Guy Cooper is never one to shy away from speaking his mind, and when it comes to the world of motocross, he’s always been willing to call it how he sees it. Recently, he fired back at Ricky Carmichael with some words that are sure to stir the pot in the racing world. If there’s anyone who knows how to stand his ground and defend his legacy, it’s Cooper. And after hearing what he had to say, it’s clear he’s not backing down from anyone, especially not Ricky.
Cooper made it crystal clear that Ricky can’t keep up with him on a bike. “Ricky can’t keep up with me on a bike,” Cooper said with his signature confidence. “It’s not even a contest at this point. He had his time, and I’ll give him credit for that, but things have changed. I’ve still got the speed, the technique, and the drive to get the job done.”
But it wasn’t just about Carmichael’s ability—or lack thereof—on the track. Cooper also had a few words about Ricky trying to compare himself to Eli Tomac, one of the current superstars of the sport. “Don’t even try to compare yourself to Eli,” Cooper continued. “Eli’s got what it takes, he’s got the talent, the consistency, and the heart to stay at the top. I don’t know what Ricky’s trying to do, but it’s clear to me that Eli’s on a whole different level than where Ricky’s at.”
Cooper’s words have an edge to them, no doubt about it. But the thing is, he’s speaking from experience. This is a man who raced against some of the best and proved himself time and time again. He knows what it takes to win, and he’s not afraid to remind everyone that he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
For fans who’ve followed the sport, Cooper’s comments make a lot of sense. He’s been around long enough to see the ups and downs of every rider, including Carmichael. It’s no secret that Ricky’s heyday in motocross is behind him, but that doesn’t mean he’s out of the conversation. However, Cooper is here to make it clear that while Ricky may be a legend, he’s not on the same level anymore when it comes to performance on the bike.
“I’ve got respect for what Ricky did in his time, no doubt about it,” Cooper said. “But that’s the past. We’re talking about the present now, and the present is Eli Tomac. That’s the guy who’s putting in the work, and that’s the guy who’s on top. So, when Ricky tries to act like he’s still in the mix, that’s where I draw the line.”
Cooper’s comments aren’t just a challenge to Ricky—they’re a statement to the entire motocross world that he’s still here, still hungry, and still capable of firing shots when needed. The motocross community has been buzzing since his remarks, with fans, riders, and analysts all weighing in on what was said. But one thing is for sure: Cooper isn’t letting anyone—least of all Ricky—get away with trying to diminish his relevance in this sport.
As for what’s next, it seems like Guy Cooper is ready to take on anyone who questions his place in the sport. Whether he’s racing on the track or taking aim with his words, one thing’s clear: he’s not going anywhere. And when it comes to throwing down a challenge, Guy Cooper has always been up for the fight.
