Star Racing Yamaha: Is One More Year of Tomac Worth Losing Justin Cooper?

Taken from Live Interview during a PulpMX Show 585: kzbin.infovMwD2XOLW2w

[@edwardvanwormer6993]

I like J Coop,but nobody is buying Yamahas because of him. Eli sells bikes. I'd love to see all 3 stay.

[@motomatt6752]

Been a big cooper fan from his start in the 250 days. Fast/ stay's up /and an amazing starter/ he never forces things/ pressure doesn’t change his riding/. Man I really hope he stays on Star.

[@TonyBasuro]

32 Justin Cooper has all the right numbers on his plate. 2, 3 and 32 are a great team. Pray he stays healthy. Stong Island boys are raised tough. They should all go to boot camp at Eli's place. Train at altitude, take peyote, etc.

[@Jack-by2hg]

😂 peyote

[@dave194315]

Nobody has sold more YZ450s than Eli the last few years🤷🏻‍♂️

[@joelaliberte8006]

I’m sure Deegan has sold his fair share to younger generation. Overall I think Yamaha has a solid team of riders and results to capitalize the buyers market

[@dave194315]

@@joelaliberte8006 I agree but the general consensus for about a decade up to 2022 was that the Yz450 was a couch that doesn’t turn. Since Eli came along they were forced to change that a bit and he’s definitely shown how great of a bike it is.

[@DualEnduro]

Cooper should take Craig’s spot 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jake981]

Not on that bike bro. I hope Star makes it work for him since he's comfortable on that platform.

[@austinray7925]

Husky platform is a career killer. Switching from a aluminum frame to a steel one takes a lot of time to get used to.

[@brennan5220]

He’d never be as good on a Husky!

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

You guys do realize the KTM platform wins more championships worldwide than all the Japanese manufacturers combined right. Yamaha wins nothing. Just because two hurt riders have a bad season doesn't mean the platform is bad.

[@doglover136_]

@@Runk3lsmcdougalworldwide doesn’t really matter in making a decision between teams, if someone gets on a husky, it’s a career killer, perfect example is christian craig

[@codymcarthur5472]

Star is making a mistake letting Justin go.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

Nope. Cooper Webb is their 450 guy and Deegan is their 250. Justin is just a filler guy.

[@camaroant2700]

@@TOMVUTHEPIMPWebb only has so many years left Justin is still young

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

@@camaroant2700 Justin not the guy. Hes another Barcia maybe. 7th place guy who will podium on occasion.

[@camaroant2700]

@@TOMVUTHEPIMP never said Justin was that guy but long term wise and Justin is young and does have potential mainly outdoors he’s never been a sx guy and he did pretty well as a rookie

[@joelmatthews5697]

@@TOMVUTHEPIMPWebb is their 450SX guy. He has one 450MX win so not really the rider to build a team around.

[@Papparratzi]

If there was ever a dark horse rider, Justin Cooper is it. What he lacks in personality, he makes up for on the track. His potential to actually win a championship lurks somewhere in his self confidence and desire to make a point. We saw that in 2022 at the Red Bud MXON where in moto 2, he finished 4th “ overall “ besting Dylan Ferrandis, Marvin Musquin, Hunter Lawerence on 450s. No longer a 450 rookie, he’s beginning to come to life.

[@darwest8833]

Love Andy, he was and is a legend in the High Desert of SoCal and around the country. I bought my first MXer 1978 RM 125 from Victorville Suzuki where he worked.Great person and amazing rider.

[@davidsanchez9674]

I went to Jr High and High School with Andy, rode quite a bit with him at the Ole George AFB Cycle Track and the other side of Air Base Road. WOW, Victorville Suzuki,,,brings back a lot of memories...used to go there on lunch from the Victor High... Everyone else went to Del Taco or Mickey D's...I got thrown off the school bus in Jr High, I used to ride my YZ125C from George AFB to Hook Jr High

[@davidsanchez9674]

@@darwest8833 We were acquaintances, School mates and such, We all knew the same folks back then, Rick Herr, David Anderson. I was 2 years behind them. I used to run into him at the Cycle Track, Air Base road, 395 track, He shared lots of tips, showed me hows,,,He was and from what I understand these days, the optiomy of a true gentleman. No matter how good he was, and I sure still is,,,he always was good to you. And I grew up with a lot of High Desert Jack-sses. And lightning struck 3 times...The Alessi's were regulars at our Hobby Shop in Hesperia, And my son was a friend of Ty Davis. The High Desert was full of Great MotoCross and Dirt Bike Racers, Got to know Rex Staten, Al Baker (used to have a XR tank signed by Al Baker and Johnny O). Larry Roeseler when he opened his shop in Hesperia, his kid raced BMX in Hesperia. So very lucky to get to know some of the folks I seen in Cycle News and magazines growing up. I was just lucky.

