2024 HANGTOWN MOTOCROSS PRE-RACE REPORT: INJURED LIST, TV SCHEDULE & MORE

Pro motocross continues this weekend at Hangtown for the second race of the outdoor series. Last weekend Jett Lawrence was able to continue his streak by winning both motos bringing that streak to 24-0. Haiden Deegan also had a great showing and was able to go 1-1 on the afternoon as well but felt some pressure from Levi Kitchen throughout. However, this weekend is an all-new race and riders are hungry to take the top spot away. For all the latest updates and information read down below.

2024 HANGTOWN NATIONAL // FULL COVERAGE

---

PENALTIES FROM FOX RACEWAY

Tom Vialle scrubbing speed up the big step up at Pala Raceway.

Last weekend in the 250 class we saw Tom Vialle be penalized for an off-track excursion where he did not get off the gas but did jump right back on. He was docked a position for this mistake which we had seen happen prior in the Supercross season to select riders who did the same thing. However, Haiden Deegan also went off the track twice at Pala Raceway and did not see the penalty for these mistakes. One of the times he went off he put his hand up acknowledging the mistake but the second time he stayed on the gas and quickly re-entered. This rule is in place to keep personnel and riders safe that are on the side of the track, but the question is. Did Vialle deserve the loss of a position for how quickly he went off and back on, while Deegan went off the track several times with penalty?

WILL JETT CONTINUE HIS DOMINANT STREAK?

Jett Lawrence on his way to winning the Pala Raceway National.

Jett Lawrence has been looking amazing since his streak began last year when he was able to obtain a perfect season. He then went on to win the SMX title and then the 2024 Supercross championship. Now he did feel some pressure at Fox Raceway from his brother Hunter Lawrence as well as Chase Sexton, but neither rider was able to put a stop to his dominance. This weekend heading into Hangtown. he as already gotten rid of the first race jitters and has the experience to know that he can win.

INJURED LIST:

COOPER WEBB – THUMB

Cooper Webb had closed the points gap on Jett Lawrence in the 450 Supercross Championship only to injure the ulnar ligament in his left thumb. He kept racing, but it was obvious that he had trouble holding on—that allowed Jett Lawrence to pull away in the Championship points chase.

Cooper Webb said, “It’s disappointing to be missing the beginning of Pro Motocross, but fixing this thumb injury is a must to be at my best for the remainder of the year. The goal is to come back for the final stretch of the outdoor season and come into the SMX playoffs swinging.”.

ELI TOMAC – THUMB

Eli Tomac will be sitting out this weekend and possibly in the near future as the crash in Denver resulted in a fracture and torn ligaments in his thumb that will require surgery. Eli will sit out the opening rounds of motocross.

Eli Tomac States: “This is not the news I wanted to break to everyone, but at the Denver Supercross in free practice I crashed on my thumb, and it’s resulted in a Bennett fracture and some torn ligaments that will require surgery to stabilize my thumb. This is a tough one to swallow, knowing that I’m going to miss the opening rounds of motocross, but I’m optimistic I will be able to race the later portion of the outdoor season and the SMX rounds. I want to thank all my fans and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing for being so supportive through the Supercross season. We will be back stronger in the later half of this season.”

AUSTIN FORKNER – BACK & SHOULDER

Austin had one of the scarier crashes we’ve seen in a while when he came up short entering a rhythm section which knocked his hand off the bars and sent him flying onto the infield concrete. As a result, he fractured his L3-L4 in his spine as well as a fractured scapula. Fortunately, his injuries did not require surgery, and he is expected to make a full recovery. Austin Forkner is still recovering and will be sit out the opening rounds of 2024 AMA Motocross Championship.

ENZO LOPES – FOREARM

Enzo Lopes underwent “Arm Pump” surgery on his forearms, which is claimed to help improve blood flow to the arms. This type of surgery usually takes a few weeks to recover from, but in Enzo’s case, it has been lingering over the last couple of months. He will sit out the opening rounds of the outdoors.

Enzo Lopes said, “Riding for Star Racing comes with a lot of expectations, especially after my momentum from last season. Unfortunately, the cards we were dealt with this off-season were out of our control, and with that, we agreed on missing some rounds. I am super bummed, but I know in the long run this will be the best decision for me and also the team.”