Cooper Webb, a key contender in the 2024 Monster Energy Supercross series, has undergone surgery for ligament damage in his thumb, an injury sustained during a tumultuous season marked by intense competition and physical setbacks. Webb expects a recovery period of six to eight weeks following the procedure, which took place just two days after the season’s finale in Salt Lake City.
Webb’s thumb issues began after an incident with Jett Lawrence at Round 9 in Birmingham and were exacerbated during a collision with Jason Anderson in Philadelphia at Round 15. Despite the injury, Webb demonstrated remarkable resilience. “I felt like I did a really good job,” Webb stated during the pre-race news conference ahead of the finale. “I didn’t feel like it hindered me whatsoever, but like the last race at Philly, I think when I got together with Jason, that finally finished it off.”
From Rounds 11 through 13, Webb impressively closed a 21-point gap to Lawrence, even briefly sharing the championship lead. However, his momentum faced challenges in subsequent rounds. After failing to secure a podium finish in Nashville for the first time in four races, Webb managed a fifth-place finish in Denver and rebounded to clinch his ninth podium of the season in Salt Lake City.
The surgery and ensuing recovery period mean Webb will miss at least the first four rounds of the outdoor season, significantly impacting his campaign in the SuperMotocross World Championship. Currently ranked second in combined points, Webb’s absence could reshape the standings, though he is likely to remain within the top 10.
The loss of Webb adds to the challenges faced by his team, as teammate Eli Tomac, who is fourth in points, also underwent thumb surgery just before the Supercross finale. Additionally, their fellow competitor Ken Roczen, currently seventh in points, is dealing with a tibial fracture that will limit his participation in the outdoor races.
The timing of Webb’s return is crucial, as the SuperMotocross World Championship awards seeding points equivalent to those won in individual rounds. His team and fans are hopeful for a swift and effective recovery, allowing him to return to competition as early as possible and defend his standing in the fiercely competitive championship.