[@sierrarider]

Justin Cooper just got second at SLC over the top factory riders and just under one of the fastest - they should keep Justin IMHO

[@akatgif]

Look at the top 10 in 450s perhaps every one of them has raised Supercross for over a decade? The odds that Justin Cooper become a consistent Podium contender is more likely than him not becoming a Podium contender. He needs a year or two to continue to evolve his talent and experience

[@scottyfum]

Yes!! Exactly

[@miscprojects9662]

The long and short answer is yes. Everyone is expendable.

[@scottpeters8640]

I really hope Justin Cooper can stay at Star Yamaha at a solid salary level, as he deserves it, and be there long term.

[@andrewsingleton2681]

I think Triumph, Husky, Beta, and maybe Suzuki should really make a push for J Coop. He will get them podiums for the next few years. And let’s be honest past 2025, he’s as good as anyone not named Jett.

[@bradenmackey8116]

Triumph and Beta are still in testing phase, I think JCoop is better on a factory bike that's been around for a while.

[@adamb3129]

I think Ducati should try to get him. They’d have more than enough money to do so.

[@redryder1146]

I would like to see him go to PC!

[@davidmclean4198]

He could get a ride with Suzuki as Shane and kyle aren't factory riders nice blokes but there to far back to have full time 450 rides

[@redryder1146]

What about Cooper going to PC? I’m sure Mitch and the boys would love to have him. Because PC has a 450 bike with not a permanent rider as far as I know just throwing it out there.

[@Dirtbikekidlostinthewoods]

Coop is a beast. He going to get nothing but better. He still growing physically and mentally

[@UncleSarkis]

Once Cooper's conditioning is there, he will be a top contender for sure.

[@RadioReprised]

Eli is on his way out...cut his pay so you keep all three. Let him walk if he get's a big bucks offer. If not, keep the loyal Kid and grow him before Webb leaves in a year or two.

[@aus-rider]

Star won’t cut Eli’s pay, if they don’t give what he wants, Kawasaki will have back.

[@richjunker5575]

I don't think Star will cut his pay either. But no way he goes back to Kawasaki.​@@aus-rider

[@aus-rider]

@@richjunker5575 If they don’t give what he asks, he will do what is right to support his family and that’s called money, no one seen Sexton jumping ship let alone to ktm and he did, money rules in sports.

[@richjunker5575]

@@aus-rider I think he would retire before going back to Kawasaki. He doesn't need or do it for the money at this point in his career. Plus he didn't like the way they did things at Kawi.

[@kelliebrooks9094]

Justin Cooper is a great rider...but the crop of 450 supercross guys is such a level....i watched Justin whos a stout rider an i saw hime following Tomac i saw him look up at Tomac who was inching away an he looked as if to say i m gonna catch him and he tryed to follow Tomac who was cross jump thru the rythym an thats when he didnt get Elis lines exact an he went down hard he should have back it off.

[@dirtbikerzforlife1]

Cooper gonna be a champ gotta pay him guys so smooth and great starter

[@Stopthecrazz]

They should keep both 😊

[@barcuda1250]

I was never 1 that followed him but he did so well in this feald take jett out and they would have been saying how great he was doing and he still a young 1 like there lots of older 250 guys and its proven old 250 guys aren't able to adapt thats why they were there so long He had some really good ridings and was farst and good starts its just sacked

[@keith_hudson]

I think they should prioritize trying to have Justin and Deegan on 450 in years to come. That may not pan out but Justin is part of the future. From a business perspective, I don’t think Tomac is the move anymore.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

Justin is NOT the guy.

[@keith_hudson]

@@TOMVUTHEPIMP Yeah I don’t think so either.

