Image: Octopi Media.

Outgoing Monster Energy Supercross champion Cooper Webb managed to salvage second overall in the final 450SX standings at Salt Lake City 7 despite going down in the first turn.

Webb entered the finals 22 points away from eventual title winner Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki), but maintained a slim chance of defending the crown.

The Red Bull KTM’s hopes were ended in the opening corner, however, being caught up in a multi-rider incident and witnessing his chances fade as the field accelerated away. Webb recovered for P8 in the main event, which was enough to edge Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) for second in points.

“It was a rough main event,” Webb admitted. “I kind of struggled with the track a little bit and I didn’t ride my best race, but I came back to eighth, so I was able to secure second in points. I obviously wanted to keep the podium streak going, but it is what it is. Overall, it was a great season and we’ll get ready for outdoors.”

The final round rounds in Utah were remarkable for Webb as he pressed to challenge Tomac and Roczen for the number one plate, scoring three victories and three second-place results over the course of three weeks.