IN
THE
WIND
P48
LOWES AND APRILIA
I
s Sam Lowes safe in the Aprilia team? Before
the summer break rumors were rife that the
ex-Moto2 star would be dropped after his first
year—fueled by interviews given by team chief
Romano Albesiano, suggesting he was seeking
a replacement.
The rider responded in the run-up to Brno
with confidence, pointing out his two-year con-
tract with the Italian manufacturer. Now Albe-
siano has added fuel to the smoking fire. Asked
directly whether Lowes's position with the team
was stable, he replied: "We are in a stabilization phase. It is difficult for a rookie in
MotoGP, but this year some rookies have shown very good performance. We are
hoping that in these two races Sam can show how he has been able to improve."
Lowes was 18th at Brno. CN
Michael Scott
Sam Lowes'
tenure at Aprilia
seems to be in
doubt.
JUSTIN COOPER SET FOR PROS
E
ven before Justin Cooper
was named the recipient of
Nicky Hayden Horizon Moto-
cross Award at Loretta Lynn's,
the Cycle Trader/Rock River
Yamaha Team announced that it
had reached an agreement with
young MX star Justin Cooper to
ride on it pro motocross team.
Cooper went on to win the 250 A
and Open Pro Championships at
Loretta Lynn's. Earlier in the year,
Cooper won the 2017 Amsoil
Arenacross Lites East Champion-
ship.
Cooper will make his pro
debut at this week's Lucas Oil
AMA Pro Motocross Champion-
ship at Unadilla, August 12. The
New York native will compete in
the 250MX class in the last three
rounds of the championship. CN
Justin Cooper will
make his pro debut at
Unadilla in the 250MX
class on his new
team—Cycle Trader/
Rock River Yamaha.
