With the wrap up of the Pro Motocross Nationals, AMA has announced who will be representing Team USA 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. No surprise that 2024 Pro Motocross 450 and 2023 AMA Supercross 450SX champion Chase Sexton was tabbed to lead the charge. However the choice of Aaron Plessinger and Chance Hymas has fueled some Internet flames…
“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,” answers AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier. “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. “There is no greater honor than getting the opportunity to show your real patriotism on a world stage and represent your country overseas,” says Sexton, who will ride the MXGP class. “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. “I’m all in for the Red, White and Blue Team USA at MXoN 2024 in England,” says Plessinger who just wrapped up the outdoors nationals 3rd overall. “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country!”
AP adds, “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. This year I want redemption and just want it to be sweet. 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.”
