Cooper loves the pressure

I think one thing that works for you is that this is a high-pressure event. Instead of being worried, you’re probably just thinking, “This is awesome!”
Yeah, I really am. I’ve tried to pick everyone’s brain, anyone who has raced in Europe or has raced the des Nations before. But it is a high-pressure event, just because you’re not just racing for yourself but for your whole country, and it’s a pride thing. This is to prove to the Europeans, or whatever other countries you’re racing, that the U.S. is the best. Obviously the last couple of years haven’t worked out. And this is going to be an interesting year. There obviously has been a lot of talk, people saying, “Well, maybe this team isn’t going to do anything worth a shit” or whatever. But that’s good. I like doubters—I love when stuff like that happens, it motivates me. I really and truly feel that the more pressure, the better, and I’m going to be ready for sure. When I got that phone call, it was a dream come true. That’s a huge honor for me.