Cooper will undergo surgery this week and won’t return for the remainder of the season, prompting the team to officially commence seeking a replacement rider.

Former world champion Ben Townley is the ideal substitute after faring strongly in the Wanneroo MX Nationals round and annual Manjimup 15,000 in Western Australia, but the 29-year-old Kiwi has downplayed any real comeback to professional competition.

Townley has hinted he’d be interested in contesting further one-off rounds during the second half of the season, and team owner Yarrive Konsky said a decision could come as soon as this week. He also revealed that potential replacements aren’t limited to the MX1 ranks.

“A decision should come this week,” Konsky told MotoOnline. “We are looking at options. It is important from a commercial point of view that all sponsors are represented. Unless the team is vying for podium positions, it’s not viable for the team to put just anyone on the race track.

“That would provide minimal return to all invested parties. Commercially, it is important we are represented competitively and we are looking at various options. We are also considering fielding somebody in the Vets class.”

The MX Nationals is currently in its traditional mid-season layoff following round five of 10, scheduled to return to action at Swan Hill in Victoria on 29 June.

Image: Simon Makker.