Team USA: Hampshire In, Deegan To Give It a Go September 25, 2025, 3:05pm
Crawfordsville, IN Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN)Motocross of Nations The AMA and Team Rockstar Energy Husqvarna announced today that RJ Hampshire will take a 450 slot for the Motocross of Nations vacated by Chase Sexton. Hampshire will take the open-class position, which will move Eli Tomac into the MXGP slot for the team.
While Sexton is indeed out after his crash Saturday in Las Vegas, Haiden Deegan was still announced as part of the team today, despite breaking his collarbone on Saturday in a takedown of Jo Shimoda. Deegan had the collarbone plated on Monday and will try to ride this week and race next weekend. His Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing teammate Justin Cooper has been named a backup if Deegan can’t go.
The following is a press release from the AMA
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — 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!”
Showing his patriotism and willingness to represent his country, Justin Cooper is continuing to train to be prepared to ride if needed.
“I would like to offer a 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.
Learn more about the 2025 FIM Motocross of Nations at mxonusa.com/ .
The following is a press release from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Hampshire has been exceptional since stepping up to the Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition ahead of the Pro Motocross Championship this season, in which he finished fifth in the final 450MX standings.
Hampshire continued that form in the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Playoffs and Final, climbing to seventh position following another convincing showing during the post-season.
Just over one week out from the Nations returning to American soil, Hampshire has been drafted into Team USA as a replacement rider and is incredibly excited for the opportunity to compete in the Open category at home.
It will be the 29-year-old’s second time representing his country in the historic international event, adding to his appearance in 2023 at Ernée, France.
“I am really excited for the chance to represent our great country on home soil!”Hampshire commented.”I may not have been the first pick, but I’ll always answer the call, and you know I’ll give it everything I’ve got. Ironman is one of my favorite tracks and we’ve still got a strong team ready to go – see you all next weekend!”
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing is proud to provide its full support to Hampshire and Team USA in a bid to reclaim the Chamberlain Trophy in Indiana. The United States last won the MXoN in 2022 when it was staged at RedBud.
“It’s such an honor when one of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing athletes are selected for MXoN,”explained Nathan Ramsey, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager.”RJ is a perfect choice to represent the USA, as well as our team. He will no doubt give it everything he has to get the job done and we are more than happy to support him and Team USA!”
