Like the star player that wants to have control in the closing minutes of the big game, Coty Schock has once again stepped up for the team and hasmade the decision to race the Yamaha 450 in the outdoor campaign.
After another successful Supercross run, the decision may not be as easy as you think, simply due to the time constraints to test before the first race in Pala. That did not deter him one bit as he dove in to start the process of getting the bike set up. The Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX/Yamaha team has a rich history in the premier class as recently as last year when Phil Nicoletti piloted the team bike to a series of holeshots and top finishes against the best riders in the world.
The rest of the team is excited as well and have all rallied around the decision. It is a great deal of extra work for all of them, but supporting Coty has become a priority starting with engine and suspension testing. Over the last few weeks, much of he testing has been taking place and some positive strides have been made already. The next ten days will close the gaps to any remaining adjustments that need to be made.
It is a bit of a risk since he will forego all the SMX points he has accumulated for the series three-race finale thus far and start fresh with 450 points. Coty has a history of gambling on himself, and it always seems to pay off – and this will be no exception. Part of the reason is he has experience in the class as he raced it fulltime in 2021 before moving to the 250. Since that time, and with some testing, he has a unique style and skill on the bike that will render him competitive at every stop on the circuit. Keep in mind that he will return to the 250 for the 2026 Supercross campaign to once again compete for a title.
“I really wanted to get back on the 450 at some point and this feels like the right time. I know the risks with the points and all that, but I am confident I can get the job done to reap the rewards later in the year. Big thanks to the team for their support. I have been on other teams in my career, but these guys are “all in” once the decision was made. Now it is on me to get the job done and I look forward to the challenge. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Yamaha for their support as well. They jumped in to support the program as soon as we made the decision”.
