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Pro Motocross

Discussion: Cooper Webb

Webb on some major topics.

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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb broke through at the tenth round of 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, Ironman in Indiana, as he mounted the overall podium for the first time this season. Not only did he get a trophy, he moved forward and led laps. Those are not things that he has done at all this year – a strange scenario for a man who was so dominant in 2021 Monster Energy Supercross. Webb is fifth in the championship standings now and likely to end in that position.

Webb uncovered some interesting topics in a media event on Saturday evening. Speaking in the post-race press conference for the first time this summer, he discussed moving on from Aldon Baker and joining the folks at Chad Reed’s old compound. Webb also opens up about changing a frame this week and how that was received by the higher ups at KTM Factory Racing. The comments that he made in the post-race press conference have been transcribed below, for those who prefer to read.

MX Vice: You mentioned a change with your chassis that you may get murdered for. Could you elaborate on that a little or is it behind closed doors? What did it do for you today? 

Cooper Webb: Obviously, we made a big change this week. We did a frame change and it seemed to be a lot better. I had been struggling with some set-up and this seemed to help me a lot. Yeah, it was not ideal to ask the team for it or hear their responses. Sometimes you have just got to trust your gut and know what you feel as a rider. It was good. The team made it happen and we were able to get a really good result. I felt a lot more like myself.

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Can you talk about your season, just the highs and lows? Coming off of the 450SX title, does this speak to the depth of the field in motocross or bike set-up?

This field is extremely stacked, like you said. It is totally different. Supercross is a whole different animal compared to motocross. It is tough. When you win the supercross title you are all in and do not really prepare for outdoors as much as you should. It has just been a combination… I also made changes with my programme. I have been trying to do testing and riding whilst trying to get some motos in. It is finding that mix. I feel like being comfortable on your bike is key right now, with as fast as everyone is and how fast everyone is going. I think it is just a combination of things. For me, it was a lot better today. It has been getting better and better. Today felt like a big breakthrough.

I know you are super competitive, so how do you internalise the fact that you are not on the podium? Is that incredibly difficult for you to digest and work with?

It sucks, to be completely honest. When you go from winning a lot and being on the podium every weekend to eighth, I think, at the first round… It is shitty, for sure. It’s been hard. I have been trying to keep a positive mindset and working hard to get better. Being a competitive guy, like you said, I know where I can be when things are right in supercross and motocross. I have still got some work to do on the motocross side of things, but I feel like being in the top five and a competitor like today is nice. Today gave me some confidence. I am stoked with how today went and looking to see how it goes from here.

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You mentioned changes to your programme. You are riding at the 83 Compound’ Chad Reed’s old place. What do you like about it? What has been the refreshing change for you? What have you been enjoying about being over there with the Lawrence brothers, [Joey] Savatgy, [Justin] Bogle and the others? 

I made that change after the RedBud national. I was just on the edge of being completely burnt out. I was not sure how much longer I really wanted to race, to be honest, so this has been a good change for me. Being able to ride with Jett [Lawrence] and Hunter [Lawrence], they are super-fast and talented. It brings some new life with guys who are excited to ride. I feel like we push each other and I can learn from them. Joey is really great during the week and Justin is fun to be around too.

It was mainly just a change of pace. I felt like I had done the same thing for three and a half years – I needed something else. I am not sure where it is all going to lead from here, but I have been super happy since I have been there and slowly improving. I have been getting better with my riding and technique. I am still working hard, and getting the quality riding and training in. Yeah, it has been good. It is nice to have it pay off a little bit when you have results like this.

Going back to what you said about being burnt out. Is that to do with being burnt out by Aldon [Baker]’s programme? We have seen so many things, like [Ryan] Dungey and [Ryan] Villopoto used those exact words pretty much. Was it just needing a change or was the programme starting to tire you?

I have had great success. I do not have any issues or regrets. It was a great programme. For me, like I said, doing the same thing year after year was rewarding in supercross and stuff. I have always done really well and it was great whilst I was there. I was just at that point in my career where I needed a change. Like those guys alluded to, I am only 25 years old and to be having thoughts of retirement is crazy. I felt like I needed a change. I’m still super competitive and have a great team behind me – they are super hard workers and want to work like I do. We are going to get a super good programme heading forward. I’m looking forward to the new challenges ahead.

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I have heard some people say that your strength in supercross is cutting low in the corners and going to the inside, which is not something that you can really do on outdoor tracks. Is there something that you have had to work on with your riding style to turn your strengths from supercross into something that will work outdoors?

