A lot of fans think that Cooper Webb and I are rivals, especially given the battles we’ve had on the track. And sure, there’s always that competitive tension that comes with racing, but the reality is far different. Off the track, we have a really good friendship. We spend time together, and we share a lot of laughs. It’s honestly one of the things that makes racing so special for me — the relationships you form along the way.
People might not realize how much time we spend around each other, especially when we’re traveling for races. In between the high-stress moments, like race day or practice sessions, we’ll be in the pits hanging out or chatting about bikes, or just talking about life in general. It’s kind of funny how some fans will see us battling for position in a race and instantly assume there’s a personal rivalry. They don’t see the conversations we have in the pits, or the times when we’ve shared a laugh after the race, no matter what the outcome was.
Sometimes I think people forget that we are just human, like everyone else. We don’t get caught up in the drama that fans might think is there. Yes, when we’re racing, it’s intense, and we’re both fighting for the same goal — to win. But as soon as the helmets come off, that all goes away. Cooper and I understand the pressures we’re both under, and we can relate to each other on a level that only other racers can. We talk about our bikes, training, and even just regular stuff, like what we’re doing on the weekend. It’s cool to have someone in the sport who gets it, and who I can talk to about things outside of racing.
I think a lot of people expect us to be constantly at odds, but that’s just not the case. Cooper is a really cool guy. He’s got a lot of personality, and he’s one of those guys who will always tell you straight-up what’s on his mind, which I respect a lot. He’s got his own way of doing things, and I have mine, but there’s a mutual respect there that goes beyond just racing. In the heat of competition, of course, we’re pushing each other as hard as we can, but that doesn’t mean we’re out to get each other or wish anything bad upon one another. Racing is about respecting your competition, and Cooper and I definitely do that.
We’ve both been in this sport for a long time, and we’ve had our share of struggles and victories. Those experiences create a bond, even when the cameras are off. Sometimes people will think we’re upset with each other after a race, especially if we had a close battle, but that’s just part of the sport. We know what it takes to get to the top, and we know that every race is a new chapter. There’s no hard feelings.
At the end of the day, we both want the same thing: to be the best, and to give everything we have each time we line up at the starting gate. But I don’t need to be enemies with Cooper Webb to do that. The fans can think whatever they want, but when it comes down to it, we’ve got each other’s backs. We’re just two guys trying to do our best, and along the way, we’ve built a friendship that I truly value. That’s the real story.
