Justin Cooper has confirmed the 2025 US MXoN team saying Haiden Deegan is in for team USA despite that collarbone break alongside RJ Hampshire who will take Chase Sexton’s spot as they team up with the legend, Eli Tomac, with Cooper as the 250 back-up!
Cooper says he was in for the 450 or 250 ride, changed his plans but now things have changed with RJ taking the 450 spot and Deegan now back on on the 250 forcing Cooper into a back-up role for the 250 spot. But he is still all in and was even riding the 250 today just in case Deegan pulls out in the next few days.
Cooper said: “What’s up guys, just wanted to give everyone a quick update about Motocross of Nations. As of Sunday morning, I got invited to be on the team, whether it be MX2 or Open. I told them I was all in, changed my plans, here back in Tallahassee now. As of a few days ago, the plan was to either race the 450 or replace Haiden on the 250, given he’s not ready. As of now, the update is I’ve turned into the backup rider for the 250 class. So a little bit hard to swallow my pride there, but I felt like it would be the wrong thing to do if I were to back out completely”.
“So as of right now, I’m the backup 250cc rider in case Haiden isn’t ready. I just had my first day on the 250 here at the farm today. It went really well, got all the testing out of the way. I am just gonna go with the flow for now and be ready if they need me. If not, then I’m going to take some time off. But just want to give a big shout out to all my sponsors, all the gear companies that have gone through their struggles to get my gear ready in such a short period of time, and now it’s up in the air. So, I’ll do my best to be ready. And if I go, I go. If not, then at least I can say I tried. So that’s all for now”.
The AMA confirmed the news with the following press release:
As the United States aims to defend its homeland during the 2025 FIM Motocross of Nations on Oct. 3-5 in Crawfordsville, Ind., the American Motorcyclist Association announced that R.J. Hampshire will join the team.
Due to injury, Chase Sexton will no longer be able to compete for the United States at the 2025 Motocross of Nations. Filling his void is R.J. Hampshire, who will join Eli Tomac and Haiden Deegan on the team, managed by AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier.
“We’re deeply grateful to R.J. for stepping in at such short notice to represent his country,” 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.
Hampshire also brings a championship pedigree to the table, previously winning the 2024 AMA Supercross 250SX West title. He also enjoyed a strong showing in the 2025 AMA Pro Motocross season, finishing fifth in the 450 class, coming on the heels of his third-place finish in the 250SX East class during the 2025 AMA Supercross season.
“[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!”
Additionally, in support of Team USA, Justin Cooper is continuing to train to be prepared to ride if needed.
“I would like to offer our 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.”
The United States seeks its 24th Motocross of Nations title in 2025, having previously won the global competition in 2022 — the last time the Americans hosted the event.
