After the withdrawal of Star Yamaha didn’t only hurt the USA but also Australia, New Zealand and the event in general with no Deegan, Davies or Minear, the US team have still managed to put togather a trio of top talent for the event and surely they will still be in the mix for a podium if things go well!
Team USA’s presence always makes the event better and allows the individual battles of MXGP and AMA to add extra flavour and talking points to the event, so I think everyone inside and outside the USA including InFront Moto Racing, should be thankful to AMA and the three riders, Levi Kitchen, Chance Hymas and Cooper Webb to raise their hand, offer zero excuses and step up for the stars and stripes.
With that backdrop, it leaves the trio in a nothing to lose and everything to gain situation, something that is pretty rare for the USA. Cooper Webb has the experience of several MXoN now and raced impressively at Ernee a decade ago, running up front as he stepped up to a 450 for the even and battled Romain Febvre who had just won the MXGP title back in 2015.
This time Webb will be stepping into the event on a new team and a new machine with the expected switch from Star to Team Tedder on a Husqvarna allowing Webb to race this event before taking a trip across the channel to race WSX in the UK the weekend after.
Webb is racing both events with little prep time! So fair play to Cooper Webb, who has had a strong outdoors series as he says goodbye to the great outdoors and will sign off his outdoor career at the biggest outdoor event on the plant wrapped in team USA colours, right back at the circuit that he first race for America – quite the full circle moment! When Webb is locked in there are few more determined and he will certainly be locked in that weekend.
Levi Kitchen and Chance Hymas are the fastest two US riders in the 250 class so they are no brainers under the circumstances to be chosen. Levi Kitchen certainly has no speed issues the only question is can he get the starts? In some ways, being a taller rider, it is maybe surprising he is not the one moving up to the 450 class but Hymas will be armed with the 450 Honda, maybe the best factory machine there is and with his Budds Creek win, his confidence is back and his pace is high, as we saw with Jo Shimoda last year as well as Liam Everts, these guys can adapt to a 450 quickly and be very competitive instantly, I expect the same from Hymas, he has the talent to do the job.
A podium is certainly within reach but now we all have to keep our fingers crossed that none of the riders get injured at Ironman or the three SMX rounds – remember Deegan last year? This time America may struggle to find a replacement given their current predicament but, as things stand, this is a strong team and they should be taken seriously!
Levi Kitchen: What an honor it is to be selected to represent our amazing country. I’m so excited for this experience and to do it with a great group of people. Can’t wait to send it for Team USA!”
Chance Hymas: I’m beyond excited to get the opportunity to race for Team USA in the MXGP class. It means everything to me and has been a dream of mine to carry the Stars and Stripes overseas and represent our country in front of the world. We have a strong team heading to France this year, and I’m confident between Cooper, Levi, and myself that we’ll represent America proudly.”
Cooper Webb: “I’m so excited and grateful to be on Team USA for MXoN again. It’s an honor and always has been,” Webb said. “We are moving mountains on my end to make this even happen and I can’t thank everyone involved enough for what they are doing to even have me be able to race this event. The preparation, resources, time and money that goes into making this happen is crazy so thank you to everyone for doing their part.
“I’m personally excited as this will be my last year racing Pro Motocross and I know this could be my final time for this event, so I’m ready to lay it all out there,” Webb continued. “I love the pressure and atmosphere this race brings; there is nothing like it. Best race in the world, and I’m excited to put our best foot forward. It’s an honor to represent my country!”
