Following the epic news yesterday that Ryan Villopoto will come out of retirement to race supercross in Australia. The AUS-X Open event organisers today announced that Cooper Webb will return to race his childhood heroes.
Webb, a two-time AMA West Coast Supercross Champion, will make his second trip down-under, as he chases the prestigious AUS-X Open crown as he moves up to the premier 450 class full-time.
The North Carolinian captured his second 250 championship in 2016, and has since become one of the hottest properties in the world supercross paddock.
Following a gripping last lap battle (see the video below) with Chad Reed in 2015, the 20-year-old Yamaha pilot is “pumped” to return to the AUS-X Open in 2016.
“I really felt all of the love from the fans down there last year, they supported me a lot,” said Webb. “I was actually surprised at how many Australian fans I had, especially during night two with how hyped they were, and just in general – they were stoked with me being there, and I really appreciated that.”
With four-time World Supercross Champion, Ryan Villopoto, announcing that he will race both nights of the AUS-X Open, Webb is excited at the prospect of racing him for the very first time, along with childhood hero, Chad Reed. “The rookie vs the veterans; I’ll be racing my childhood heroes,” exclaimed Webb.
“It’ll be an honour to race Ryan. I think having him come out of retirement for that one race just shows how special it is. I’ll also be a full-time 450cc rider at that point too, so it’ll be good to stick it to both him and Chad.”
Webb has praised the atmosphere of the AUS-X Open event, and admits the vibe is one of the main reasons he’s decided to take part.
Webb admits the vibe at the AUS-X Open is one of the main reasons he’s decided to take part – praising the atmosphere at the Qudos Bank Arena. “Just all the elements [of the AUS-X Open] make for a cool, relaxed, exciting race that you want to go race – it’s not one of those races that is the ‘same old, same old’; it’s just totally different and you have to be there to see it.
“I can’t wait to see you all again in November.”
Cooper Webb to race 2016 AUS-X Open
The AUS-X Open event claims with some justification that it’s the greatest action sports competition in the Southern Hemisphere. It brings together an international supercross racing event with a Freestyle Motocross (FMX) ‘Best Trick’ competition. Villopoto, Reed and Webb will go up against Australia’s best talent in Sydney.
Tickets start at $40 from ticketek, and can be found here.
