Troy Dog
Troy Dog joined the Blu Cru and you should too! Have you seen the new 2024 models with the special livery? Go look right now! It’s amazing. Yamaha also supports T-Dog Squad ELITE Athletes Grant Harlan and Marshal Weltin. Purchase a Yamaha today and shred like them, Eli Tomac, Cooper Webb, Haiden Deegan, plus more!
Star Racing Yamaha’s Justin Cooper has had an incredible 450SX rookie season. Yes, I’m aware that Cooper moonlit the class last year, but this was his first full SX season. Had Jett Lawrence decided to move up to the 450SX class last year or next year then Cooper would be the rookie of the year this season.
Cooper had an amazing year. Despite missing the main event in a muddy San Francisco, he had 14 top tens including two top fives and a podium to finish out the season at Salt Lake City. Not only that, but he accomplished 6th in the 450SX standings! All five riders ahead of him in points are Supercross champions by the way.
When you think about where J-Coop has come from, to have him finish second in a 450SX Main Event is pretty astronomical!
The kid from New York has quietly infiltrated the pro ranks and has been a threat for Star Racing since the moment that he turned pro. I want to emphasize the quietly part on this because you never hear much from him, he just stays working hard, and does what he needs to do to get the job accomplished. He’s always been blazing fast in practice and exceptionally talented when it comes to starts.
In 12 years, Coop has gone from a kid who could barely crack the top ten at Loretta Lynn’s in the Supermini class to podiums on the biggest stage in the world.
At the tail end of the 2024 Monster Energy Supercross Championship we started to see a changing of the guard in the class. The rookies this season were a hit. Jett, Justin, and Hunter all had highs and lows like true rookies. Jett has been a rare talent, but the other two rookies Hunter and Justin have shown that they have what it takes as well. Cooper will fight for podiums and wins in due time as will Hunter. Obviously they are doing that right now, I’m just talking about on a more consistent basis.
The 450 Pro Motocross Championship is where we are going to see Cooper shine even more. He’s going to get a lot of pole positions and great starts. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as a consistent podium guy.
For now we sit and wait for him to progress even more in the premiere class. I for one, foresee him succeeding and being a top dog for many, many years to come.
Main Image: Octopi Media
