Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing will expand to three 450SX entries in select rounds of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, with Justin Cooper set to make his premier class debut alongside defending champion Eli Tomac and Dylan Ferrandis in the upcoming season.

Cooper, 25, isn’t eligible to continue in the 250SX ranks after winning the 2021 western regional title, despite being injured in the pre-season and unable to contest supercross at all this year.

“It’s been a good off-season,” Cooper commented. “We took some time off after RedBud [Motocross of Nations] before getting back to grinding away. I got on the 450 a few weeks ago to try and get my feet wet there and learn the bike. There’s a lot to adapt to, but the process has been fun – I enjoy riding the 450.

“I’ve always felt like I’ve been a better 450 rider and I’m looking forward to racing it. It’s a new group of guys and, obviously, the power delivery is different from a 250, so there are going to be a lot of things to get used to, but I’m ready for it. I’m just looking to get my feet wet and learn the bike, learn the class and get the experience. I think that’s the most valuable thing right now.”

It hasn’t been defined what rounds Cooper will line-up at on the new 2023 YZ450F or the extent of his cameo appearances. He will step back across to the 250 class when Pro Motocross commences outdoors this coming summer.