Image: Octopi Media.

A targeted return has been outlined by Cooper Webb as he aims to line up during the second half of the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship, with the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) playoffs also still part of his plans.

Webb was in contention for a third 450SX crown prior to his heat race incident in Nashville that ultimately cut short his bid for this year’s AMA Supercross title. He has now suggested a six-to-eight-week recovery before he rides again to mitigate any ongoing complications.

“Nashville, unfortunately, was the end of my Supercross season,” Webb explained in a social media post. “You know, I had the incident and had a pretty good concussion, so went to the hospital straight away from the race and did a bunch of scans – CT scans, MRI.

“Ended up staying the night there and, luckily, nothing came back too crazy, just a moderate concussion, they called it. So you know, was very fortunate there, as far as my neck and shoulder, collarbone… everything was good, nothing broken, nothing damaged, and just some bruises.

“I felt like we really pushed hard and made massive strides towards obviously winning another championship. I had a great year, had some great battles and, you know, it was an unfortunate way for it to all end, but I know I gave it my all. I was there for the fight all year and I’ve got to hang my hat high on that.

“Can’t be too bummed with how the season went. Obviously, I wish I could have won some more races and been a little bit closer to the title fight, but you know, 11 points is still close with three rounds to go and I felt like – like I said – it all happens for a reason.

“Next step for me, saw a neurologist yesterday and they recommended about six-to-eight weeks fully off the dirt bike. We really want to let my head rest and not have any scary things happen later in life or anything like that, so I’ll be on the mend for the next six-to-eight weeks.”

Webb also reinstated his intentions to contest Pro Motocross this year, despite ongoing speculation linking him to the World Supercross Championship (WSX) for the 2023 series that begins in July. However, competing in 450MX races will strengthen his position entering the SMX post-season, which Webb will be a factor in come September.

“Gonna be full dad life, enjoying time with my wife and daughter, which will be great, and get to be a normal dude for a little bit, and then we’ll start the MX preparation,” Webb continued. “I want to try to race some of the last nationals, if not the last half, but we’ll see what happens there and then come and do the SMX playoffs.

“That’s kind of the game plan, but as of now, I won’t be making the start of the nationals. I’ll take some time off and, like I said, I’ll hopefully be back towards the end of the nationals and come in hot for the SMX playoffs. Appreciate all the love and I will keep you guys updated.”

Following the final two rounds of the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross Championship, this year’s Pro Motocross Championship commences at Fox Raceway on 27 May. Southwick on 8 July will mark the halfway point in the outdoor series.