Cooper Webb
Cooper Webb (born November 10, 1995) is an American professional motocross and supercross racer renowned for his aggressive riding style, mental toughness, and history of dramatic late-race victories.[1] Competing for the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team, he has secured six major AMA championships, including three in the premier 450SX class (2019, 2021, and 2025), two in the 250SX West region (2015 and 2016), and the 2016 250 Motocross title.[2] Born in Newport, North Carolina, Webb began racing at age four under the influence of his father, a former professional surfer who competed in motocross during the 1970s, and claimed his first amateur championship at age six.[3] Webb turned professional in 2013 at age 17, making his debut at the Hangtown Motocross Classic on May 18, where he impressed with a strong showing for the Yamaha factory team.[4] His early career featured rapid success, including his first AMA professional victory on June 28, 2014, at Muddy Creek, followed by his 250SX West titles in 2015 and 2016, during which he demonstrated exceptional consistency and speed.[5] In 2016, he also won the AMA Pro Motocross 250 Class championship and captained Team USA to a third-place finish at the Motocross of Nations, solidifying his status as a rising star.[2] Transitioning to the 450 class in 2017 with Red Bull KTM, Webb faced challenges but broke through with his first 450SX title in 2019, earning widespread acclaim for his resilience after overcoming injuries.[1] After adding a second 450SX championship in 2021, Webb returned to Yamaha in 2024 following a stint with KTM, where he pursued further success amid a competitive field.[6] His 2025 season culminated in a thrilling title clinch at the Salt Lake City finale on May 10, where a fourth-place finish secured the championship by two points over Chase Sexton, making Webb, at 29 years and six months, the oldest 450SX champion in history and joining an elite group of three-time Supercross champions.[7] In November 2025, he finished second overall at the Paris Supercross. Despite a subsequent knee injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2025 Pro Motocross season, Webb's career exemplifies perseverance, with over 30 Supercross main event wins and a reputation for rising to pressure in high-stakes moments.[8][9]Background
Early life
Cooper Webb was born on November 10, 1995, in Newport, North Carolina.[4] He grew up in the coastal community of Newport, where he spent his childhood attending local public schools rather than being homeschooled. Webb's family played a significant role in shaping his early interests. His father, Robert Webb, had a background in motocross during the 1970s before transitioning to a career as a professional surfer.[3] His mother, Trent Webb, supported the family while working as a public school teacher.[10] Influenced by his father's experiences, Webb was introduced to riding motorcycles at the age of four and began competitive racing that same year at the Kinley MX track.[10][5] These early riding and racing experiences fostered Webb's passion for the sport in a relaxed family environment.[11]Amateur career
Cooper Webb began competitive motocross racing at age four, participating in local events in North Carolina aboard a 51cc motorcycle, and claimed his first national-level victory by winning the 51cc 4-6 Stock Oil Injected class at the Loretta Lynn's Amateur National Motocross Championship in 2002 at age six.[12] Webb progressed steadily through junior classes, competing in 65cc events from 2004 to 2006 and earning a championship in the 65cc (7-11) Modified class at Loretta Lynn's in 2006. By 2007, he advanced to 85cc racing, where he achieved consistent podium finishes, including second place in the 85cc (7-11) Stock class at the 2007 Loretta Lynn's. In 2010, transitioning to the 125cc-equivalent Super Mini classes, Webb won the Super Mini 1 (12-15) title at Loretta Lynn's while finishing second in Super Mini 2 (13-16), often battling emerging talents like Adam Cianciarulo, to whom he placed second in the 85cc Stock class in 2007. The following year, Webb moved to 250cc machinery, debuting with a victory in both motos of the Schoolboy 2 (14-17) class at the 2011 Loretta Lynn's Northeast Area Qualifier, a key East Coast regional event equivalent to the 250B class.[12][13][14] In 2012, Webb capped his amateur tenure by winning the 250B Stock class national championship at Loretta Lynn's, defeating strong contenders like Shane McElrath, while also securing second in the 250B Modified class. Throughout his youth career, he amassed over 100 regional and national titles across various classes, demonstrating exceptional skill development without turning professional until 2013. This progression from local starts to dominant performances in premier amateur events solidified his path to the pro ranks.[12][15]Professional career
