Yamaha’s Webb to Sit Out Monster Energy Cup

The following is from Yamaha Motor Corp., USA:

Cypress, CA-October 13, 2016–The 2017 Monster Energy/Yamalube/Chaparral/Yamaha Financial Services/Yamaha Factory Supercross team will make its debut a couple of months early, with Chad Reed competing in this Saturday’s Monster Energy Cup at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, NV.

While Chad will race, Cooper Webb and the team made the decision that Cooper will sit out the event in order to allow some more time for his injuries sustained during the 2016 AMA Motocross season to fully heal. However, Cooper will definitely be in attendance at the event, and he’s looking forward to meeting his fans and watching Chad and the other Yamaha bLU cRU riders compete in one of Supercross racing’s most prestigious events.

“This wasn’t an easy decision for Cooper or the team to make,” Keith McCarty, Motorsports Racing Division Manager for Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., said. “He is very excited to get his 450 career started, and we’re all just as excited as he is. He’s been doing a lot of riding during this off-season, and back in the shop, we’ve been preparing his bike, and it’s ready to go. But, this is the right decision for him and his racing career. Cooper’s hand is not quite 100% yet, and he wants to be at his best when he swings a leg over his #2 Yamaha YZ450F. We’re glad that he’ll be in attendance at this weekend’s Monster Energy Cup, even though he won’t be riding. We know the fans will be excited to see him.

“As for Chad, he’s been training hard, and he’s ready to race this weekend. We’re all looking forward to our second year together as a Factory Racing team. Chad really enjoys racing in the Monster Energy Cup, so that makes things extra-special.”

Webb said, “I am so disappointed that I won’t be racing in Las Vegas. This was one of the toughest racing decisions I’ve had to make so far in my racing career but, as Keith said, it’s the right decision to make. And, while I cannot wait to race that beautiful #2 YZ450F for the first time, I definitely want to be 100%. I’m not there yet, but I will be for the start of the 2017 Supercross season. I’ll be in Vegas this weekend, for sure, even though I won’t be riding. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there.”

Two-time Supercross Champion Chad said, “The Monster Energy Cup is one of my favorite events, and I am really looking forward to racing this weekend. I’ve been doing a lot of training, and I’m ready to go. I can’t wait to start this second season back with the Yamaha Factory Supercross team.”