[@waynesmith922]

Tomac has made them soooooo much money, so many fans. If they let a guy who turnt the shit show around for an up and comer they’re dumb

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

@@waynesmith922 Tomac is done. Hes like 7th place guy now.

[@youngyarnzy777]

He’ll do well outdoors

[@metrichotrods1763]

Everyones going to Wildcat racing

[@eric6rock]

Wild!!

[@paulfoley5570]

Tomac is out at least 8 weeks and so is Webb. They can make both happen

[@somethingelse4846]

Cooper had 1 top 3 finish all year,rest of the year he was back of the pack look where he finished in the points...he should have beat tomac consistently if tomac is "done" so that says alot because he didnt.he started racing last year in the 450s, and should have done better than he has.

[@bryandonahue4347]

I bet Star will find a way to keep Cooper and Tomac

[@weekendwarrior6285]

If Star want another championship, they need to figure out how to purchase Jett from Honda, once Jett has given honda a couple more championships he may start shopping around, unless Jett gets injured he will dominate the foreseeable future, Prado may challenge him outdoors, 250s have no one notable.

[@androo357]

Actually, I’ll say Vialle will be a force once he moves up. His first year will be shaky, but second year just like in the 250s will be solid there after. I see Vialle being a nuisance just like Musquin was. Especially outdoors. Prado definitely outdoors when he comes over.

[@microsoft790]

No way jett is leaving Honda anytime soon

[@doglover136_]

@@microsoft790and if he does his brother is coming with him

[@2216sammy]

When's the last time Justin Cooper even made a podium appearance ?

[@lukekelly5115]

Anyone who's getting top qualifier in 450 needs a top factory spot

[@joshuabeckham2387]

Salt lake 10 days ago

[@scottpeters8640]

Well...at the last race.

[@kaeo7095]

If he can stay at Star Yamaha for another year, but for a more money than he got this year. Stay there for 2025 and maybe go to Ducati as a factory guy in 2026.

[@adamb3129]

Agreed. Don’t know why Ducati isn’t brought up more in these. A guy like Cooper seems like the perfect fit for them.

[@brandonfoley8070]

Hope J Cooper stays with Yamaha they need to figure out how to keep all 3

[@robertm7717]

Steve when’s your next race?

[@maxracingteam23]

8-31 9-1 THUNDER VALLEY

[@stevehelmick8936]

No doubt I hope this isn’t his only income

[@ASR_13]

I think Justin Cooper is lacking grit. He’s shown he has the speed but he lacks grit. He gets past easily and doesn’t do to well passing riders and working his way up to the top. He relies on starts and I believe if he shows some fight then everything will workout for him.

[@enacku]

Cooper just kinda is average indoors but is very fast in outdoors, he proved it too at mx des nations

[@lukekelly5115]

He's gotten top qualifier lol so much for average indoors

[@brandonguyett2880]

Star gonna cut some 250 riders keep cooper I’m just playing I don’t know shit But I hope Star keeps Justin cooper

[@maxracingteam23]

Star will need a 450 guy when Tomac retires so might as well keep him

[@brandonguyett2880]

@@maxracingteam23 let’s hope so Justin cooper became my favorite 450 rider easily They barley ever brought him up had a great season if jet wasn’t there woulda been rookie of the year And stars gonna need a 450 rider realistically how much longer do you think web and tomac got when tomac already been teasing the idea of retiring

[@maxracingteam23]

@@brandonguyett2880 exactly. And low key the Yamaha is a way better bike than the husky. Craig is struggling big time. Well so was sexton

[@georgelynch6139]

The team headhunters need to start prowling the GP paddock. 5 of the next level riders have expressed interest in crossing the pond for the easy money and tracks like Prado and their contracts are up in 2026. It is not logical to be signing riders in the AMA to 2 year contracts at the moment considering the possible Euro rider migration upcoming.

[@somethingelse4846]

They won't be good at supercross there first year,supercross is where the money is

[@curtiswood110]

Justin Cooper needs to show a lot more promise than he has been doing recently. He gets good starts then goes backwards.

[@danielbremner4142]

I agree. His resume want that good last year. Starts fast and can’t maintain.

