Cooper Webb interview
By Infront Moto Racing on 27th Aug 16
AMA 250cc motocross champion Cooper Webb has become one of the most popular riders in the world.
After his strong performances in International races in Japan, Australia, and across Europe Webb showed that he is a racer.
Webb will once again lineup for Team USA in 2016 and this time as team captain. There is no higher honor than for riding for your country and Webb takes that seriously.
"I got called originally to do the Open class. At first I really wanted to do MX2 because I just feel really comfortable and strong but at the same time it's a team event so you got to put your team first. It's not all about yourself.”
"Then Eli (Tomac) pulled out and I got the call from Roger (DeCoster). He was like, "We're going to get Jason (Anderson) and what do you want to do?” I said, "I want to be captain. I want to be MX1.” I feel like I deserve it. I really just want to go out and try to get some redemption maybe from last year and race against the best of the best.”
"I am going to race a 250 at the Grand Prix in Charlotte. My plan all year was to race Charlotte. That's a home race for me, so I'm going to go there and that'll be my last race on a 250. Then I will be on the 450 for the Grand Prix in Glen Helen. Looking forward to those races, and then MXoN in Italy.”
"The Motocross of Nations is just a dream race. When you are a kid that's the one you always wanted to be on and win, and represent your country. You have the whole country behind you. For me it's a pride thing. I don't want to go there and get beaten by the Euros. I want to show them that our country's best.”
"The European fans are just something else. You can hear them every single corner. There's a lot of pressure, not only for yourself but for your country. You've got everybody in America that is into motocross watching you. They're all wanting you to go win. So it's a tough race. I think it's one of the most high-pressure races and I think that's why I love it because you've got to perform.”
One thing is sure, be it in a battle with Jeffrey Herlings in the MX2 class in Charlotte, a return fight with Febvre and Tim Gajser in Glen Helen, or taking on the world at the Maggiora circuit at the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, Webb will be ready for whatever comes his way.
