Eli Tomac will step in for Chase Sexton on Team USA for the 2024 Motocross of Nations (MXoN), scheduled for October 4-9, 2024, at Matterley Basin in the United Kingdom. This change follows an unfortunate injury Sexton sustained during a Lap 1 crash in Moto 1 at the SuperMotocross World Championship season finale in Las Vegas. Tomac will compete in the MXGP class, joining Aaron Plessinger (Open) and Cooper Webb (MX2) as Team USA’s representatives.
In a press release, Tomac expressed his readiness to step up: “Due to the unfortunate racing incident Chase was involved in at the final round of SMX, I was the next one in line to take his place for Team USA. 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!” His commitment highlights his dedication and the spirit of teamwork that defines the MXoN.
Tomac, a seasoned competitor with a wealth of experience, initially stepped back from consideration for the MXoN ride during the Pro Motocross season, recognizing Sexton’s accomplishments. However, during a post-race news conference following the SMX finale, he indicated he would be willing to discuss options with Team USA if needed. That conversation turned out to be brief, as the circumstances quickly evolved.
This year’s event will mark Tomac’s fifth appearance at the MXoN. He last raced in the event in 2022 at RedBud MX Park in Buchanan, Michigan, where he contributed to Team USA’s success by winning the combined MXGP and MX2 moto. His impressive performance allowed him to witness Sexton’s strong finishes from the sidelines, showcasing the depth of talent within the team. Tomac’s first foray into the MXoN came in 2013 when he helped Team USA secure a second-place overall finish in Germany, where he also earned a podium spot in one of his motos.
The injury to Sexton is a significant loss for the team, as he has been a strong contender in recent seasons. Jeremy Coker, Team Manager for Monster Energy Star Racing, noted the challenges ahead: “It was an unfortunate event that Chase was injured this past weekend at the SMX Final. Eli was asked to join Cooper and Aaron Plessinger, and he was willing to come on board on short notice. It’s going to take a lot of work from everyone on our team to make this happen, but Star Racing is happy to support both Eli and Cooper in this effort and represent our country at MXoN.”
As the event approaches, the pressure mounts for Tomac, Plessinger, and Webb to gel as a team quickly. The MXoN is known for its intense atmosphere and high stakes, with national pride on the line. Tomac’s experience will be invaluable as the trio prepares to compete against some of the best riders from around the world.
Despite the short notice and the challenges posed by Sexton’s injury, Tomac’s readiness to step in reflects the camaraderie and competitive spirit that characterize the MXoN. Fans are eager to see how Team USA will perform with this new lineup, and Tomac’s involvement adds an exciting dynamic to the event. The stage is set for a thrilling competition in Matterley Basin, where the spirit of motocross will be on full display.
