Cooper Webb will return to racing this weekend in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Round 1 at Fox Raceway in Pala, California after missing three rounds to an injury suffered in his Nashville Supercross.
Webb was injured when he crashed on the first lap of his heat and his helmet was struck by another rider. Sitting second in the standings at the time, he was Eli Tomac’s most serious contender for the championship until his injury and another to Tomac the following week in Denver eliminated both from contention, handing the title to a surging Chase Sexton.
“Just wanted to give an update,” Webb said on his Instagram page. “I’m super stoked and super thankful. I’ve been cleared to ride and race again by the docs.
“Last week was the final test. We went in and got a bunch of tests done and scans and everything came back clear and I was cleared to start riding. I was able to ride Friday and we’ve been back at it this week. So, I’m stoked to be able to say I’ll be going racing this summer and can’t wait to see all the fans there.”
Despite failing to score points in three rounds, Webb ended the season third in the standings. With the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) debuting in September and the top 20 in combined Supercross and Motocross points earning a direct invite to the final three rounds, it is important to return as quickly as possible. Webb is 226 points ahead of the 21st-place rider in the field, but with the two-moto format, a maximum of 550 points are still available through 11 Motocross rounds.
Webb is currently 68 points behind Sexton in combined points and with Tomac unable to make the start of the Motocross season, Webb has an opportunity to earn the No. 1 SMX seed with his rapid return in Pala.
In a press release, Webb said: “I’m extremely excited to be lining up for the Pro Motocross series. I didn’t compete outdoors last year, so this will be my first time racing it since 2021.
“I’m super grateful for the team and I to be able to do it together and get back behind the gate. After my crash in Nashville, I’ve been able to take some time off and get fully healthy, cleared, and ready to go. Hopefully, I have some great results with the Red Bull KTM team this summer, we’ll see where it puts us.”
Webb finished fourth in the points standings in 2021.
Webb will be joined at the gate by his 450 teammate Aaron Plessinger and 250 riders Tom Vialle and Max Vohland.
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Other 2023 Injury News
450 riders
Eli Tomac, Achilles tendon | It was just a freak deal
Justin Barcia, collarbone and shoulder
Jason Anderson, vertebrae
Christian Craig, elbow
Marvin Musquin, wrist
Malcolm Stewart, knee | Signs two-year extension
Aaron Plessinger, hip | returned at Salt Lake City
Dylan Ferrandis, concussion | Will not return until Motocross
Cooper Webb, concussion | returns in Pala
250 riders
Nate Thrasher, hip
Stilez Robertson, leg
Cameron McAdoo, shoulder
Seth Hammaker, arm and wrist
Austin Forkner, knee | Injury isn’t the hardest part
Jo Shimoda, collarbone | returned at Atlanta
Jalek Swoll, arm | returns in Pala