COOPER WEBB | GRIT-211 | 450SX

COOPER WEBB | GRIT-211 | SX 450

KTM's Cooper Webb had quite the skillset on the normalized "SX" layout that the industry was accustomed to watching. However an event that seemed to elude him, was that of the Daytona Supercross. Webb's championship demeanor would itch for victory while racing in the Sunshine State, and it was apparent that he'd be competing at the highest level when watching him sprint around the track for practice. Nailing multiple quads in the section(s) after the finish-line, his characteristics on the 450 were world-class; leading to a heat race endeavor, where he would be rivaled by rather...unusual company. It was RJ Hampshire who sprinted from the gate to an initial lead, while Webb's veteran-like aptitude would stay lurking in the background. He was sound through the tight confines of switchback sections, hugging in the inside to nullify the total distance many others traveled. This would aid his pursuit (and overtaking) of second, over Christian Craig; seeing the aforementioned Hampshire in the distance. Webb was relentless, keeping pressure on the rookie from an eerie distance, but RJ wasn't folding. The clock continued to tick, and the Husqvarna rider maintained a small bit of margin; enough to keep Webb at bay as they pushed toward the checkered flag. Defending the lead from Webb (i.e. Hampshire) the Husqvarna competitor would do enough to ultimately take the win, with Cooper claiming the runner-up designation. The main event was then upon him, and his bold aspirations would have him out-charging (ever so slightly) Eli Tomac as they sped into turn number two. Working his way around the outside, Webb now had control of the moto; though the winningest Daytona rider in the history of the sport was on his tail. Cooper remained steadfast and in a position of abundant opportunity, until around seven minutes in when an initial outside line choice (in the sand) would have Tomac sweeping underneath him. Retaliating quickly, Webb would fight to the inside and leap into the elevated corner with the inner-most position...colliding with Tomac and nearly going down! However he retained the lead and held strong, until nine minutes of action had transpired. At that point, Webb could feel Tomac sprint to the outside as they leapt over the finish-line; but the North Carolina native wasn't going to budge, until an accidental false neutral would nearly put him over the bars. This disrupted his flow, and allowed the red-plate holder to get around once and for all. Charging as hard as possible from that point, onward, Webb remained just behind Eli; lurking with a sly intent, though unable to make another move. Capturing second as the final bell would ring, Webb's confidence still remained at the highest level as the event concluded.

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