Mike Webb lived the dream life, moving to the top of the racing food chain, as Suzuki team manager for the off-road squad and then transitioning into the top of the motocross and supercross team. From tons of GNCC Championships to working with Ryan Dungey and James Stewart, Mike saw it all. However, it's not always as glorious as it seems, as Mike's time in the supercross paddock came after Roger De Coster and Ian Harrison left for KTM, and Suzuki's support budget was starting to wane.

Mike inherited Ryan Dungey and the 450SX and 450MX titles, but Dungey wanted to leave with Roger, immediately. His Suzuki contract forced him to stay. Then Mike and company faced hard luck trying to defend the titles with Dungey, which left a mark. Mike eventually rebuilt with none other than James Stewart.

Years later, Suzuki would shut Mike's factory program down, not once, but twice. There are some deep, deep stories from behind the scenes in this interview you won't want to miss.

Enjoy part 1 of Jason Weigandt's interview with Mike Webb and be ready next week for part 2.

The Racer X Exhaust podcast is presented by Yoshimura and Racer X Brand.

Jason Weigandt and Jason Thomas got some time this week to talk to Cooper Webb and quiz him on how he approached the final stretch of the season and got the points lead back to a tie with four races to go. Also, he reveals what he's learned about Jett Lawrence's riding style, why things work so well for him with Monster Energy/Yamaha Star Racing, and why he always had such a tough time keeping the weight off -- he has Hashimoto's disease, which impacts the thyroid. With a lot of research and hard work, and his own special brand of grit, Webb has set up an amazing final four races in Monster Energy AMA Supercross. Here's how.

The Racer X Exhaust podcast is presented by Yoshimura and Racer X Brand. Plus, subscribe to the magazine now for a chance to win an Intense Tazer MX All Pro E Mountain bike plus a set of Thor mountain bike gear!