250 class career (2013–2016)
Cooper Webb turned professional at the age of 17 in 2013, signing with the Star Racing Yamaha factory team. His debut came in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship at the Hangtown Motocross Classic on May 18, 2013, where he finished 11th overall in the 250 Class with moto results of 5th and 18th.[4][16] During the 2013 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, Webb competed in the 250SX West Region and showed promise as a rookie, though he did not secure podium finishes that season.[17] His amateur success had prepared him well for the professional level, enabling a smooth transition to national series racing.[15] In 2014, Webb achieved his breakthrough in outdoor motocross, securing his first AMA National victory on June 28 at the Tennessee National in Blountville, where he posted 2-1 moto scores aboard his Yamaha YZ250F.[18] He earned multiple podiums throughout the season, culminating in a 3rd-place finish in the overall 250 Class standings with 419 points, behind champion Jeremy Martin and runner-up Blake Baggett.[19] In Supercross, Webb finished 5th in the 250SX West Region, demonstrating improved consistency and earning Rookie of the Year honors alongside Ken Roczen.[17] His aggressive riding style, characterized by bold passes and high corner speeds, became a hallmark that contributed to his rapid ascent.[20] Webb dominated the 2015 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, clinching the 250SX Western Regional title with five wins, including a comeback victory in San Diego despite a shoulder injury.[21][22] Outdoors, he delivered strong performances in the AMA Pro Motocross 250 Class, highlighted by wins at Washougal and Spring Creek, though he ended the season 11th overall due to a focus on Supercross preparation.[23][24] Remaining with the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team, Webb's factory support allowed him to refine his aggressive approach into consistent results.[4] The 2016 season marked Webb's pinnacle in the 250 Class, as he repeated as 250SX Western Regional Champion with victories in the opening round at Anaheim 1 and the Las Vegas finale.[25][26] In AMA Pro Motocross, he captured the 250 Class Championship with seven wins, including back-to-back victories at RedBud and Washougal, securing the title with a round to spare at the Ironman National.[27][28] This double championship run solidified his status as a factory-level star on Yamaha machinery, with his relentless style leading to 11 Supercross wins and 7 Motocross victories across his 250 career.[29][20]450 class career (2017–2025)
Cooper Webb transitioned to the premier 450cc class in 2017, signing with the factory Yamaha team alongside Chad Reed after his successful 250cc tenure. Riding the heavier 450cc machinery presented adaptation challenges, including adjusting to the bike's power delivery and competing against established veterans like Eli Tomac and Marvin Musquin. He achieved several top-10 finishes, including one podium, but struggled with consistency, ultimately ending the Supercross season 13th in points standings.[30] In 2018, Webb moved to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, seeking a more competitive environment to accelerate his development. In March 2018, ahead of the St. Louis round, he suffered a shoulder dislocation in practice, causing him to miss that event and contributing to a mid-pack start. Later, during the main event at the Minneapolis Supercross in April, a collision resulted in a fractured tibia and two fibula fractures, requiring surgery and sidelining him for the remainder of the Supercross season and much of the outdoor Motocross campaign. These setbacks limited him to sporadic results, highlighting the physical demands of the 450 class.[31][32][33][34] Webb rebounded strongly in 2019, capturing his first 450SX Championship aboard the KTM 450 SX-F with five main event wins, including wire-to-wire victories that showcased his aggressive starts and corner speed. His season total of 11 podiums secured the title by 18 points over Tomac in the Las Vegas finale, marking KTM's fourth premier-class Supercross crown. This breakthrough established him as a title contender, emphasizing his ability to thrive under championship pressure.