Dylan Ferrandis once again proved unbeatable as the Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing Team rider swept the Pro Motocross Finale at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, to score his fourth overall victory in the 250MX class in 2019. His teammate Justin Cooper scored his ninth podium this season with a second overall finish (3-2), also marking the team’s seventh double podium in the championship this year. Rookie Ty Masterpool finished 11th (10-12), while a crash in the first moto ended Mitchell Oldenburg’s day early.
In the first moto, it was a battle between Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing teammates Ferrandis and Cooper. The pair got off to a flying start in second and third, with Ferrandis taking the lead early in the moto. The New Yorker was right on his tail with the teammates exchanging positions. On the fifth lap, Cooper took the lead and was able to build a comfortable gap. With the title still not decided, the Frenchman kept pushing and was able to put in some consistently fast times to chase down his teammate. Ferrandis struck quickly to retake the lead with six laps to go and kept it all the way to the checkered flag. Cooper did what he could to keep that second spot but unfortunately lost another position a few laps later and had to settle for the final spot on the podium.
With the title decided in the first moto, it was all about the “W” in Moto 2 and both riders were gunning for it. The Frenchman took the holeshot, an impressive 15th holeshot for the team this season. Back in third, Cooper quickly moved into second and battled with his teammate. Although Ferrandis was able to build a gap, his teammate stalked him the entire race. The 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250 Western Division Champion held up to the pressure and kept a perfect score on the day to take the overall and end the year second in the championship. Cooper’s second-place finish earned him second overall, a solid end to the season for the 21-year-old who finished the year third in the standings.
It was also a solid end to the season for the team’s youngest member, Masterpool. Although he didn’t get the best of starts, 16th in the first moto and 17th in the second, the 16-year-old put his head down to work his way through the pack. He was able to advance to 10th in Moto 1 and crossed the line 12th in Moto 2 to score 11th overall and end the year 11th in the points standings.
Unfortunately for Oldenburg, a crash in the first moto ended his bid for a top finish. The Minnesotan was okay but feeling beat up, which ultimately sidelined him for the second moto.
Dylan Ferrandis
Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing Team
“I’m happy to finish the season on a high note with a 1-1 at Ironman. Overall I had a pretty good day. For sure I was secretly hoping to get this championship, even if the points gap between AC (Adam Cianciarulo) and I going into the finale was too big. We had good battle all the season together and we finished the season strong, so no regrets. Shoutout to all my team, the Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing Team. All the guys were working really hard. Also, my trainer, DV (David Vuillemin), my wife and everybody around that was helping me from close, and afar. Thank you, guys.”
Justin Cooper
Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing Team
“The intensity was high all day. I realized that Dylan had a 1-1 going, so even if I got him it wouldn’t really do much for the overall. The win would have been good for my confidence, but he was riding good. I got up to him and I didn’t really have a spot picked out to pass him. We were both riding good, pushing each other.
“It was a good way to finish the season. I was hoping to get the win and gave it all I had. The bike was awesome all day and we ended things on a good note which is important. We’ve made good improvements all year, now it’s time to go back to work and prepare for probably the biggest race of my life coming up, the Motocross of Nations. I’m going over there to represent my country successfully. I can’t wait for that.”
Ty Masterpool
Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing Team
“It’s been a successful rookie season. I learned a lot every race which is a big deal for my first motocross season. I’m honored to win Rookie of the Year and I’m already looking forward to building on my experience for next season.”
Mitchell Oldenburg
Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing Team
“I’m really bummed to end the season like that. I crashed in front of another rider on the first lap and got run over pretty good. Luckily, I’m just banged up, but okay.”
2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship 250 Class Ironman Results
1. Dylan Ferrandis (1-1))
2. Justin Cooper (3-2)
3. Adam Cianciarulo (2-4)
4. Chase Sexton (4-3)
5. Michael Mosimanl (5-5)
6. Alex Martin (6-8)
7. RJ Hampshire (9-6)
8. Shane McElrath (8-9)
9. Garrett Marchbanks (11-7)
10. Cameron Mcadoo (7-13)
11. Ty Masterpool (10-12)
43. Mitchell Oldenburg (40-DNS)
2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship 250 Class Standings
1. Adam Cianciarulo 519
2. Dylan Ferrandis 499
3. Justin Cooper 461
4. RJ Hampshire 337
5. Chase Sexton 316
6. Alex Martin 305
7. Colt Nichols 292
8. Shane McElrath 285
9. Michael Mosiman 290
10. Hunter Lawrence 252
11. Ty Masterpool 206
17. Mitchell Oldenburg 90
Wil Hahn
Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing Team Manager