On the Radar: Cooper Larche
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Cooper Larche
Age: 19
Hometown: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
School and Grade: Graduated grade 12 and I am currently employed at my dad’s Automotive Shop
Number: 317
Bikes: 2016 Honda CRF250R, 2013 Honda CRF450R
Race Clubs: CMRC, AMO & AMA
Classes: Canada – Intermediate MX1, MX2 & MX3. United States – B Class Stock & Mod for 250 & B Class Stock & Mod for 450.
Let’s get to know Intermediate Woodstock, Ontario, rider, #317 Cooper Larche. – Shelley Larche photo
How did you get started in racing?
My dad raced motocross for 13 years and was a Pro. He took me to a race at Walton Raceway and for my 4th birthday my mom and dad gave me my 1st dirt bike, a CRF50. I rode it for the first time that night and have been racing ever since. It has been my passion now for 15 years.
What is your favourite track and why?
I would say my favourite track in Canada would be Walton, Ontario, and in the United States it’s Malvern MX in Ohio. I love how tacky the dirt is and these tracks get massive ruts.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
My favourite rider right now is Malcolm Stewart. I love he rides for GEICO Honda. He is super-smooth and makes minimal mistakes even when under pressure. I think Daytona 2016 proved that.
Cooper looks up to Colton Facciotti and would love to have him as a mentor. – Bigwave photo
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
I look up to Colton Facciotti. He is really consistent and smooth as well as he has a great personality. To have him as a mentor would be a dream come true.
Who is your hero?
I don’t have one hero, I have two, and that would be my parents. They would do anything to help me meet my goals and dreams. They have helped me along the way and have been by my side in good and bad times. And I can’t thank them enough.
What are your goals for this season, and what is it going to take to reach them?
My two main goals for this season are to qualify for the Canadian Amateur Nationals to win a Championship in Canada and to qualify and race at Loretta Lynn’s to win a Championship in B class. Training, Focus and Intensity… are what its going to take for me to reach these goals….I have changed a lot in the past year and I am focused on eating right, exercise and training on my dirt bikes. I’m in South Carolina at Real Deal MX pushing as hard as I can so I am in great condition when I come back to Canada at the end of March. Then it’s time to get back on the bikes in Canada to push some more till race season starts.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
In 2015, I was on the podium with a 3rd in the MX1 Intermediate class at the Walton Canadian Amateur Nationals and I was running top 5 in the MX2 Intermediate class, but last moto ran into mechanical problems with my bike and was not able to finish, but I am still proud to say I was running top 5.
Also, 2015 was my 2nd attempt at going to Loretta’s. I qualified and made it. It was an awesome feeling and accomplishment as the year prior I had broken my back while I was working toward this same goal. This past year I finished all my races, but in the Tennessee heat did not place where I had hoped. Getting to be part of the elite group of riders that make it to Loretta’s was amazing and I am working harder this year to reach all the goals I have set for myself.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
My favourite part is the family atmosphere (camping, hanging out), teamwork (racers and parents helping out others whenever possible lending/borrowing tools to get riders to the line on time), and racing with friends (being part of this sport for so long its cool to see us all grow and ride together all shooting for the same goal…to WIN).
Cooper will take another run at the Walton TransCan and Loretta Lynn’s in 2016. – Bigwave photo
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I also love to mountain bike, rock climb, street bike and snowboard.
Who would you like to thank?
All my sponsors which includes, my mom and dad, Gamma Sales, Wiseco, Dennis’ Auto Service, Dunlop, Deft Family, Dragon Alliance, Fly Racing, Gearne, Decal Bee, Ryno Power, Cornell Welding, MB1 Suspension, Flo Motorsports, Torc1, Renthal, Xtreme Toys, Shelburne Fuels, Twin Air, and Atlas Brace.
