Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb and Justin Cooper topped the podium at Lucas Oil Stadium with a thrilling 1-2 finish at Round 9 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross and the SuperMotocross World Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana. Webb’s dominant victory expanded his lead in the 450SX Championship to 15 points. Cooper’s runner-up finish not only marked his first podium of the season but also made championship gains, advancing him to fourth in the points standings. Words: Star Racing
It was a rollercoaster day for Webb in Indianapolis. He qualified fourth despite a get-off in the second session of qualifying and then got a great start to the heat race, quickly claiming the lead. Unfortunately, the two-time 450SX Champion had a tip-over in the sand section and rejoined in sixth, but he put his head down and finished fourth. In the main event, Webb got another great start and swiftly claimed the lead to take command of the race. He maintained a strong pace up front to remain unchallenged and crossed the line by a healthy 8.455-second margin, earning his 28th premier-class win and third victory of the season.
Cooper spent the day working to find his comfort zone on the soft, rutted track and ultimately qualified sixth. After starting sixth in the heat race, he pushed hard and moved into fifth, but unfortunately went down on the final lap and finished seventh. Despite the less-than-ideal gate pick for the main event, the New Yorker got a great start in third and continued to battle, making the pass for second with around four minutes on the clock. Cooper’s first podium of the season advanced him two positions in the championship standings to fourth.
In two weeks’ time, the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team returns to action for the final Triple Crown event of the season and Round 10 of Monster Energy AMA Supercross and the SuperMotocross World Championship at the Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, on March 22.
Rich Simmons – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager
“Practice was a little rough for Webb, but you can never count him out in the main event. We made a few changes with the bike to make him more comfortable, and he came through in the main like he always does. As for Justin, we always knew he had it in him. A couple of fourth-place finishes in a row were disappointing to him. Although they were good finishes, this is where he belongs. I’m proud of the team and their effort today.”
Cooper Webb – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #2
“It was an up-and-down race day. I had a pretty good practice crash that left me a little sore. In the heat race, I was out front and had another mistake that cost me, so I was pretty ticked off. Then in the main event, I got a great start and made a quick move to first. I led every lap and kind of put it on cruise control. I felt great tonight and had a great flow. It was just a dream ride. We’ve extended the points lead going into the break. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Justin Cooper – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #32
“The day started out pretty slow. I made a call with the team and made a big suspension change for me, and it paid off tonight. I felt comfortable with all the big rhythms and the tough track, so I have to give it up to the team on this one. We’ll keep working. It’s been going well, and we’re looking to keep the ball rolling.”
Image: Star Racing
