Destiny took a second shot at Team USA’s Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations prospects on Saturday, sidelining team captain and MXGP Class rider Chase Sexton with an injury, but another former American champion is joining the fight. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac will replace Red Bull KTM’s Sexton to keep America’s 2024 world title hopes alive.
Sexton’s injury, sustained at the final round of the American season in Las Vegas, came only three days after previous team member Chance Hymas confirmed he would be out with a tweaked knee. Following that stroke of bad luck, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb volunteered to race the MX2 class.
This leaves Open Class rider Aaron Plessinger with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing as the only original member on the 2024 roster. Team USA is managed by five-time Motocross World Champion Roger Decoster.
“Due to the unfortunate racing incident Chase was involved in at the final round of the season, I was the next one in line to take his place for Team USA,” Tomac said. “Aaron, Cooper and I are ready to give it our best effort at Matterley Basin. This is very short notice for my team, but we are going to make it happen!”
AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier thanked Tomac for joining the 2024 effort at the last minute.
“Yet again, a proud American motocross racer is stepping up to meet fate’s call,” Pelletier said. “Eli Tomac is one of the sport’s great champions, and it’s our honor to welcome him back to Team USA for the 2024 MXON. On behalf of the AMA and all U.S. motocross fans, I want to thank Eli for rising to the occasion and of course to wish Chase a speedy and complete recovery. I also want to acknowledge Star Racing’s commitment to scramble and thank them for providing another rider.”
The 31-year-old Tomac is a four-time American Motocross Champion and a two-time Supercross Champion. He raced the MXGP class in 2022 when Team USA won the MXON at Red Bud MX in Buchanan, Michigan. This year will be Tomac’s fifth time on Team USA on 4,5 and 6 of October in United Kingdom.
Words by AMA – Images courtesy of Infront Moto Racing
