Eli Tomac Steps in for Injured Chase Sexton on Team USA for Motocross of Nations: A Veteran’s Return
The world of motocross is buzzing with excitement and anticipation as Eli Tomac, one of the sport’s greatest icons, has been called upon to fill a critical void on Team USA for the upcoming Motocross of Nations (MXoN). Tomac’s return to the international stage comes under dramatic circumstances, stepping in for the injured Chase Sexton, who was originally slated to lead the team at the prestigious event. This development has heightened both the pressure and expectations for Team USA, as the squad prepares to defend their home soil at RedBud in Buchanan, Michigan, where the competition will be held.
Chase Sexton, who had a stellar year with a breakthrough victory at the AMA Supercross Championship, was eagerly awaiting his shot at leading Team USA at the MXoN. His inclusion as team captain reflected both his excellent form and his rising stature within the sport. However, a crash during training left him with a shoulder injury, ruling him out of contention. Sexton’s injury was a bitter blow, not just for him but for Team USA, as they were counting on his combination of speed, consistency, and technical skill to give them an edge in the highly competitive field.
Sexton expressed his disappointment through social media, sharing that it was a dream to represent his country at the MXoN, and missing out due to injury was “heartbreaking.” Nonetheless, the young rider remained supportive of his team and especially of Tomac, who would soon be filling his shoes.
Eli Tomac’s call-up to replace Sexton was met with widespread approval from the motocross community. Tomac is no stranger to high-pressure situations or the international stage. A two-time AMA Supercross Champion (2020, 2022) and a four-time AMA Pro Motocross Champion (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022), Tomac has long been considered one of the best in the world. His extensive experience, including representing Team USA in previous editions of the MXoN, makes him an ideal candidate to step into the role left vacant by Sexton.
For Tomac, the decision to come out of a planned reduced schedule in 2024 was not taken lightly. The 31-year-old rider had begun to scale back his racing calendar to focus on a select number of high-profile events, intending to wind down his illustrious career. However, the chance to ride for Team USA, especially at a venue like RedBud, proved too tempting to pass up. Tomac, known for his mental toughness and incredible fitness, is more than capable of delivering a top-tier performance, even with a late call-up.
Speaking about his return to the team, Tomac said, “It’s always an honor to represent the United States, and to do it again at RedBud, a place where I’ve had a lot of success, is very exciting. It’s unfortunate for Chase, and I know how badly he wanted to be here, but I’ll do my best to step in and deliver for the team.”
With Tomac stepping into the lead role, Team USA’s chances at the MXoN have been revitalized. The Motocross of Nations is often referred to as the “Olympics of Motocross,” bringing together the best riders from around the world to represent their countries in a series of grueling races. Team USA has a storied history at the event, with 22 overall victories, but they have not won since 2011. The drought has been particularly frustrating for American fans, who are desperate to see their team reclaim the title, especially at home.
At RedBud, one of the most iconic tracks in American motocross, Tomac is a known quantity. In the 2022 AMA Pro Motocross season, Tomac dominated at RedBud, showcasing his incredible pace and familiarity with the terrain. His ability to handle the challenging jumps, deep ruts, and high-speed sections makes him a strong contender for individual glory, while also contributing heavily to Team USA’s overall performance.
Team USA’s other riders, RJ Hampshire and Justin Cooper, also bring their own strengths to the lineup. Hampshire, known for his gritty performances in outdoor motocross, and Cooper, with his strong starts and consistency in the MX2 class, round out a formidable team. Together with Tomac, they form a balanced and versatile squad capable of taking on the world’s best.
While Tomac’s inclusion boosts Team USA’s chances, the competition at the MXoN will be fierce. Defending champions Team France will arrive with an extremely strong lineup, including Romain Febvre and Tom Vialle, while other traditional powerhouses like Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy will also be bringing world-class riders to the event. The unpredictable nature of the race format, which includes multiple classes (MXGP, MX2, and Open) and combined scores across different races, makes for a thrilling spectacle where anything can happen.
For Tomac, the key will be to avoid the kind of misfortune that has plagued Team USA in recent editions. Mechanical issues, crashes, and bad starts have all contributed to their underperformance in the past decade. However, with his wealth of experience, Tomac is well-equipped to lead the team through these potential pitfalls.
Eli Tomac’s return to the Motocross of Nations represents more than just a rider filling in for an injured teammate; it is a symbolic moment for American motocross. Tomac has been the face of the sport in the U.S. for much of the past decade, and his willingness to answer the call in what may be one of his final international races underscores his commitment to the sport and his country. Fans will be eager to see if he can help break the 12-year MXoN title drought for Team USA.
The stakes are high for Tomac and Team USA, but if there’s one rider who can thrive under pressure, it’s Eli Tomac. With the world watching and RedBud’s home crowd behind him, Tomac is poised to deliver yet another legendary performance.
As the Motocross of Nations approaches, all eyes will be on RedBud and Team USA’s trio. With Eli Tomac stepping in for Chase Sexton, the dynamics of the competition have shifted, but the goal remains the same: to bring the Chamberlain Trophy back to the United States. Tomac’s addition to the team has reignited hope, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see if the veteran rider can lead Team USA to victory on home soil. The upcoming MXoN promises to be a thrilling showdown between the best riders in the world, and with Tomac in the mix, Team USA is once again a force to be reckoned with.