[35][36] The 2020 season, shortened and reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic with a "bubble" format in Salt Lake City, saw Webb finish as runner-up in Supercross, trailing Tomac by just seven points after consistent podium finishes, including a win in San Diego. A back injury from a crash at Arlington ended his outdoor Motocross participation early, but his indoor resilience kept him in the title hunt amid the disrupted schedule.[29][37] Webb defended his title in 2021, clinching a second 450SX Championship with a dominant performance, highlighted by nine podiums and a victory in the Salt Lake City finale to seal the points lead over Roczen. His indoor mastery, characterized by precise gate drops and error-free racing, earned him recognition for mental toughness, as he overcame early-season challenges to finish 35 points ahead.[38][39] Injuries plagued Webb during 2022 and 2023, disrupting his momentum with KTM. A 2022 tibia fracture and subsequent hand and shoulder issues led to missed races and inconsistent results, including only two Supercross podiums. The 2023 season brought further setbacks, with a late injury forcing him to sit out the final two Supercross rounds despite a strong mid-season push; outdoor performances remained uneven due to recovery demands. These periods tested his resilience, shifting his riding style toward greater composure and strategic racing over raw aggression.[40][41] Webb joined Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing in 2024 on a multiyear deal, marking a fresh start after five seasons with KTM. He mounted a strong comeback in Supercross, securing three wins—including a Triple Crown event in Anaheim—and finishing runner-up in the standings, 15 points behind champion Jett Lawrence.[42][43][44] At age 29, Webb achieved his third 450SX Championship in 2025 with Yamaha, becoming the oldest winner in series history by six months over Tomac's previous mark, clinching the title with a fourth-place finish in the Salt Lake City finale for 365 points—just two ahead of Sexton. His season emphasized mental fortitude, with five wins underscoring a evolved style focused on calculated risks and endurance. Outdoors, he placed 13th in the AMA Motocross 450 Class despite a mid-season knee injury at RedBud that sidelined him for the remainder. Webb returned for the SuperMotocross World Championship playoffs, finishing 6th overall with 112 points. In November 2025, he placed 2nd overall at the Paris Supercross.[45][46][47][7][48][8][49][50]Personal life
Family
Cooper Webb married Mariah Webb on October 29, 2020, following their engagement in September 2019 during a trip to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.[51] The couple, who began dating in February 2017, held a farm-themed wedding ceremony and honeymooned in St. Lucia.[51] Mariah, a registered nurse holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), has over six years of experience in the emergency department and founded Ivie Drip, a wellness service offering intravenous therapy and vitamin infusions.[51] The Webbs welcomed their first child, daughter Indy Webb, on August 16, 2022.[51] Their second daughter, Presley Cove Webb, was born on May 17, 2024.[52] Mariah plays a key role in supporting Cooper's racing career, frequently traveling with him and their daughters to events throughout the demanding 31-race AMA Supercross season.[53] This family involvement helps maintain balance amid the sport's rigors, with Mariah often present trackside to provide emotional backing.[54]Residence and beliefs
Cooper Webb resides in Tallahassee, Florida, where he relocated around 2023 to be closer to Yamaha's training center in Cairo, Georgia.[53] Webb has publicly identified as a man of faith. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since his conversion around 2023, he has described being "faith driven" during challenging periods, emphasizing how these convictions provide resilience and direction.[2][53][55] Beyond racing, Webb prioritizes family time as a key interest, often balancing it with his professional schedule to maintain personal connections. He maintains a family legacy in surfing, stemming from his father Bobby Webb's background as a professional surfer and founder of Action Surf Shop in North Carolina, and has occasionally participated in the sport himself.[56][57][58] Additionally, Webb operates Shop Coop, an official merchandise business offering branded apparel and gear for fans, which reflects his entrepreneurial pursuits outside the track.[59] As of 2025, Webb continues to navigate the demands of his elite racing career by emphasizing personal wellness through family balance and faith-based practices, which he credits for sustaining his motivation and mental fortitude.[60]Results and statistics