[@austinsmith3159]

It’s not just money with cooper, he wants more attention to get his bike setup

[@timcross6380]

ELI is at that old age injury prone age anytime he falls next year will be a problem

[@defconone681]

It's simple just leave Cooper where he is and Tomac until he's done which will be at the end of 2026 im expecting so just sign Cooper to a 2 year they have the money for it.

[@anewperspective247]

Slap Steve for saying those numbers.

[@stevehelmick8936]

I remember when Steve raced never dude I hope this is not your only job

[@David_peo1982]

J cooper top 3 mx 2024 star will be mad if let him go he will end up going green and winning sx 25

[@gavinjohnsonpnw5626]

Basically start can cut 4 250 guys and can make it work 😂

[@davidsanchez9674]

Tomac needs to call it a career, BEFORE he gets SERIOUSLY INJURED. He has NOTHING left to prove. He doesn't need to be the NEXT Chad Reed, 5th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 11th-15th...and finally gate filler. I have been and always will be a Eli Tomac Fan, I have been and always will be a John Tomac Fan...And I wish for their legacies to remain, they were the best of their times. Dungey almost did it right,,,went out on top,,,but that stupid itch made him come back for the outdoors...Same with Kenny...

[@894359]

Cooper should ride for Indian!

[@ghav43]

Major talent. Respectfully, Webb and Tomac are aging. Would definitely keep JCOOP.

[@johnwilkes8847]

They should cut their 250 team down and keep JC around. JC will be a threat in a year or two

[@ScottAllenSparks]

Remember when people said Malcolm Stewart was better than cooper Webb and that Stewart was going to do better this SX season? Yeah, people think too much with their hearts than brains lol

[@user-vr3cm7ml7d]

JC will only go down hill after the Yamaha Ride ! Unless he ends up on a Factory Kawasaki!

[@rickvisser8296]

Cooper to Kawasaki would be cool

[@scottpeters8640]

Anderson is there next season and Prado is all but locked in there for multiple years starting in '25. Kawi only hires two factory riders.

[@Jack-by2hg]

Tomac to triumph

[@Shreddylife]

If he doesn't stay with Star he's going back to Kawi 100%

[@Jack-by2hg]

@@Shreddylife I am not so sure. Tomac and his dad did not like the dynamic with testing and trying new things. At least what I’ve heard I don’t know. Edit: also Prado is going to be on the team next year, I doubt Tomac would want another 3 rider team again.

[@richjunker5575]

​@@ShreddylifeNot a chance in hell he goes back to Kawasaki.

[@hung8969]

Gonna be funny when tomac retired prematurely and Webb gets hurt again. No 450 star bike. Cough cough the start of a downfall for the team. Pc should write a book on how not to run a team. Star could use it

[@chrisreetz4117]

Sign cooper to 3 year deal let tomac go after this season

[@user-dh3dy9yi7b]

If Yamaha dumps cooper they are slow asf

[@jacob_chinn]

Drop some 250 riders a give that to cooper😂 do they really need 10 250 riders lmao

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

Justin can go pound rocks. Cooper Webb is the guy at Star now.

[@smokecheckmaster5896]

Coops on his last years, he might click off a win here and there but as for beating Jett head to head I don't see it. With that being said, Justin is way to unreliable, Coop would be a better pick.

[@theRooster722]

Tomac's the guy at Star as long as he is with them. 30 race wins 2 championships in 2-1/2 seasons. He puts YZ450s in driveways and asses in seats.

[@KingFriday274]

Cooper is great til he crashes and hurts himself.

[@Deep.Development]

When does HD move up? I wonder if he'll stay with Star when he does. When Eli steps down, I'd think HD steps up. So that's a set of variables to consider too. Why are people saying JCoop might take Craig's Husky ride? Does Craig not have a deal for next year? He's riding outdoor I know but is he moving teams next year?

[@doglover136_]

haiden wont move up until 2026 at the earliest

[@user-iz2jq2nm9w]

They lost one of the best rider they ever had in Dylan Ferrandis! And Ferrandis has won in the premier class for star. So what’s the difference if you lose Cooper!

[@andrewsingleton2681]

Since he left Star, what has he done? I think it was a smart move letting him go.

[@timw4369]

Yes let cooper move on. Hes a decent rider but no star rider .