Still on the comeback from injury, the Suzuki ace from Mount Maunganui took the top step on the podium at the fifth round of nine in the Australian Motocross Championships at Toowoomba on Sunday.
The Rockstar Motul Suzuki team rider finished 1-2-1-3 in his four races at the steep, rain-drenched and deeply-rutted circuit, widely considered one of the most demanding tracks on the tour.
Forced to watch round three from the sidelines after crashing and suffering rib and lung injuries at round two of the series, Cooper (RM-Z450) bounced back at round five on Sunday in impressive fashion, showing mastery in the slick and treacherous conditions.
However, with the championship now edging past the halfway stage, Cooper also realises that, despite his superb display, he has little realistic chance of winning the title this season.
Although Cooper has improved several positions from 13th overall at the start of the weekend, he is still only eighth overall, a massive
166 points behind championship leader Dean Ferris, who finished
third overall on Sunday.
“It was just so good to be able to race and be competitive,” said
Cooper. “I have not been able to ride the bike much lately, although
I am not now in any pain.
“I am still not at my best,” he said, an obvious warning to his rivals with four rounds still remaining. Round six is next month (June 19) in Coonabarabran, New South Wales.
It was not very obvious to any of the several hundred damp and mud-spattered observers, but Cooper admitted he too struggled staying in control on the slippery terrain.
“I can ride better than that. I think the secret today was just to be smooth and not make mistakes. The bike was brilliant.”
Ferris finished 2-4-4-2 on Sunday, ensuring he remains nine points clear at the top of the championship standings.
Meanwhile, it was double glory for the Rockstar Motul Suzuki men as Cooper’s team-mate, Daniel McCoy, took the top step of the podium in the Lites (250cc) class.
McCoy – who raced in New Zealand earlier this season, finishing runner-up in the MX2 championship – won the abbreviated Lites programme with his 2-3-2 results.
For further information contact Simon Meade, Motorcycle Sales Manager, simon@suzuki.co.nz
Words and photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
