What Will Team USA Look Like at Ironman After Deegan & Sexton Injuries?

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This was going to be the year. The year Team USA presented its best squad. The year we reclaimed the Chamberlain Trophy ON HOME SOIL.

Then, Las Vegas happened.

Chase Sexton, Eli Tomac and Haiden Deegan debuted their livery for the upcoming Motocross of Nations at Ironman ahead of the SuperMotocross Playoffs finale in Las Vegas. Maybe it was a bad omen. Or juju. Or… I don’t know. But things could not have gone worse for Team USA on Saturday.

First, Haiden Deegan suffered a broken collarbone in his attempt to take down Jo Shimoda in the final 250 race. Then, Chase Sexton had a very scary crash in the second 450 race and suffered a concussion and shoulder injury.

Now, it is very likely that the AMA is seeking not one, but two riders, to fill out the squad for this October.

Here are the Most Likely candidates:

Justin Cooper

On the Racer X Review podcast, JT, Weege and Matthes all seemed in alliance that it would be Justin Cooper dropping down to a 250 to fill the void left by Deegan. Why not Seth Hammaker, who just won the second moto in Vegas? Because Ham Dog is scheduled for shoulder surgery this Tuesday. Could he delay it? Maybe, but then that would push back his prep for 2026 and we all know Kawasaki USA aren’t the biggest fans of sending riders to the MXoN anyway.

Slaw’s Prediction: It will be Cooper dropping down.

RJ Hampshire

I think you have to make the call to RJ. He has been rock solid in his debut 450 Pro Motocross season. He bleeds red, white and blue and will literally run through a wall to win this event.

Or….

Cooper Webb

This dude stepped up when no one else would last year. Should that be rewarded? That’s the question, because Coop was injured most of Pro Motocross and hasn’t been his usual self in the Playoffs. WE all know Cooper will give 10000% effort at Ironman and would be a solid pick but…

Slaw’s Prediction: The AMA goes with Hampshire and Webb will be on standby in case another rider can’t race.