Just thinking out loud but is anyone else worried about Ironman this year? Assuming he has a clean season, Haiden is certainly the pick for 250’s. But what about 450 and unlimited? Everyone is pretty positive that Eli is changing bikes after summer so I would assume Yamaha wouldn’t be backing him for a one off race. Even if they would, effective contract dates with his new ride might deride that and I really can’t see him showing up on a KTM or Ducati with essentially zero seat time. Chase would probably be the choice as our second big bike guy but we know how Kawi feels about nations and it seems as though he will have probably burned every bridge with KTM before he’s gone. Plus, even if Kawi wanted him there, it’s the same as Eli and he’s probably not showing up on a brand new ride. So that leaves J Coop and AP? We know they’re both probably going to be solid top 5 guys this year and will be on the same bikes next year so the support would be there but man, what a bummer it’s going to be to not have Eli and Chase there. Especially considering Eli as fast as he is on that Yamaha right now and Chase being as great as he is when he’s having a good day. Without them there, I don’t see us having a chance. Anyways, that thought has been bouncing around in my head the last few days.
This was discussed in regards to sexton on some pod this week and whoever it was seemed confident he'd be on the KTM and it wouldn't be an issue.
All the usual excuses will magically not be an issue this year. Jcoop, mookie, AP, RJ, Webb etc so plenty of options to choose from.
I hope he’s in. But with any other group of riders, I don’t see them winning. None of those guys you listed will have the speed to hang with Eli and Jett this summer and that pace will be the benchmark for winning nations. Maybe Justin Cooper could pull it off if he got an insanely good start both motos but I just can’t see it haooening without Eli Chase and Deegan there.
Pulp mentioned it
Justin Cooper is so much better than what he’s given credit for. I’d be extremely happy and confident with Deegan and any combo of Sexton/Tomac/Cooper. Especially on home soil. With that being said, them Aussies will be very hard to beat if both Lawrence brothers are healthy and racing it.
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You all assume Deegan is going to be there. We all know his commitment to the MXON is non-existant. Add to that, if the best US 450 guys aren't going Deegan won't want to be on a b-team.
Was he invited before last year? He made it pretty clear that he needed that rod/pin/screw whatever taken out and if it wasn’t for that he wouldn’t have missed it. I do agree though that without either at least Chase or Eli there, he won’t want to go. Or maybe we see him step up regardless? I’d love to see how he stacks up against the 450 guys on that star 250.
I agree he’s good but this summer will be the tell all. If he can’t hold the pace that Jett and Eli are bound to have all summer then we know the answer. I think he would be a valuable asset for nations but I think we need Chase or preferably Eli there as well.
It’s gotta be Tomac, Sexton and Deegan. Anderson as first back up and J coop as second. Plessinger is awful and underperforms every time. Webb has had one good moto, his first one in 2015 and has never performed well at event after that.
Jcoop beat Eli in one of the two motos we've had this year lol......
Eli could show up on a pw50 and still be in contention.
As an Aussie, I'm hoping every contending nation brings their strongest team possible, looking forward to the battle and the boys defending the title. I hope Australia brings the same team but I think Hunter should be on the 250 and Kyle Webster on one of the 450s
Strong possibility of an all-star (Yamaha) MXoN team USA for ‘25. They will support Eli regardless of where he is going for ‘26. Coop has unfinished business and Haiden is the best MX2 rider in the world.
UM screw Deegan I personally don't want that douchebag representing us especially after refusing the last 2 years.
I understand your point of view, but we all know that the reality is he’ll be embraced with open arms.
That’s a tough call. Hunter has been outstanding in his MXdN appearances on a 250, but damn I wouldn’t like to be the one taking him off a 450 when you know he’s amongst the best starters and will always be competitive.
That’s always been the difficult thing for the Aussie team, we have to pick guys that don’t race AMA or MXGP and throw them in the deep end, often not in their preferred class.
Webster did the job asked of him last year, but man it can’t be understated just how big of an ask it is.
I'm already looking forward to that last moto! If all goes well and everyone healthy Febvre, Large Coenen, Herlings (back in form from injury hopefully) Gajser (hopefully) Lawrences, Eli, Chase
Hot damn
Hopefully Deegan,Eli and sexton. If sexton is a no than I'm all in on Justin cooper, he got a ton of shit last time he was picked and he crushed it.
If Jetts on the gate, Sexton is out.
Webster is riding so good at the moment, but put him back on a 250???
Pit Row
Don't waste your time with him all he does is bitch and hate on riders and their families, teams, tracks....pretty much anything not named the Hunta Bros....
I don’t know, I guess that’s a question for Kyle. He may be happy to do it again?
If he’s not. Would Hunter be willing?
I just hope they all get there healthy, although Jed wouldn’t be a step backwards either. Good spot to be in for once.
Even you guys that hate Deegan have to admit, Deegan racing MXON is going to be top tier entertainment on and off the track.
Deegan, Jcoop and Tomac. Easy for Star, and we have a solid starter, and 2 riders that can dice through the pack.
For the sake of the United States, do not send the cowboy again.
It’s clear that Eli is in a different mental state now days regarding his racing.
He knows that he has nothing more to prove and just seems to enjoy the atmosphere at the moment.
So with this being his last chance to ride a Des Nations on home soil, I firmly believe that he would line up on any brand just to be there.
You should fill in for him so we can see what a real douchebag looks like.
My reasoning is I feel Hunter is better on the 250 than Webster is, but I think either way it will still be a strong team.
We waited 2 years in a row……
Agree, I like AP, but he's not an MXoN guy. I'd rather have RJ. The time he went, he battled through the pack in both moto's. And he seems to be getting a little better starts on the 450. Although its a small sample size.
I do think the team will be Tomac, Sexton and Deegan if all healthy. Just feels like they will all find a way to be there on home soil.
Agreed. If I finally get to see Herlings ride and Deegan taking on the best of the MXGP riders in person, life will be complete. That does not mean I am a fan of Deegan, I am a fan of watching him ride. I would give anything to see him take on the best the MXGP circuit has to offer and see where the cards fall. If he is healthy and gets the call, you know he is going to ride the tires off of it.
Now if he gets the call and is healthy and does not go this year, I will be sipping a 40 in the ditch with my new homie Herr Lich, this has gotta be the year or the folks mocking him will be have been right. I don't care if he has teammates, Eli, he needs to go. Short of an injury, there is no excuses.
Speaking of Ironman, where should I sit and how early should I get there if anybody can throw out a suggestion? I would probably guess earlier than for a usual national, we got to Redbud pretty dang early in '22 and were lucky to get a decent place to park chairs, it seems like Ironman doesn't have the same layout and main seating area.
I suspect you’re right, but Hunter is also better on the 450, hence the conundrum.
I wouldn’t go as far to say jcoop doesn’t get credit. People know how good he is but he also lives and dies by his starts. He seemingly just matches the speed of the riders around him whether he starts 3rd or 10th.
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