MXoN Preview: Ironman Event Set Amidst High Stakes and Team Dynamics
The Motocross of Nations (MXoN) at Ironman Raceway is poised to deliver a thrilling weekend, beginning with open practice and qualifying races on Saturday. Each team will have a fixed gate pick determined by a draw, impacting their starting positions across all three qualifiers. The top 18 teams will gain direct qualification for Sunday’s main event.
The Saturday schedule includes qualifying heats and three BluCru races for 125cc, 85cc, and 65cc riders, all utilizing identical Yamaha motorcycles. On Sunday, practice kicks off the day followed by the B final, where the top two finishers will advance to the MXoN. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 12:30 PM, with mxGP and MX2 racing commencing at 1:10 PM.
After challenging weather conditions in recent championships, the forecast for this weekend is favorable, a welcome change for teams and riders. However, the pre-event landscape has been turbulent. Notable developments include Haiden Deegan’s controversial moves during recent races and Chase Sexton’s withdrawal from Team USA following a crash. Sexton has since signed with Monster Energy Kawasaki after a turbulent season for the team.
The absence of FIM Motocross World Champions adds to the event’s significance. Jorge Prado and Tom Vialle will miss the event, with Vialle transitioning to HRC Honda for the upcoming season after a rocky conclusion with KTM.
Jeffrey Herlings, the all-time Grand Prix win leader, was omitted from the Dutch team despite recent successes, raising eyebrows among fans. His move to Honda for 2026 signals a major shift in the paddock, as Tim Gajser transitions to Yamaha.
Eli Tomac, competing in his final race for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, is set to transition to Red Bull KTM for 2026. Despite the team’s signing of Cooper Webb and rising star Justin Cooper, Tomac aims to conclude his tenure with a victory alongside Team USA, which seeks to reclaim its dominance at the MXoN.
As the weekend unfolds, focus and strategy will be critical for all teams vying for supremacy at Ironman.
