Eli to the Rescue...In for MXoN

Tomac in for Team USA’s 2024 MXoN Campaign

 Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac joins Cooper Webb and Aaron Plessinger to make another Team USA title run at this year’s Motocross of Nations

MARIETTA, Ga. – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing is excited to announce that Eli Tomac will join Team USA and race the MX1 class at the 2024 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Motocross of Nations (MXoN). With the support from Yamaha and Star Racing, the eight-time Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Champion answers the call to fill in for the injured Chase Sexton. Captain of the 2022 MXoN title-winning Team USA, Tomac joins Cooper Webb and Aaron Plessinger to battle for top honors at the Matterley Basin Circuit in Winchester, U.K., on October 4-6. 

Eli Tomac – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing

“Due to the unfortunate racing incident Chase was involved in at the final round of SMX, I was the next one in line to take his place for Team USA. Aaron, Cooper and I are ready to give it our best effort at Matterely Basin. This is very short notice for my team, but we are going to make it happen!”

Chase Sexton Faces Growing Concerns Over Potential Broken Hand!

Chase Sexton night at the SuperMotocross World Championship Finals in Las Vegas ended prematurely due to a significant hand injury sustained during the first moto. As the race commenced, Sexton struggled with his start and found himself in a precarious position within the pack. Unfortunately, as he exited the first rhythm lane, he collided with Justin Barcia, who landed on him, causing the injury that would ultimately sideline him for the remainder of the event.

Following the incident, Sexton attempted to ride but was unable to continue, leading team manager Ian Harrison to confirm that he would not compete in Moto 2. The severity of the injury raised immediate concerns about his participation in upcoming events, including the Motocross of Nations. Reports from those at the track indicate that there are fears Sexton may have broken his hand, which would complicate his recovery and future racing plans.

Saddleback Park...Sucide Mountain

RJ skyshots Sucide Mountain

SMX Results Tell the Story...WC Pro Launch Wins!

1. Jett Lawrence 2. Hunter Lawrence 3. Eli Tomac

Most Important Weapon for SMX

Starts are always important but at the SMX races they have proven to be critical. The hybrid tracks are proving to be difficult to make passes. The top riders are always looking for an edge, HRC and Star Yamaha have found one. The Works Connection Pro Launch device is the chosen start device for the Lawrence brothers and for Eli Tomac. Race results tell the story! Get yours at www.worksconnection.com

Hand injury rules Sexton out of final SMX moto

The KTM rider's bid for the championship ended on lap one of the first moto.

Image: Octopi Media.

Red Bull KTM’s Chase Sexton is out for the rest of the SuperMotocross World Championship final due to a hand injury sustained from being landed on in the first moto of the night.

The incident happened when Sexton attempted to roll to the inside of the rhythm section on the opening lap of the first moto, only to be landed on by Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GasGas’ Justin Barcia. Sexton came to a stop and held his hand for several moments before continuing on and pulling off the track at the tail end of the first lap.

With Sexton now out of the final moto of the night, his bid for the SMX Championship is now over and it also raises concerns over his health heading into the Motocross of Nations in two weeks.

Further updates will be made available on the condition of his hand once made available from the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team.

Jett Again at SMX

Back-to-back 450SMX Titles for Jett Lawrence

Motoonline.com Post: Kellen Brauer

The Honda rider sweeps the finale to repeat as champion.

Image: Octopi Media.

With an emphatic 1-1 sweep at the Las Vegas finale, Jett Lawrence repeated as 450SMX World Champion. Lawrence would tie on points with his brother Hunter, but Jett claimed the title due to the better result at the final round.

Lawrence had to catch and pass Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac in the first moto to take the win, and it put the pressure on his brother to perform in moto two. Hunter Lawrence needed to win with Jett getting third or worse to win the overall and secure the title. Hunter would follow Jett the whole moto but ended up P2 in the moto, the overall, and the championship.

The night was somewhat marred by Red Bull KTM’s Chase Sexton pulling out for the night after being landed on in the first moto. No information is available on the extent of Sexton’s injury at this time and further news will be posted at a later date.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac rounded out the podium on the night going 2-3 just behind Hunter. Tomac was just a tick off in both motos from having the speed to win, but ultimately landed on the podium at all three rounds of SMX in his first ever go at the series.

Fourth place on the night was Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger who went 4-4 and looked back to himself after some crashes at the beginning of SMX. Rounding out the top five was Star Racing’s Cooper Webb who went 6-5.

Behind them, it was Star Racing Yamaha’s Justin Cooper in sixth, Progressive Ecstar Suzuki’s Ken Roczen in seventh, Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GasGas’ Justin Barcia in eighth, Harri Kullas in ninth, and Maddparts.com Kawasaki’s Shane McElrath in 10^th.

Jett Lawrence walks away with $1,000,000 at the end of the night while Hunter Lawrence added $500,000 to his bank account. Ultimately, it was an all-Lawrence brothers night in Las Vegas

Hurricane Stylin!

Bob Hannah suspension testing at Saddelback 1983

Hunter vs Jett for SMX Title

It's Adventure Riding Time

Summer is on it's way out and cool weather is here. Fall is the perfect time to to explore on an Adventure ride. So load up your pannier bags and hit the road.

The Tusk Pilot Pannier Bags are now easier to mount up and remove from your motorcycle pannier racks or Tusk Mounting Plate. These panniers now feature a replaceable strap system and the ability to attach a bottle holder using the Molle system. Even though they are made of top-quality materials and workmanship, the Pilot bags are still extremely affordable. The bags mount easily to just about any pannier rack and allow for easy removal of the entire bag from the motorcycle. Removable, waterproof liners not only keep your gear dry, but they make loading and unloading simple. These saddle bags are a great offering to those wanting to get into adventure/touring motorcycling at a reasonable price without sacrificing durability and quality.

2025 Team Triumph Grows

As we approach the 2025 Supercross season, one of the biggest stories is Austin Forkner move to Triumph. After receiving an offer from Pro Circuit’s Mitch Payton, Forkner ultimately chose Triumph, signing a two- to three-year deal. This move signals a major step for both Forkner and the growing Triumph team.

Forkner, who has spent his entire professional career with Pro Circuit, is seeking a fresh start. Despite his immense talent, injuries have kept him from completing a full season. Triumph’s long-term offer reflects their belief in Forkner’s potential to lead them to Supercross success. The goal? A Supercross championship in the 250 class before transitioning to the 450 class as their flagship rider.

However, Forkner’s history of injuries poses a risk. His recent head injuries, including brain surgery, have raised concerns, but Triumph is willing to take that gamble, hoping he can stay healthy and deliver wins.

Forkner isn’t the only talent Triumph is banking on. Jordon Smith and Stilez Robertson will also ride for the team. Smith, known for his raw speed and potential to win races, is expected to grab podium finishes in 2025. Though consistency has been an issue for Smith, on his best days, he’s a top contender.

Stilez Robertson, who has battled injuries in recent years, took time off in 2024 to heal. Now healthy, Robertson is set to surprise fans. If he can stay fit, Robertson could be a solid top-five threat, adding depth to Triumph’s roster.

With Forkner, Smith, and Robertson, Triumph is setting itself up for a strong presence in 2025. Their team’s leadership, known for rider development and strong support, makes them one to watch. If Forkner stays healthy, this could be a breakthrough year not only for him but for Triumph as a serious contender in the Supercross world.

Expect big things from Triumph as they charge into the 2025 season, aiming for wins and podium finishes across the board.