AMA Supercross results
Cooper Webb made his AMA Supercross debut in 2014 as a rookie in the 250SX Western Regional class, after turning professional in 2013 with Motocross. His first professional season in 2013 was in Motocross, finishing 9th in the 250 class before debuting in Supercross in 2014.[61] He achieved back-to-back championships in the 250SX West in 2015 and 2016, marking him as the 12th rider to defend a 250SX regional title consecutively.[29] Moving to the premier 450SX class in 2017, Webb established himself as a title contender, capturing championships in 2019, 2021, and 2025 while finishing as runner-up in 2020 and 2024.[4] His career totals include 11 wins in the 250SX class and 30 in the 450SX class, ranking him 8th all-time in 450SX victories.[4] The 2020 season was notably affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the schedule shortened after a pause, races held without spectators, and the series concluding early in May.[62] The following table summarizes Webb's year-by-year performance in AMA Supercross, focusing on final championship position, main event wins, and podium finishes where documented.| Year | Class | Position | Wins | Podiums | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 250SX West | 5th | 0 | 2 | 143 |
| 2015 | 250SX West | 1st | 6 | 7 | 186 |
| 2016 | 250SX West | 1st | 5 | 8 | 180 |
| 2017 | 450SX | 13th | 0 | 1 | 151 |
| 2018 | 450SX | 9th | 0 | 3 | 192 |
| 2019 | 450SX | 1st | 7 | 13 | 354 |
| 2020 | 450SX | 2nd | 4 | 9 | 209 |
| 2021 | 450SX | 1st | 8 | 12 | 373 |
| 2022 | 450SX | 7th | 0 | 4 | 239 |
| 2023 | 450SX | 3rd | 3 | 10 | 304 |
| 2024 | 450SX | 2nd | 3 | 11 | 336 |
| 2025 | 450SX | 1st | 5 | 13 | 365 |
AMA Motocross results
Cooper Webb's AMA Motocross career spans both the 250cc and 450cc classes, where he achieved significant success early on before transitioning to a Supercross-focused schedule in later years. His most notable accomplishment came in the 250 class, where he clinched the 2016 championship with seven moto wins across the season, securing the title at the Budds Creek National.[48] In the 450 class, Webb recorded one overall victory in 2019 at Spring Creek Raceway, marking his sole win at that level, and demonstrated consistent top-10 finishes in several seasons despite injuries and selective participation.[69] His results reflect a balance between championship contention and recovery from setbacks, with eight podium finishes in 450cc motos overall.[4] Webb entered professional Motocross in 2013 but established himself in the 250 class from 2014 onward. He finished third overall in 2014 with strong mid-season performances, including multiple podiums, before a more inconsistent 2015 resulted in an 11th-place standing. The pinnacle arrived in 2016, where his seven victories propelled him to the championship, edging out competitors like Alex Martin by 73 points.[17] Upon moving to the 450 class in 2017, Webb adapted quickly, posting an eighth-place finish in his debut season with several top-10 moto results. He improved to ninth in 2018 amid a building rivalry in the premier division. In 2019, his standout year at the level, Webb achieved his lone overall win at Spring Creek (1-2 moto scores) en route to sixth in the standings with 324 points and three podiums.[17] A back injury limited him to one moto in 2020, dropping him to 27th overall.[70] Webb rebounded in 2021 to fourth place with 358 points and consistent top-five finishes across 12 rounds, though without a victory. He opted out of the entire 2022 season to prioritize recovery and Supercross preparation.[71] Returning in 2023, he placed 12th with 147 points, featuring a best of fifth at Budds Creek. Injuries again curtailed 2024 to a 35th-place finish after limited starts. In 2025, Webb competed in a partial schedule, ending 13th with 151 points and a best finish of sixth at Thunder Valley.[72][73][74]| Year | Class | Overall Position | Points | Wins | Podiums |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 250 | 3rd | 419 | 2 | 6 |
| 2015 | 250 | 11th | 246 | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 | 250 | 1st | 457 | 7 | 11 |
| 2017 | 450 | 8th | 274 | 0 | 2 |
| 2018 | 450 | 9th | 238 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | 450 | 6th | 324 | 1 | 3 |
| 2020 | 450 | 27th | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 450 | 4th | 358 | 0 | 3 |
| 2022 | 450 | Did not compete | - | - | - |
| 2023 | 450 | 12th | 147 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 450 | 35th | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 450 | 13th | 151 | 0 | 0 |