Image: Octopi Media.

Team USA will field Justin Cooper in MX2 alongside Eli Tomac and RJ Hampshire at this weekend’s 2025 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations (MXoN) after Haiden Deegan has been ruled out of Ironman.

Deegan underwent urgent surgery on a fractured collarbone sustained in Las Vegas’ 250SMX decider, aiming to retain his position on the American roster.

After attempting to ride this week, a late call has been made for the back-to-back Pro Motocross 250MX champion to sit out the race weekend.

“At this point, I have done everything in my power to race this weekend,” commented Deegan. “I rode today for the first time after my surgery to prepare for MXoN. After riding today and discussing with the team, it became clear that I couldn’t sustain my speeds at a winning level.

“The team has decided the best option is for me to fully recover and have Justin Cooper fill my spot. I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to representing the USA in the future when I’m healthy.

Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha teammmate Cooper – previously listed as a back-up option for the number five 250 class position – will instead take charge of the YZ250F in place of Deegan.

“I’m really excited to get the call and line up for Team USA this weekend at Ironman,” Cooper said. “It’s a bummer to see the injuries to both Haiden and Chase [Sexton] these past few weeks, but I’ve done my best to stay ready for this exact scenario.

“I only have a few days riding on the YZ250F, but I feel really good and was able to get back up to speed quickly. The MXoN has always been an event that I take a lot of pride in, so I can’t wait to get back out there with Eli and RJ and make America proud!”

With previous MXoN experience in 2023, Hampshire was called in directly following the SMX World Championship Final to replace the injured Chase Sexton. That switch prompted Team USA to move Eli Tomac into the MXGP seat, with Hampshire to contest the Open ranks.

The United States last won the Chamberlain Trophy in 2022 at RedBud, with now six-time representative Tomac and Cooper – due to make his third Team USA appearance – forming part of that winning effort alongside Sexton.