Tyler Collingwood
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Every year we have a rider who we would consider a “sleeper”. For those of you who don’t know what sleeper means, here you go.
Sleeper: Someone or something that is initially unnoticed or considered unpromising, but then unexpectedly becomes very successful or important, often gaining prominence after a period of being under the radar; essentially, a hidden gem that suddenly shines bright.
Now that we have that covered, I’m going to give you my sleeper pick for the 2025 SuperMotocross season in the 450 Class.
While my choice is considered a big name in the sport, I think his rookie season in the 450 Class was overlooked and he could be a serious contender next year. Justin Cooper had some ups and downs his first year in the 450 Class, but when he was on, man… the kid could run with the best.
Justin is no amateur when it comes to winning. His list of 250 accomplishments is a mile long: he was the 2018 Rookie of the Year in SX, runner-up in the 2019 250SX East Region Championship, runner-up in the 2020 250SX West Region Championship, and was finally able to secure his first championship in 2021 when he won the 250SX West Region title.
His success followed him into Pro Motocross where he racked up 39 career 250 podiums, was runner-up in 2021 and 2023 and would finish third in the series in 2018 and 2019.
Cooper made the move to 450 and found himself in the top 10 last year in 13 of 16 rounds and was in the top six in five of those 13. Cooper’s best finish of the year came at the final round in Salt Lake City where he finished second. His qualifying speed on the 450 was excellent as well, as he hovered around fifth to seventh, breaking into the top three a few times and was able to take home fastest qualifier at A2.
Justin seems to gel well with his 450 and having a season under his belt will only help him this upcoming year. J Coop would back up his outstanding rookie season in the summer with eight top five’s and landing on the podium twice. He would finish Pro Motocross fourth in points, just missing the podium to veteran Aaron Plessinger by 32 points.
If this doesn’t convince you to hop on the J Coop train now, then who do you have as a sleeper pick?
Main image: Yamaha
