Slaw Dog
Not long ago, when Team USA could seemingly do no wrong at the Motocross of Nations, second place might have felt like a failure.
Not this year.
Things have changed. The European riders are faster than ever and have adapted their riding styles. Australia, thanks to the Lawrence brothers, are a force. And, overall, riders from across the globe have made it difficult for Team USA to win year-in and year-out like they once did.
This year was even more of an anomaly. Due to injuries, Cooper Webb had to drop down to the 250 Class. Eli Tomac, coming off an injury of his own prior to Pro Motocross, was a late replacement for Chase Sexton and Aaron Plessinger suffered a shoulder injury a few weeks before the event.
No, these are not excuses, just explaining it all.
Still, the USA had a damn good chance entering the third and final moto as they sat second overall behind The Netherlands. While Tomac and Plessinger put in a strong effort, Jett and Hunter Lawrence brought it home for Australia. While second place is not a win, this year it almost felt like it.
“It was a strong effort from everyone. Coop, AP (Aaron Plessinger), we all stepped up and rode our hearts out, that’s for sure,” said Tomac. “It was a gnarly track. These GP tracks are tough. The ruts were pretty insane, and it was very technical riding. We were very close in points in the end. Second doesn’t sit well, but it is what it is. We all tried hard, and I’m proud of our team.”
“Today was crazy. The track conditions, and this event in general, is insane,” said Webb. “I had an up-and-down day. The first moto wasn’t the greatest for me, but I redeemed myself in the second one. I felt like I rode really well that moto, put up a solid number and left it up to the boys. Overall, it was a great effort from the team. Everyone stepped up and did their part, and we were a few points away from winning it all. I’m happy with the podium. Obviously, the goal is to win, but I think with the cards that we were dealt, coming into this two weeks ago, this is a good result. I’m just stoked to have a good time, get on the podium, and come out of here healthy and ready for the new year.”
Main image: Yamaha
Note: All quotes via team press releases
It was an extremely good effort by the Americans.No one should be feeling bad about it.
When guys like Jeffery Herlings are saying the track was sketchy,you know it is.So many top teams had issues! It was tough out there