Team USA Registers Second-Overall Finish at 2024 FIM Motocross of Nations
The 2024 FIM Motocross of Nations, held from October 4-6 at Matterley Basin in Winchester, U.K., concluded with Team USA achieving an impressive second-place finish. Despite facing significant challenges due to injuries prior to the event, the American trio—comprising Eli Tomac, Aaron Plessinger, and Cooper Webb—demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill throughout the competition.
Team USA finished just three points behind the champions, Australia, who were led by the formidable Jett Lawrence, the 2024 AMA Supercross 450SX champion. This close finish underscored the competitive nature of the event, as both teams pushed the limits of their performance on the track.
Mike Pelletier, the AMA Director of Racing, praised the team’s efforts, noting, “This was a unique year for our Motocross of Nations team, as we battled injury and hardship even before arriving in the United Kingdom. Although we came up just short, we are grateful to Eli, Aaron, and Cooper for their efforts. They represented their country to the fullest and rode with great pride. We look forward to building on this result next year.”
Eli Tomac, filling in for the injured Chase Sexton, showcased his prowess in the MXGP Class, finishing with a strong result of 2-3 in the motos. His consistent performance placed him second overall, narrowly missing the top spot, which was claimed by Slovenia’s Tim Gajser, who dominated both motos.
Cooper Webb, stepping in for the injured Chance Hymas, faced a challenging day in the MX2 Class. Although he finished fifth overall with a moto score of 17-9, his determination shone through. The class was ultimately won by Dutch racer Kay de Wolf, who managed to secure a 6-5 finish across the motos.
Aaron Plessinger’s performance in the Open Class was also noteworthy. He fought valiantly to finish fourth overall after going 7-8 in his motos. However, the standout performance came from Jett Lawrence, who showcased exceptional skill and strategy, securing first place in the Open Class with an impressive 1-2 moto performance.
The collective efforts of Team USA were remarkable, especially given the pre-event adversities they encountered. The camaraderie and spirit of the team were evident as they rallied together, pushing through the physical and emotional challenges that accompany such high-stakes competition.
As the dust settles on this year’s event, the American riders are already looking ahead. Their focus now shifts to improving upon this performance for the next edition of the Motocross of Nations. The experience gained from this event will undoubtedly serve as a valuable asset in their preparation.
In summary, Team USA’s second-place finish at the 2024 FIM Motocross of Nations reflects not only their talent but also their determination and sportsmanship. With an eye towards future competitions, the team remains committed to building on this year’s achievements, aiming for that elusive first-place finish in the years to come.
