Posts
35699
Joined
7/10/2006
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA
US
Fantasy
988th
Edited Date/Time
1/27/2012 1:11am
Cooper Webb to Star Valli Yamaha
15 Year-Old Amateur Champion Signs Three-Year Amateur to Pro Contract
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (November 15, 2011) – Cooper Webb, who at just 15 years of age has amassed 76 amateur national titles has signed a three year contract to race for the Star Valli Yamaha Team with backing from Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
The unique program assembled by Bobby Regan, of Star Valli Yamaha is designed to take young Cooper through the remainder of his amateur career, and then right into the professional circuit. “Cooper will have the best motorcycles and equipment available,” said Regan. “The experience and resources of our pro team will back him the entire way,” he added.
Cooper will continue racing as an amateur in 2012 with the decision when to turn professional decided by the Webb family and Regan. “Bobby and Yamaha are giving us what we need to successfully conclude Cooper’s amateur racing and take him to the professional ranks through a well-structured plan. I’m excited to take this step toward seeing Cooper’s dreams realized,” said Bob Webb, Cooper’s father.
“I felt great right away on the Star Valli YZ250F, and everyone I have met on the team has been really helpful and professional,” said Cooper. “I am looking forward to Mini O’s.”
Cooper’s first race with the Star Valli Yamaha Team will be the Thor Winter National Olympics Nov. 21 – 26 in Gainesville, Fla.
15 Year-Old Amateur Champion Signs Three-Year Amateur to Pro Contract
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (November 15, 2011) – Cooper Webb, who at just 15 years of age has amassed 76 amateur national titles has signed a three year contract to race for the Star Valli Yamaha Team with backing from Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
The unique program assembled by Bobby Regan, of Star Valli Yamaha is designed to take young Cooper through the remainder of his amateur career, and then right into the professional circuit. “Cooper will have the best motorcycles and equipment available,” said Regan. “The experience and resources of our pro team will back him the entire way,” he added.
Cooper will continue racing as an amateur in 2012 with the decision when to turn professional decided by the Webb family and Regan. “Bobby and Yamaha are giving us what we need to successfully conclude Cooper’s amateur racing and take him to the professional ranks through a well-structured plan. I’m excited to take this step toward seeing Cooper’s dreams realized,” said Bob Webb, Cooper’s father.
“I felt great right away on the Star Valli YZ250F, and everyone I have met on the team has been really helpful and professional,” said Cooper. “I am looking forward to Mini O’s.”
Cooper’s first race with the Star Valli Yamaha Team will be the Thor Winter National Olympics Nov. 21 – 26 in Gainesville, Fla.
The Shop
Just seams stupid to me. I mean, don't get wrong. I'd jump at this oppertunity, but if you were already sponsored by a team who's effort for amatuers is ridiculously big and already ride Yamaha's why would you drop them?
Before you reply with Shut the F$%^ up, just think to yourself:
JGR bike or Valli/ Star?
Multiple private test tracks at your disposle-a majority of which are on your doorstep or just the one in cali?
Stroupe as a rider to train with or James Stewart?
And, sponsor wise? Neglect a team for red bull for like, ever. The drop red bull to go for a lower team?
He talks like he's the next top kid, why would you be scared for the future (if thats why?) You have Red bull and even KTM chucking stuff at you (possibly the collest 85 i've seen), had JGR-(the most advanced bikes), rode Honda's-(Gieco? I know they have other guys; bell and bisceglia but still), Thor-(pro circuit? obvs theres adam c, but again..).
Just seams a weird choice. I ride Yamaha's and of the teams he could of got a deal with, this is a weird choice.
noun
1.
the line formed by sewing together pieces of cloth, leather, or the like.
2.
the stitches used to make such a line.
3.
any line formed by abutting edges.
4.
any linear indentation or mark, as a wrinkle or scar.
SEEM
verb (used without object)
1.
to appear to be, feel, do, etc.: She seems better this morning.
2.
to appear to one's own senses, mind, observation, judgment, etc.: It seems to me that someone is calling.
3.
to appear to exist: There seems no need to go now.
4.
to appear to be true, probable, or evident: It seems likely to rain.
Pit Row
The kid kinda seams a bit of a dick. I mean, he screwed JGR over a bit. How much time have you spent around Cooper? I have known the kid since he started on a PW50, watched him grow into one of the top kids in the country and I can tell you the word "DICK" to describe him could not be further from the truth. He is one of the most down to earth kids you will ever meet in your life.
It's like "hey I'm sponsored by JGR, who ride YAMAHA!! But I'm going to ride everything but that.
Cooper was under contract to Honda when he started using JGR. JGR knew that and chose to work with him knowing that. JGR has retail operations on motors and suspension for all brands and Cooper was one of the top kids promoting that business for them.
Neglect all of their sponsors, run the weirdest gear set ever (Thor, Smith, TCX and a weird evs armour, like wtf).
Cooper has been on running Thor gear and Oxtar boots for the last 5 or 6 years. What makes you think JGR even wanted him to run their gear or boots? They were not giving him bikes. He was just using their suspension and motors. I don't know of a single rider who lets their engine or suspension guys dictate what they run for gear or boots.
Just seams stupid to me. I mean, don't get wrong. I'd jump at this oppertunity, but if you were already sponsored by a team who's effort for amatuers is ridiculously big and already ride Yamaha's why would you drop them?
I think JGR has a great thing going with their stuff, but how do you see their efforts for amateurs as ridiculously big? Are they providing motorcycles for anyone? I don't know of anyone if they are. They are currently just an engine/suspension shop on the amateur side. I don't know the details, but I would guess had JGR offered bikes and support for the next three years and a guaranteed ride in the pros for a factory supported team, to the Webb's who will need the support to compete at that level, they probably would have considered it. I don't know that JGR has made that offer to any amateurs.
And, sponsor wise? Neglect a team for red bull for like, ever. The drop red bull to go for a lower team?
He talks like he's the next top kid, why would you be scared for the future (if thats why?) You have Red bull and even KTM chucking stuff at you (possibly the collest 85 i've seen), had JGR-(the most advanced bikes), rode Honda's-(Gieco? I know they have other guys; bell and bisceglia but still), Thor-(pro circuit? obvs theres adam c, but again..).
Just seams a weird choice. I ride Yamaha's and of the teams he could of got a deal with, this is a weird choice.
First of all, I have never, not even once, heard Cooper claim to be the next big thing. It isn't how he talks. I would hope after 70+ titles he would be confident and I would hope he would think he has the capability to be the next big thing, but I have never heard it come out of his mouth.
Second, while you may see Star as a lower team, outside of PC, and Geico, they are probably the best lites team out there. Some would even consider the efforts of Bobby Regan at Star to be very close to on par with those two. That would make the opportunity to have Star and Yamaha through the end of his amateur career and a Star ride guaranteed for the pros a complete no brainer. Geico chose Bell and Bisceglia, both great pics, PC made Adam their first ever long term amateur to pro contract rider. I'm guessing that Cooper was considered for both of these rides but don't underestimate the quality of the Star ride and their bikes.
I think this is a great decision for all parties involved!!!
Mike Burkeen
Much like Canard was at Geico/FC Honda on 250s and then up the team Honda for the 450.
In this case since the factory model is shifting;
A smaller but still well run outfit like Valli as a start for 250 then moving later to a JGR or other factory level team for the 450's
Less pressure and a little time to grow and get used to the level of competition.
As far as Cooper goes I had a chance to meet him and his folks at Atlanta SX in 08 and they all were nice down to earth folks.
Congrats to Cooper and his family. Seem like some great people.
Post a reply to: Cooper Webb to Star Valli Yamaha