Ryan Nitzen | August 28, 2024
Team USA has been announced for the 2024 running of the Motocross of Nations, held at Matterley Basin, England on the 4th, 5th & 6th of October. Chase Sexton, Aaron Plessinger, and Chance Hymas are set to line up for Team USA as the three American riders. Sexton and Plessinger will compete in the MXGP and Open divisions, with Hymas competing as the MX2 entry. Be sure to scroll to the end to see a full PR from the AMA.
Sexton and Plessinger are set to headline the two 450 spots on Team USA. Photo: KTM
Once again Team USA is named later in the year than the traditional Unadilla announcement. Some speculation came as to whether Eli Tomac would be up to speed or event want to compete in the event. He pulled his name out of the running after the Pro Motocross season finale saying he, “felt that Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger, who was second overall to his teammate Chase Sexton, had earned the position on Team USA over the summer.”
Eli Tomac withdrew his name from the running after Ironman.
Sexton was the obvious choice as he clinched the Pro Motocross championship at Ironman Raceway. He raced for the winning Team USA back in 2022 at Red Bud and will compete alongside current Red Bull KTM teammate Plessinger. AP rode for Team USA last year in France with Americans Christian Craig and RJ Hampshire.
Sexton competed on the winning team back in 2022 with Plessinger racing last year in France. Photo: KTM
No disrespect to Hymas but many will be wondering why Haiden Deegan wasn’t selected. The AMA gave Deegan a deadline to make his decision but a looming wrist surgery impacted his team’s choice to send him. If you remember, Deegan wore a wrist brace earlier this year during Supercross and is said to be getting hardware removed during the offseason.
Deegan is out for Team USA. He needs a wrist surgery during the off-season schedule.
“I have hardware in my wrist that needs to be taken out after Smx and will have to heal,” Deegan announced via Instagram. “The team has made the decision to not let me attend the mxon to make sure I can make pre season training this year on time to give me the best chance at a sx title, so don’t get it confused I’m a racer and wanted to race, and if the opportunity comes up in the future I’d be stoked to do it”
Kitchen was technically the second-best American in 250MX points.
Levi Kitchen was the next best American rider in the Pro Motocross points, finishing third in the 250MX class, one spot up on Hymas. Kawasaki is notorious for not sending their riders abroad and with an all-new 2025 KX250 on the horizon, the brass at Team Green likely pulled the plug on this. Plus, Kitchen did twist his knee at Ironman and announced he’ll be resting up until the first round of SMX. Could this play a factor, who knows.
Chance Hymas is the MX2 pick for the Americans.
Chance Hymas finished fourth in 250MX points, notching eight moto podiums during his breakout 2024 campaign. Honda HRC is a usual supporter of the MXON, just think of the Lawrences and Sexton in recent years past, and was likely an easy call to send their main 250 rider. This will be the first MXON appearance for the Idaho native.
The following press release is from the AMA:
A trio of top-flight motocross racers will represent the United States at the 2024 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Motocross of Nations, which will be held Oct. 4-6 at Matterley Basin in Winchester, U.K.
Leading the charge for the United States will be 2024 Pro Motocross 450 and 2023 AMA Supercross 450SX champion Chase Sexton, who will be joined by fellow AMA Supercross competitors Aaron Plessinger and Chance Hymas during the three-day event.
“This team has the shared mission of bringing the United States back to the top of the podium on the world stage, and will fight hard to accomplish that goal,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “We have brought together three outstanding racers that are eager to represent their country. I cannot wait to see what we accomplish this year as a team.”
Sexton — who aided the United States to the 2022 Motocross of Nations title — will take over as team captain for Team USA this year and will compete in the MXGP Class for the stars and stripes.
“There is no greater honor than getting the opportunity to show your real patriotism on a world stage and represent your country overseas,” Sexton said. “I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a winning Team USA before, and there’s no greater feeling than standing on top of the podium waving the red, white and blue. I’m lucky enough to get that chance to do it again this year alongside two great teammates.
“I couldn’t ask for a more America-loving teammate than Aaron, who I know will give it his all as he has all season,” Sexton continued. “Chance I know well and he has shown a lot of speed all season long, so looking forward to building the bond with the boys and vie for the top spot in the UK in a few weeks.”
Plessinger returns to the Motocross of Nations for the second-consecutive year and will battle for glory in the Open Class.
“Man, I love America! I am so happy they have asked me to be part of Team USA again. Last year was bitter-sweet for me. Bitter we didn’t win but sweet because I got to put my money where my mouth was and show up with my American spirit on full display,” Plessinger said.
“This year I want redemption and just want it to be sweet,” Plessinger added. “I get to represent my country on the world stage alongside my teammate Chase, which is just awesome. And I look forward to getting to know Chance even more and hopefully some of my Americana will rub off on him. Let’s go USA!”
At just 19 years old, Hymas is the youngest member of the team, but the significance of the event is not lost on the budding motocross star. Hymas will race on behalf of the United States in the MX2 Class.
“It’s an honor to be chosen to represent team USA this year. It’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember to race Motocross of Nations,” Hymas said. “It means so much to get the support from Team Honda HRC and the AMA. I can’t thank Mike Pelletier enough for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to go represent my country against the best in the world!”
The United States will once again be led by motocross legend and team manager Roger DeCoster, who competed on six victorious FIM Motocross of Nations teams during the 1960s and 70s. Since his retirement from racing, DeCoster has remained an integral part of the sport as a team manager for several AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross teams. DeCoster has led the United States to 21 FIM Motocross of Nations team victories.
“I’m pleased we are able to put forward another strong contingent of riders at this year’s 2024 Motocross of Nations. All three riders were quick to sign on for the opportunity to represent their country and fly the red, white and blue flag for Team USA in the UK,” Decoster said. “Chase, Aaron and Chance all had extremely strong Motocross seasons this year and earned their positions on the team.
“I want to thank Honda for answering the call and showing unwavering support for Chance’s first time selection as part of the team and KTM for always supporting the Des Nations efforts,” DeCoster continued. “It really is and should always be the greatest honor to represent your country on the international stage and I have the utmost respect for any rider and team that steps up to the challenge. With this group of three highly patriotic and talented racers, I have high hopes we will be waving the USA flag from the top step of the podium this year.”
