Cycle News Staff | September 19, 2024
In a wild turn of events, Cooper Webb has joined Team USA for the 2024 running of the Motocross of Nations at Matterley Basin Circuit in Winchester, U.K. on October 4-6. Webb is replacing Chance Hymas as the MX2 rider and is set to race a Yamaha YZ250F alongside the already-named Chase Sexton and Aaron Plessinger. The blue number-two hasn’t raced a 250 since 2016, the same year he last competed in the MXON.
“I’m so excited to be headed to MXON,” said Webb. “It’s a fire drill situation and decision, but I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity. I was asked to ride a 250, so I spun some laps on Haiden’s bike and remembered how good the YZ250F is. I haven’t raced one since 2016, but I felt right at home with the few laps that I did. I will be all in on 250 prep after Vegas SMX, and I’m excited for the opportunity to represent my country. Let’s do this!”
“We’re excited to race the Motocross of Nations again and represent the USA,” said Jeremy Coker, Star Racing Yamaha’s team manager. “It’s also great to have Coop ride one of our 250’s again. It’s been a while, but he was able to get some laps in and looked good. We’ll get straight back to work after the SMX finale this weekend and are looking to bring home another championship.”
Honda also issued a statement regarding Hymas’ condition:
“Despite riding with a torn ACL this season, Hymas has been able to perform at a high level, scoring the first overall victory of his professional career in Pro Motocross and tallying a total of four podium overall results and an additional four top-five overall finishes.
Unfortunately, Hymas aggravated the injury during the opening SuperMotocross round on September 7. With the goal of retaining his spot on Team USA for the October 6 MXoN, he pulled out of the remainder of the SMX series, but after further consultation, Hymas and his team have decided it is more prudent to have the injury repaired as soon as possible. Even though there was high confidence that, after two weeks off, he would be able to perform at a high level, the possibility of re-aggravating the injury and adversely affecting Team USA’s result was also a consideration.
Luckily, Star Yamaha and Cooper Webb have stepped up and volunteered to take Chance’s spot for the event, with Webb dropping down to a 250 from his usual 450. Everyone at American Honda wishes Team USA well. Meanwhile, Hymas will focus on returning to action in time for the 2025 AMA Supercross 250 East series.”