Team USA Riders React to the 2024 Motocross of Nations: Eli Tomac, Aaron Plessinger, and Cooper Webb Reflect on a Challenging Campaign
The 2024 Motocross of Nations (MXoN) has once again lived up to its reputation as one of the most anticipated and competitive motocross events on the global calendar. This year, Team USA brought together a powerhouse lineup: Eli Tomac, Aaron Plessinger, and Cooper Webb. With a wealth of talent and experience, many viewed the team as one of the favorites to claim the coveted Chamberlain Trophy. However, as the dust settled on the challenging tracks, it was clear that victory would not come easy. The riders reflected on the ups and downs of the weekend, the spirit of the competition, and the lessons learned for the future.
Eli Tomac, a multiple-time AMA Motocross and Supercross champion, has long been considered one of the most consistent and dominant forces in American motocross. Heading into the 2024 MXoN, Tomac was looked upon as the team’s veteran leader. His history with the event has been mixed, having experienced both the highs of winning and the lows of falling short, but his motivation remained the same: to bring home a win for Team USA.
After the event, Tomac spoke candidly about the challenges Team USA faced. “We came into this with high expectations, and we knew the competition would be fierce,” Tomac said. “It’s always a unique event because you’re racing not just for yourself but for your country, and that adds an extra layer of pressure. We had a strong team, but there were just some things we couldn’t control out there on the track.”
Tomac faced mechanical issues during one of his races, which hampered his performance and left him playing catch-up. “It’s tough when you run into problems like that, especially at a race as important as MXoN. I felt strong and had the pace, but things just didn’t click the way we needed them to. But at the end of the day, we gave it everything we had.”
The Colorado native expressed his pride in representing the USA and his belief in the team’s potential. “It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but we’re going to use this as motivation moving forward. We’ll learn from this and come back even stronger.”
Aaron Plessinger, known for his upbeat personality and resilience, was another crucial member of the 2024 Team USA squad. As the designated rider for the Open class, Plessinger knew that his versatility and ability to adapt to changing track conditions would be vital for the team’s success. Throughout the weekend, Plessinger showcased his skills in tackling the unpredictable European track, which was hit by rain and changing weather conditions.
“The track conditions were brutal,” Plessinger said with a chuckle, reflecting on the muddy and treacherous terrain that plagued several of the races. “But honestly, I thrive on that kind of challenge. I’ve always enjoyed the rough and technical tracks where you have to fight for every inch. That’s motocross at its core.”
Despite his optimism and strong riding, Plessinger also acknowledged the difficulties Team USA faced as a whole. “We had moments where everything seemed to be going our way, and then we’d hit a rough patch. That’s just how this event goes sometimes. It’s unpredictable, and you’ve got to be ready for anything.”
Plessinger took pride in his individual performance, but his focus remained on the team’s overall effort. “We came here as a team, and we’re leaving as a team. There were some races where I felt like I could’ve done better, but it’s all about learning from those experiences. The Motocross of Nations is a special event, and being part of it is always an honor.”
Cooper Webb, a fierce competitor with two AMA Supercross titles to his name, was making his return to the Motocross of Nations after several years away from the event. As the 450cc rider for Team USA, Webb brought his signature grit and determination to the table, ready to fight for every position.
After the races, Webb was characteristically direct in his assessment of the team’s performance. “We left everything out there on the track,” Webb said. “There were moments where we were right in the mix, and then there were times when things didn’t go our way. That’s racing. You can’t win them all, but you’ve got to keep pushing.”
Webb faced stiff competition from some of the best riders in the world, including European riders who were more familiar with the track conditions. “Racing against the Europeans on their home turf is always tough. They know these tracks, and they’re used to the conditions. But that’s what makes this event so special—it’s the best of the best from all over the world.”
Despite the setbacks, Webb remained optimistic about Team USA’s future in the event. “We’ve got a solid foundation, and we’ve got the talent. We just need to keep building on that. I know we’re capable of winning this thing, and we’ll be back next year hungrier than ever.”
While Team USA didn’t bring home the Chamberlain Trophy in 2024, the efforts of Tomac, Plessinger, and Webb were far from disappointing. The team faced numerous challenges, from mechanical issues to the ever-changing track conditions, but they never wavered in their commitment to giving their best for their country.
The Motocross of Nations is often regarded as the Olympics of motocross, with national pride and fierce competition on full display. For Tomac, Plessinger, and Webb, the 2024 edition of the event served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport and the importance of perseverance.
As the trio reflected on the weekend, they all shared a common sentiment: pride in representing Team USA and a burning desire to return stronger in the future. “We’re not done yet,” Tomac said with determination in his voice. “We’ll be back, and we’ll be fighting for that win.”
For motocross fans, the 2024 Motocross of Nations was yet another thrilling chapter in the storied history of the event. While Team USA may not have stood atop the podium this year, their riders showed heart, determination, and a never-give-up attitude—qualities that will undoubtedly fuel their pursuit of victory in the years to come.
