Slaw
We finally have an answer on what Team USA will look like at the Motocross of Nations coming up next weekend at Ironman. And it comes with a surprise.
As we noted earlier this week, despite breaking his collarbone when he tried to block pass/take out championship leader Jo Shimoda in an attempt to gain more championship points and both riders went down at the SuperMotocross Playoffs season finale in Las Vegas, Haiden Deegan said in his Vlog he still wanted to race, in what would be his first appearance on Team USA.
Well, it is now official: the AMA announced on Thursday that Deegan will attempt to race next weekend.
Eli Tomac is healthy and fit and will race as expected. Chase Sexton is out after sustaining a concussion and shoulder injury in Vegas and will be replaced on the team by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s RJ Hampshire.
Deegan and Tomac’s Star Racing Yamaha teammate Justin Cooper has been tabbed as a backup and would drop down to the 250 Class if Deegan is unable to race.
“We’re deeply grateful to R.J. for stepping in at such short notice to represent his country,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “R.J.’s commitment and professionalism is outstanding, and I know he is honored and excited to represent the United States on home soil.”
Tomac will race in the MXGP class while Deegan will compete in the MX2 Class and Hampshire will seek victory in the Open Class.
“[I’m] really excited to get the chance to race for Team USA again! It’s an honor to race for this country and one I’ll never take for granted. Even if I wasn’t the first pick, I’ll always answer the call and give it everything I’ve got,” Hampshire said. “A lot went into making this happen last minute, and I can’t thank my sponsors and team enough for pulling it together. Ironman is one of my favorite tracks, and I’m fired up to battle in the front with this team!”
“I would like to offer a sincere appreciation to the versatile Justin Cooper for his unwavering dedication and professionalism,” Pelletier added. “Justin is continuing to train at the highest level in an effort to be ready at a moment’s notice and support his fellow countrymen. This speaks volumes about his character, work ethic, and commitment to the team. His effort behind the scenes does not go unnoticed and is a true unsung hero of the sport and Team USA.”
Deegan is going to get whipped
Why does that mouthy disrespectful little spoiled brat get away with that. And you ama let it happen with no consequences. My family has been involved with the ama since the 1930’s or whatever year it started. my grandfather was a legend. If he saw this he would roll over in his grave. Racers back in the day were men and would never do anything like this. And the ama would have had there ass if they did totally a disgrace to the sport. So disappointed. my son’s were 4th generation ama racers. I would never allow them to do anything like that. Nor would they want to. At a loss for words i can’t believe this was allowed. WOW
Also. And you want him to represent team USA in mxon after the whole world saw that. Again WOW
To everyone complaining that Deegs is still in It needs to take a step off their high horse people have raced like that for years and it is forgotten about almost instantly. He has brought such awareness to our sport and people continuing to watch week in and out on all forms of broadcast. We can all agree that, that kind of racing doesn’t have a place in our sport but he is a kid racing for a half a million dollars what 1 of us wouldn’t take someone out for that kinda money.
Loren. People with pride and great ability wouldn’t do that nor would they have to . We all know he’s the fastest in that class easy. But yet instead of just winning the race and let the chips fall however the finish. He goes down that road. spoiled rotten and apparently you to ,to condone that blatantly act of entitlement. Good thing your kids don’t race. You’d be the one yelling at other dads for what happened on the track. Lol
I am shocked he is still allowed to race after what he did. He is allowed to represent the USA? I don’t think he is a good role model and someone who should be representing this sport and country. It was disgusting watching him race the final event. Yes, many riders ride dirty, but that was the worst I have ever seen. Basically no punishment and being rewarded with this race. Nope, won’t be supporting that.
Relax chuck basney or who ever you R !!! Get a life
You Deegtards are the ones that need to get a life. You are living your life through a bully and a cheat. Just sad!!!