Yeah, for sure. I was able to win an outdoor title and stuff in 250MX. Supercross has definitely come more natural to me and the way I ride. I think it has definitely come easier. I felt like I needed to work on how these guys ride by carrying a lot of momentum, standing a lot more and [using] a lot more outsides. It is a learning curve that will take time. It does not happen overnight. Hopefully I can continue to improve my outdoor riding – I still feel like I’m a good outdoor rider. Supercross comes more naturally. We will continue to try to add to our programme and get better in motocross as well.

I have heard that you have taken Max Vohland under your wing somewhat. What has that been like, if true? Do you like being a mentor and is that something that you think you have a future with?

I do not know how accurate that one is. I try to help him as much as I can on the weekends, but obviously we are there to race and do our job too. I try to help him as much as I can as a teammate, but not during the week or anything. I do not really speak to him too much and do not really know what he does. I definitely like to help the young kids, for sure.

Interview: Press Conference | Lead Image: Align Media

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British MX Nationals

Thank you. It’s been a hell of a ride.

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Since buying back MX Vice in November 2019, it has been challenging. One of those crystal balls would have been handy for navigating some problematic situations. Who would have thought COVID-19 would be a thing?

Those who follow MX Vice know we started from nothing but an idea. A fan who loved the sport created a Facebook page, website, and social media presence that would become disruptive. It has made numerous talented media people who were allowed to run with it for over thirteen years. Being in the UK/Europe has always been difficult; I’ve always believed that if we were a US media company, we would have been embraced and appreciated for our work ethic and the content we produce. We always cast one eye over the US in Europe, and you can’t blame the top European riders for doing the same.

MX Vice has always tried to give people a voice, especially the riders who are not in the limelight and the teams that put so much into the sport. We love people’s passion and sacrifice to improve and challenge themselves. That, for me, was the natural pull, not the money but the passion and sacrifice. We all know we would not be in motocross if it were about the money. I always considered MX Vice the media version of Steve Dixon’s team in MXGP (which I have a huge amount of respect for), where we have always tried to challenge without the factory budgets.

We knew it would be tough this year with so many businesses and brands cutting marketing budgets and reducing costs; this was never going to be good for us. We have just had two incredible months of stats, with January and February bringing in over 1 million people to the website, which is quite bittersweet. As much as the funds are low, so is my energy and health. COVID impacted me more than I could ever envisaged. My health has deteriorated ever since I caught COVID; my immune system is not in a great place, and when I try and work to the standard I set myself, my body breaks on me, and it takes me days to recover. Ed Stratmann has been a revelation since he took the editorial reigns and has pushed MX Vice to new heights, which is incredible given the lack of resources he has had to work with and support from myself. I have been missing from the podcast show to reduce my time, as I am now self-employed and working for two companies to pay the bills.

Every journey ends, and that’s not what we want. Over the past 13 years, we have given it everything, leaving no stone unturned. We’re proud of how we have disrupted, challenged decisions, held organisations accountable, and illuminated incredible stories.

We will have an auction for signed shirts donated by riders, podcast equipment, and memorabilia to pay off the invoices of some contributors. If, however, you want to see MX Vice continue, you can donate here: https://ko-fi.com/mxvice or purchase a shirt or memorabilia. If we meet our target of £25,000, which is currently outstanding to run this year, then Ed and I will continue. However, we fully expect this won’t happen due to the large sum required.

It’s hard out there at the moment. Take care of your health and family, and never lose your passion for the most fantastic sport in the world.

Burf.

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Fox Feature

FOX Unveils Exciting New MX24 Mainline Refresh Graphics

Check it out.

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All eyes on you. Keep the conversation going with all-new MX24 graphics that looks to the future of racewear. 360 Volatile, 180 Interfere, this is racewear designed to elevate and amplify the next generation and those changing the sport, forever.

Visit the Fox Europe Website for more information.

MEDIA


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Monster Energy Supercross

Trio of Speedways Set to Host Second Year of SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs

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During tonight’s television broadcast of the DAYTONA Supercross, Round 8 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and SuperMotocross World Championship, lead analysts Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart revealed that zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, and The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway will host the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final in September.


Words: Press Release | Lead Image: SMX


Last year’s landmark inaugural season saw two of the sport’s youngest and brightest stars cement their place in the history books. At just 17, Haiden Deegan earned Rookie of the Year and captured the 250cc World Championship while Australian sensation Jett Lawrence, at 20, became the first-ever 450cc World Champion in the premier class, also as a rookie.

Showing the world this was no fluke, both Deegan and Lawrence are off to impressive starts in their 2024 campaigns. Deegan just earned his first win of the season (and his career) this past weekend at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and sits a mere seven points back in the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship after two rounds. Lawrence, on the other hand is the current points leader in the very deep 450SX premier class and has two wins already in a year that has witnessed five different race winners in the first seven rounds.

SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff 1 will take place on Saturday, September 7 at zMAX Dragway in Concord, N.C. and Playoff 2 will take place on Saturday, September 14 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. The SMX World Championship Final will take place on Saturday, September 21 at The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, marking a long-anticipated return to a city that has hosted many memorable final Championship rounds in Supercross’ rich history.

“Last year, we created a completely new off-road motorcycle racing playoff series that combined both disciplines of indoor stadium racing (Supercross) and outdoor motocross racing (Pro Motocross) that was fully embraced by the teams, athletes, industry and fans,” said Dave Prater, Vice President of Supercross, Feld Motor Sports, Inc. “Collectively, more than 110,000 fans from all over the world made their way here to attend the inaugural three round SMX World Championship Playoffs and Final and for the first time in the sport’s history witnessed the crowning of a true World Champion. The SuperMotocross World Championship is where the world comes to race.”

zMAX Dragway is situated adjacent to Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. and its world famous four-lane dragstrip and dual grandstands provided the perfect backdrop to host last year’s first-ever SMX World Championship Playoff. The Charlotte area is a hotbed for fans of the sport and is an easy city to get to from most points in the Eastern region. Last year’s playoff became the “must see” event of the year and is a primary reason for our return. zMAX Dragway proved to be a world-class facility in every way where the SMX experience was fully brought to life with a full day of fan activities on Friday, an industry packed FanFest on Saturday and a multitude of prime camping options for every budget. The “Bellagio of Dragstrips” also provided the perfect amount of width and depth to create a truly unique, world-class SMX track that surprised the teams and caught many of the sport’s star athletes off guard which led to dramatic racing and unpredictable results.

“Last year, we transformed a four-lane drag strip into the ultimate off-road playground and fans were treated to a full day of action-packed racing at the opening round of the inaugural SMX World Championships,” said Greg Walter, executive vice president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “Building on that experience, we’re excited to once again partner with Feld Motor Sports to bring together the top Supercross and Motocross riders from around the world at zMAX Dragway to put on a high-flying, white-knuckled show for the fans.”

Texas Motor Speedway, located in Fort Worth is easily accessible for fans traveling by car or plane with its central location and proximity to multiple international airports. The 1.5-mile quad-oval superspeedway sits on over 1400 acres of land and is one of the largest sports facilities in the country. Being a world-class venue, Texas Motor Speedway is no stranger to marquee events as they are a regular stop on the NASCAR Cup Series and provide all the modern amenities motorsports fans expect when purchasing an event ticket. Last week’s Supercross round (7) in Arlington, Texas broke attendance records and this Playoff round could prove to be an even bigger spectacle with a planned Friday FanFest, and fan camping options being made available.

“All of us at Texas Motor Speedway are thrilled to have been chosen to host Round 2 of the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and we look forward to welcoming an entirely new and energetic group of race fans, from across the country and around the world, to our world-class facility,” said Texas Motor Speedway Executive Vice President & General Manager Mark Faber. “Supercross and motocross fans in the Fort Worth/Dallas metroplex have proven for years how much they love their sport so we look forward to proving to them how much we appreciate them coming to Texas Motor Speedway.”

Aptly named, The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is conveniently located just twenty minutes away from the world-famous Las Vegas strip and was a major deciding factor in bringing the SMX World Championship Final to Las Vegas.

“The Strip” is one of the most iconic dragstrips in the country and joins zMAX Dragway as being one of just two dragstrips in the nation to feature four-wide racing. This expansive footprint will allow our master track builders to get very imaginative in creating the final SMX World Championship track of the season. Situated right across the street from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Strip is home to more than 50 events a year and provides an intimate viewing experience from the grandstands and suites while also offering fans the ability to “line the fence”, similar to what is done at a Pro Motocross event.

“The pinnacle of two-wheel racing is making its return to Las Vegas, and we’re thrilled to crown the ultimate champion at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, surrounded by the passionate fans of Supercross and Motocross,” said Chris Powell, Las Vegas Motor Speedway President. “In recent years, Las Vegas has emerged as the ultimate sports hub, making it fitting to include the SuperMotocross World Championship Final on the list of prestigious events hosted here.”

The SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final will feature the best athletes in the world as the top 20 in combined Supercross and Pro Motocross points are automatically seeded into the playoff rounds. As in other sport playoffs, athletes will be competing for the sport’s ultimate World Championship title, and the prestige that comes from overcoming adversity through a 28-round, dual-discipline (indoor and outdoor) season, plus two SMX Playoffs and a Final.

The SMX World Championship is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series in the world and as such pays out more total prize money than any off-road motorcycle racing series on the planet.

All 17 rounds of the 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final will go on pre-sale, Tuesday, April 2, followed by public on-sale Tuesday, April 9. Friday FanFest, Saturday FanFest and camping options for each round and venue will be announced later in the season.

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