Cooper Webb to Replace Chance Hymas as Team USA’s MX2 Rider at MXoN
In quite the turn of events, Team USA has provided an update to its 2024 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations roster. Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas was set to race the MX2 class aboard a CRF250R, but he tweaked his already partially torn ACL at the first SMX Playoff round and now the injury will require surgery. There were rumors of which rider would replace Hymas on USA’s roster.
Today, the American Motorcyclist Association has confirmed Cooper Webb will in fact be the replacement MX2 rider. Haiden Deegan has been ruled out for a few weeks now as he said he needs surgery to fix a wrist injury from earlier this year. Webb has put his hand up when asked to race the event (he competed for the U.S. in 2015 and 2016 as a member of Star Yamaha) and did so again this year after the news that Hymas was officially out due to surgery. Racer X has learned that Webb rode the bike this week and liked it, so he is officially in with Chase Sexton (MXGP) and Aaron Plessinger (Open).
The following is a press release from the American Motorcyclist Association:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Chance Hymas of Team Honda HRC Progressive will be unable to compete at the 2024 FIM Motocross of Nations, which is slated to run Oct. 4-6 at Matterley Basin in Winchester, U.K.
Filling in for the young rider is two-time AMA Supercross 450SX Champion Cooper Webb of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing. The 28-year-old racer has captured 25 career AMA Supercross 450SX wins, ranking 10th all-time in wins at the highest level of the sport.
“I would like to thank Chance Hymas and Team Honda HRC Progressive for their support of Team USA,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “We wish Chance a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back racing in 2025. We appreciate Cooper Webb and the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team for stepping up and answering the call to help Team USA.”
This marks Webb’s first appearance at the FIM Motocross of Nations since 2016, where he led the United States to a runner-up finish as team captain. This year, Webb will represent Team USA in the MX2 Class.
“I’m so excited to be headed to MXON. Obviously, a fire drill situation and decision but I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity,” Webb said. “[I] was asked to ride a 250 so I spun some laps on Haiden Deegan’s bike and remembered how good the YZ250F is. I haven’t raced it since 2016 but felt right at home with the few laps I did. I will be all in on 250 prep after Vegas SMX and excited for the opportunity to represent my country.”
Webb joins team captain Chase Sexton — the 2024 Pro Motocross 450 and 2023 AMA Supercross 450SX champion — and fellow AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross star Aaron Plessinger on Team USA.
The American Motorcyclist Association thanks Team Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Team Honda HRC Progressive and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing for their support of Team USA’s Motocross of Nations efforts as they seek to bring home the Chamberlain Trophy once again.
To help support the 2024 U.S. Motocross of Nations team, visit www.raiseit4usa.com/.
The following is a Yamaha press release:
Webb Joins Team USA for 2024 MXoN
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb to represent the U.S. and compete for top honors at this year’s Motocross of Nations
MARIETTA, Ga. – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing is excited to announce that Cooper Webb will join Team USA and race the MX2 class aboard the YZ250F at the 2024 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Motocross of Nations. The team and the five-time Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Champion are proud to represent the U.S. at the event with a rich history, which will be held this year at the Matterley Basin Circuit in Winchester, U.K. on October 4-6.
Jim Roach – Yamaha Racing Department Manager for YMUS
“It is exciting that Cooper Webb will be representing the USA and Yamaha Racing at the Motocross of Nations this year aboard our YZ250F. Cooper has raced MXoN before, and his experience will be very beneficial to Team USA.”
Jeremy Coker – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager
“We’re excited to race the Motocross of Nations again and represent the USA. 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.”
Cooper Webb – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“I’m so excited to be headed to MXON. 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!”
