Team USA Scores Runner-Up Finish at MXoN Thriller at Matterley Basin
/ Oct 7, 2024 /
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac and Cooper Webb have a successful outing at the 2024 Motocross of Nations in Great Britain
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac and Cooper Webb answered the call on short notice to join Team USA’s title campaign at this year’s FIM Motocross of Nations at the Matterley Basin in Winchester, Great Britain. Together with fellow American Aaron Plessinger, the trio overcame adversity to finish just three points shy of victory. Tomac, the Team Captain, led the charge for the team, earning a 2-3 score and finishing second overall in the MXGP category. Webb also put in a strong ride aboard the YZ250F, coming back to finish 17th and ninth despite less-than-ideal gate picks, ending the day fifth overall in the MX2 category.
The 77th running of the event got underway with Friday’s opening ceremonies and gate pick draw, which unfortunately, Team USA drew 24th. Despite that less-than-ideal gate pick, the team finished seventh overall in Saturday’s qualifying, with Tomac finishing seventh in the RAM Qualifying Heat MXGP and Webb seventh in the RAM Qualifying Heat MX2.
On Sunday, Tomac got a great start to the first moto that included the MXGP and MX2 classes, and was inside the top five in fourth and fought his way to a runner-up finish. The team headed into the final moto in a good position to take the overall win. Tomac once again led the charge for the team and grabbed the holeshot. It was a thrilling battle for top honors, with the Colorado rider leading the first six laps before ultimately crossing the line third. Tomac’s efforts helped secure second overall for the team and earned a runner-up overall finish in the MXGP category.
Moving down to the MX2 class for Team USA to compete in his first race aboard the YZ250F in eight years, Webb had a strong showing. The North Carolina rider received the second gate pick for the team in both motos, which made for an uphill battle. Undeterred, Webb charged his way forward in the first moto from 23rd to 17th. In the second moto, he got a better start in 12th and rode to a ninth-place finish in the tricky conditions, earning a top-five overall finish in MX2.
Jeremy Coker – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager
“I’m so proud of our team. Everyone gave 100%, and both our guys rode great. We came here to win, so it’s disappointing to finish a few points shy of that. It was definitely challenging to come in here on short notice and make the trip to England, but everyone stepped up. We were able to fight for the win with some of the best riders in the world on a pretty gnarly track. So to leave here with second, in my eyes, it’s a win.”
Eli Tomac – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #22
“It was a strong effort from everyone. Coop, AP (Aaron Plessinger), we all stepped up and rode our hearts out, that’s for sure. It was a gnarly track. These GP tracks are tough. The ruts were pretty insane, and it was very technical riding. We were very close in points in the end. Second doesn’t sit well, but it is what it is. We all tried hard, and I’m proud of our team.”
Cooper Webb – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #23
“Today was crazy. The track conditions, and this event in general, is insane. I had an up-and-down day. The first moto wasn’t the greatest for me, but I redeemed myself in the second one. I felt like I rode really well that moto, put up a solid number and left it up to the boys. Overall, it was a great effort from the team. Everyone stepped up and did their part, and we were a few points away from winning it all. I’m happy with the podium. Obviously, the goal is to win, but I think with the cards that we were dealt, coming into this two weeks ago, this is a good result. I’m just stoked to have a good time, get on the podium, and come out of here healthy and ready for the new year.”
2024 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations Results
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