortunately I’m struggling with the hot weather and humidity. In Europe with have 2-3 races who are extremely hot. 

3. The summer heat here is no joke. How did your ATR-3 help you stay focused in the heat?

No it’s no joke the heat… The new ATR-3 have a good ventilation system and the foam are absorbing good the sweat. But the most important it’s the best brain protection. That’s why I choose 6D, we can repair broken bones but we can’t repair a broken brain…

4. What’s been your favorite round or track of the series so far?

I enjoyed all those tracks, beautiful layout, big jumps. Maybe Millville because I did my best ever moto finish on P6. Also Redbud for the Larocco leap, I raced twice the Mxon (2018&22) but never jump it. This year I jumped it and it was sick.

5. What’s next for you after this U.S. stint and will we see you back here again?

My goal it’s to qualified straight for Smx, currently I am. It will be a nice experience if I can do it. 2026?? I want to race Supercross and Motocross full time. Let’s keep making good results to open doors for 2026.