Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper largely ‘checked out okay’ following his heavy crash in the second 450MX moto at Hangtown, currently recovering from a concussion sustained in the incident.

The 28-year-old got off to a strong start in moto two and was running inside the top-five on the opening lap when Mikkel Haarup (5.11 Triumph Factory Racing) crashed from third position on the first downhill section of the circuit.

Cooper subsequently collided with Haarup’s motorcycle, resulting in a heavy impact that brought out the red flag and forced his withdrawal from the remainder of the event.

“Shitty way to end the day at Hangtown,” said Cooper. “[I] got a decent start in moto two and had nowhere to go coming down the hill. I got a concussion and the body is beat up, but [I’m] thankful everything else checked out okay.

“I remember everything throughout the day yesterday, including the start of the moto – going to take it day by day and return when I’m ready.”

No timeline has been provided for Cooper’s return, with Thunder Valley and High Point scheduled over the next two weekends before Pro Motocross pauses for a one-week break ahead of RedBud on July 5.

Despite the setback, Cooper remains eighth in the 450MX standings after two rounds, highlighted by a fourth overall finish at the Fox Raceway opener.

Update: Cooper has since confirmed that he’ll sit out Thunder Valley and High Point, targeting a return at RedBud as he continues to recover from his Hangtown crash: ‘Update for everyone. I’ll be missing this weekends race in Colorado. It’ll be my first race missed on the 450 and first outdoor that I’ve not shown up to since turning pro at the end of 2017. Overall, I’m feeling good – cycled this morning and my goal is to get my body healthy and return after the break at RedBud.’