Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper earns a career-best result in the 450 class at Round 2 of the Pro Motocross Championship at the Hangtown Motocross Classic
MARIETTA, Ga. – June 2, 2024 – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper had a day of firsts in the Pro Motocross 450MX Championship, including the rookie’s first trip to the podium in Moto 2 at the Hangtown Motocross Classic in Rancho Cordova, California. Although he was just shy of the overall podium in fourth at the Prairie City SVRA, his 4-3 moto score made championship gains, advancing him to a tie for third in the 450MX standings at 69 points.
In just his second round outdoors aboard the YZ450F, Cooper showed strength and qualified third. The rookie built on that with a solid start to the first moto, making his way to third by Lap 2 and crossing the line in fourth for his best moto result. Cooper’s upward momentum would continue in Moto 2 as he grabbed his first holeshot. Although he was shuffled to the runner-up spot on that opening lap and then to third around the halfway mark, he kept pushing and moved back to second on Lap 10. He tried to hold the position but was passed with three laps remaining. It was another career-best result, which secured fourth overall with the 4-3 moto score and has him tied for third in the points standings, trailing the leader by 21 points.
Next up for the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team is the Thunder Valley National – Round 3 of Pro Motocross and Round 20 of the SuperMotocross World Series – at the Thunder Valley Motocross Park in Lakewood, Colorado, on June 8.
Jeremy Coker – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager
“It was a phenomenal day for Justin Cooper. A first moto podium for him, and we were one point from third and two points from second overall, which is a step in the right direction. It was one of those races we should have capitalized on, but we’ll keep working and be better next weekend.”
Justin Cooper – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #32
“It was a good day, going 4-3 for fourth. I just missed the podium, but I gave it all I had. Chase (Sexton) was riding really well and was definitely putting in a charge and came from really far back. I tried to fight him off, but I didn’t have much else to give with two laps to go. I think there are a lot of positives to take away from today. We’ll keep working and move on to next weekend.”
2024 Pro Motocross 450MX Hangtown Results
2024 Pro Motocross 450MX Championship Standings
