Team USA took a massive hit at the final SMX playoff round in Las Vegas, as both Chase Sexton and Haiden Deegan sustained injuries that look set to sideline them for the upcoming MXoN next weekend at Ironman. Sexton suffered a vicious crash during the final 450 moto, which saw the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider carted off by the medical crew. He sustained a mild concussion and shoulder damage, which is currently being evaluated. Given the severity of the crash, combined with Sexton’s ongoing struggles with his KTM – it is highly unlikely he will be able to represent Team USA next weekend.

Deegan, however, brought his misfortune upon himself, albeit in a fairly warranted effort to clinch the 250 SMX title for the third consecutive year. He made several aggressive passes on Jo Shimoda, but the final attempt brought both riders down, leaving Deegan with a broken collarbone. While collarbone injuries typically have relatively short and straightforward recovery times, it is highly unlikely Deegan will be able to compete at the required level with such a limited rest period.

If the pair are unable to line up, it is heavily rumoured that RJ Hampshire and Justin Cooper could fill the vacant seats — though nothing has been confirmed, nor has a decision been made on who would take the MX2 role. Cooper Webb’s name is also worth noting, as he stepped up last year to race a 250 machine in Great Britain when Team USA’s participation was in doubt.

Who would you pick to fill the spots, if Sexton and Deegan are sidelined?

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