Thunder Valley 450MX Recap: Stellar Performances Amidst Rising Competition
Thunder Valley, CO – The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team showcased its competitive prowess at the latest round of the 450MX series, with riders Justin Cooper and Eli Tomac prominently in the mix. Cooper achieved his first-ever fastest qualifying time in 450MX, setting the stage for a strong performance. He led much of the second moto before finishing fourth overall with scores of 5-3.
Tomac secured a solid second place overall with results of 4-2, maintaining his position as a title contender. Throughout the day, he exhibited resilience, battling with the leading pack, including standout competitor Jett Lawrence.
Despite challenging circumstances, including persistent illness, Supercross Champion Cooper Webb managed to score 7-6, marking a fifth consecutive round of finishes in the seventh position overall. Following a DNF in the season opener, Webb’s determination remains evident as he grapples with bike issues and fitness.
Key Highlights:
- Justin Cooper: Fastest qualifier; finished 5th in Moto 1 and 3rd in Moto 2.
- Eli Tomac: Competed fiercely; credited with effective late-race moves but faced difficulty in overtaking Hunter Lawrence.
- Cooper Webb: Continues to recover from early-season struggles, landing 7th in the championship standings.
Rich Simmons, Team Manager, reflected on the team’s day, praising both Cooper and Tomac for their efforts while acknowledging the need for improvement in passing strategies. Tomac expressed determination to refine his approach after experiencing a late-race crash while contesting for position with Lawrence.
As the series progresses, the dynamics among the Yamaha riders will be pivotal as they aim to close the gap on their competitors heading into the next round.
