Image: Octopi Media.

Scheduled knee surgery for Chance Hymas has resulted in him withdrawing from the 2024 Motocross of Nations (MXoN), with Cooper Webb drafted in onboard a YZ250F as Team USA’s MX2 entry.

Hymas aggravated an existing knee injury during Charlotte’s opening round of the SuperMotocross postseason and will have his ACL injury operated on later this month.

“I’m absolutely gutted,” Hymas said. “I have waited for the opportunity to represent my country at MXoN since I was a kid. I was proud and excited to wear the red, white and blue. I was doing everything in my power to be ready for MXoN, but I’ve been battling issues with my knee this entire season.

“The team and myself decided the stakes are too high to take chances at the MXoN, and I need to get my knee fixed for the future. My sole focus now is getting back to top form and being prepared to compete for championships in 2025. I want to say thank you to Cooper for stepping up and taking my place. I’ll be rooting for him and Team USA from back home. Thank you!”

Webb will join Chase Sexton (MXGP) and Aaron Plessinger (Open) at Matterley Basin in the UK on October 4-6. He last contested MXoN in 2016 at Maggiora, Italy, as Team USA’s MXGP entry, finishing fifth in class as the American team earned the bronze medal overall. That same season was his final year in the 250 class, winning the 250MX and 250SX West titles with Star Racing.

“I’m so excited to be headed to MXoN,” Webb commented. “It’s a fire drill situation and decision, but I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity. I was asked to ride a 250, so I spun some laps on Haiden [Deegan]’s bike and remembered how good the YZ250F is.

“I haven’t raced one since 2016, but I felt right at home with the few laps that I did. I will be all in on 250 prep after Vegas SMX and I’m excited for the opportunity to represent my country. Let’s do this!”