Feature Story
Full Circle: Cornelius Tøndel’s American Dream
From Norwegian Fan to Monster Energy® Kawasaki Fill-In Rider
For as long as Cornelius Tøndel can remember, racing in the United States has represented the ultimate goal. Growing up in Norway, thousands of miles away from the stadiums and tracks where the world's best riders competed, Tøndel developed a passion for watching the American motocross and supercross livestreams, rather than simply following results. Years before he would ever have the opportunity to line up against those same riders, he was studying their races and imagining what it would feel like to one day become part of the championship he admired from afar. Now, after stepping in as Monster Energy® Kawasaki's fill-in rider for injured Chase Sexton, Tøndel has found himself living out his childhood dream.
The opportunity came together through a combination of timing, preparation, and initiative. Looking to add a fill-in rider for the remainder of the AMA Pro Motocross season, Monster Energy Kawasaki sought someone who could transition seamlessly into the program, while providing valuable feedback alongside Garrett Marchbanks. Already competing aboard a Kawasaki without any contractual or sponsor conflicts, Tøndel checked each of those boxes. The Norwegian rider also took the initiative himself, approaching Crew Chief Theo Lockwood about the possibility of filling the open position. For both sides, it proved to be a natural fit, giving Tøndel the opportunity to realize a lifelong dream while providing the team with another experienced perspective as it continues developing.
Tøndel’s transition into a new team in the middle of the season has come with plenty of challenges, but he says the support from everyone around him has made the experience a memorable one. "Racing in the USA has always been a dream of mine…to be able to race here and get this opportunity in less than a year is amazing. I felt extremely welcomed into this team, and everyone has been putting loads of work in to make me feel comfortable." With connecting to the team comes connecting with the sport itself, which was built over years of dedication and curiosity. Tøndel first started racing dirt bikes when he was just six years old, and what began as a childhood interest quickly became something that shaped the way he understood the sport. Rather than only watching current races, he spent countless hours revisiting past seasons and studying the riders, racecraft, and moments that defined different eras of competition. By the time he arrived in America, he was entering a championship he had spent years following from the other side of the Atlantic. "Whenever I was bored, I would watch a race from the past," Tøndel explained. "I've watched pretty much every heat race, main event and moto since 2009." Among all of those races, one moment continues to stand out above the rest: James Stewart's unforgettable ride at the 2014 Toronto Supercross. For Tøndel, it represents one of those performances that captures everything he loves about racing: the speed, intensity, and ability for a rider to create a moment fans remember years later. "Everyone who watched that race knows exactly what I'm talking about," he said. "I've maybe watched it 20 times myself."
While earning the opportunity to race in America has been a lifelong goal, adapting to a new environment has required patience and adjustment. Coming from Norway, where freezing temperatures and long winters are a normal part of life, Tøndel quickly learned that the biggest challenge would not necessarily be the competition itself, but the climate. "When I was a kid, we would have insanely cold track days…which has shaped me a lot. A mud race doesn't scare me," he explained. Despite growing up in difficult riding conditions, the heat and humidity found throughout the United States presented a completely different challenge than he grew up riding in. Although, after spending time training in Georgia, he feels his body has adapted well. "The heat for sure," Tøndel said when asked about the biggest adjustment. "My body needed some time to get used to it. But now, after spending some time in Georgia, I feel like I adapted well to it."
The journey to America has also brought new experiences away from the track, while allowing Tøndel to carry pieces of home with him. Coffee has long been part of everyday life in Norway, where long winters and limited daylight make it a familiar tradition, but his appreciation for espresso grew even further after spending several years living in Italy. There, coffee became less of a simple routine and more of a cultural experience, and he continues to enjoy it as he settles into life in the United States. "In Norway, we barely have daylight in the winter, and it's very cold, so we drink loads of coffee," Tøndel said. "Over the years, the coffee switched more specifically to espresso. That came after living in Italy for a couple years, where coffee is basically a religion." Now, you can find him enjoying a good espresso shot religiously before every moto, embracing that same cultural experience he had back home.
As fans continue getting to know the newest member of the Monster Energy® Kawasaki team, Tøndel hopes they see the person behind the helmet just as much as the rider. Results will always be an important part of racing, but he believes the relationships built throughout the journey are equally meaningful. His goal is to be remembered as someone who treats people well and appreciates the opportunity in front of him, saying that "I hope the industry thinks I am a nice guy. I always try to be friendly to the people around me,” which serves as a mindset that reflects the path that brought him here. From a young rider watching supercross from Norway, to competing in the championship himself, Tøndel's journey serves as a reminder that big dreams often begin long before they become reality. His advice to young riders is simple: continue believing in the goals that inspire you, even when the path toward them seems uncertain. "Keep dreaming," Tøndel said. "Even when things seem really far away or unreachable, keep going for your goals." After years spent watching the sport from a distance, Tøndel is no longer imagining what it would be like to race in America, because he’s finally experiencing it firsthand.
