Photo by Sean Klinger

Behind The Gate with Monster Energy/Yamalube/Chaparral/Yamaha Financial Services/Yamaha Factory Racing Team’s Cooper Webb

Moving to the 450 supercross class and ready to take some names.

Yes, that is the longest team name we have seen in quite some time. But on to the topic at hand; we got a chance to talk with 2017 SX 450 class rookie Cooper Webb to see how his supercross prep is going and what his day to day really looks and feels like. These professional racers have a very different nine to five and we wanted to see what the difference is between the “normal” training/practice days and race day.

Cooper WebbPhoto by Sean Klinger

To you, what are the biggest differences between personal, team, and stadium/race day tracks?

I would say they are so much different because basically I am racing on a different track every weekend and Dirt Wurx is free to build what they want. You add so many more riders and laps to the race track that is what really makes the race day harder than the practice track. They are building the track and then we race on it fairly quickly so it deteriorates a lot quicker when we ride it. On a practice track it sits for a longer period of time before we are allowed to ride it so it doesn't break down as fast. At the test tracks we get to test our throttle and braking points for a longer time as well and when it comes race day you're learning on the fly. Basically there is one free timed practice and we have to start getting busy.

Cooper WebbPhoto by Sean Klinger

What is different about your nutrition/hydration/fitness program on race day?

I try to get in the same amount of calories in on race day but it’s tough because we have so much going on. Even when you're chilling you still got people coming in and out of the rig so it’s definitely harder for me on race day to keep eating. It's important to dedicate blocks of time out to eat. On practice days we are usually at the track at 9am and out by noon. So I am snacking during that time. On race day you have to plan two meals, your lunch and dinner because we are there all day long. For me I am not a huge warm up guy and I don't take the stationary cycle with me at the practice track. I might do a little warm up in the morning before I leave my house to go practice. On race day I usually make the free practice my warm up and will only use the stationary cycle before the main event. On race day it’s such a long day and I am constantly moving around that I don't go into cool down or shut down mode. If I do shut down for a few I am known as a napper and after a nap, I feel like I am good to go.

Cooper WebbPhoto by Sean Klinger

Obviously you want the bike to be as dialed as possible at the race, but do you have major parts to change out at a Supercross? Is it just the same as practice or are you limited because of the limited space?

I try to do all of my testing before the race obviously, but sometimes it calls for it on the day of the race. The gnarliest thing we have changed out was a full engine with a complete different engine package, I have changed fork and shock but I try not to do that. Unless we are really off on our setting I stick with what I know and that usually works. Another thing to me is that my practice bike and my race bike are very close so they don't feel that different at all. I am picky guy with handlebars and lever placement so if they are moved 1mm I would pick up on that right away.

Cooper WebbPhoto by Sean Klinger

Obviously there are no fans or autograph signing at a day of practice. How do you factor that in to your day of racing?

I love interacting with the fans. It's something that is part of our job and I enjoy doing it. Obviously we have autograph signings that take part of the day Friday before the race and on raceday so it's good to interact with people that support you.

Cooper WebbPhoto by Sean Klinger
Cooper WebbPhoto by Sean Klinger
Cooper WebbPhoto by Sean Klinger