No Deegan,
Yamaha For
MX of Nations
T
he pool of racers to repre-
sent the USA at this year's
Motocross of Nations just got
a little smaller, as the Monster
Energy Star Racing Yamaha
Team announced it will not sup-
port any of its riders traveling to
Ernee, France, on October 4. The
cost of sending riders appears
to have been a major factor
in Star Racing's decision. On
Monday, August 24, Star Racing
officially announced in a press
release that none of its riders,
including Haiden Deegan and
Justin Cooper, will be consid-
ered for the U.S. team.
"After numerous discussions
between the team principals
and Yamaha management, both
Monster Energy Yamaha Star
Racing and Yamaha Motor USA
have collectively made the dif-
ficult decision to step back from
this year's MXoN competition,"
said Jim Roach, Yamaha Racing
Manager.
"We're choosing to prioritize
the health and safety of our
riders, which includes afford-
ing them, and the entire team, a
period of time to recover from the
2026 season. When you factor
in the logistical challenges and
costs of shipping and converting
bikes to FIM spec, the team re-
spectfully wants to stay focused
on its continued preparation for
the upcoming 2027 SMX season."
The Star team also said that
it expresses its gratitude to the
AMA for consideration and ap-
preciates its fans, partners, and
the broader moto community for
their understanding and support.
It appears now that Kawasaki
riders Garrett Marchbanks and
Levi Kitchen, and Honda's Chance
Hymas, are being considered.
Perhaps even KTM's Eli Tomac or
Ducati's Justin Barcia.
CN
VOLUME ISSUE AUGUST , P33
You won't see
Haiden Deegan, or
any Monster Energy
Star Racing Yamaha
Team riders, at this
year's Motocross
of Nations.
