Former World number two Motocross racer, Josh Coppins has extended his lead in the Monster Energy MX Nationals MX1 division, the CDR Yamaha racer taking his third round win for the season, opening his Championship lead to 12 points.
The New Zealander announced the curtain would be brought down on his career at the end of the 2012 season, however made his intentions absolutely clear that he aims to go out on a high. After suffering with arm pump in the first two motos, finishing fourth and second, Coppins came good for the final moto, winning it and the round in emphatic fashion.
“In the first two motos I struggled with arm-pump, which I was surprised with because the track was really smooth,” Coppins said. “It’s always good to win and nice to take a few points back in the race for the championship. Hopefully we can keep it up in Moree and not make it too tense at Coolum.”
His chief combatant for the Title, Todd Waters took second for Motul Pirelli Suzuki and a moto win, whilst Honda privateer, Jake Moss took third on home soil in western Sydney. Cody Cooper won the second moto and claimed fourth for the round.
Retirement has been a theme among the MX Nationals competitors over the last week, with Australian former AMA World and American Supercross racer, Dan Reardon claiming fifth for the round after also calling time on his career.
In the MX2 category, Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing’s Ford Dale took victory and made steps to closing in on runaway leader in the class, Luke Styke. Despite managing just fifth overall, Styke still holds a 31 point Championship advantage.
The day started terribly for Dale, finishing moto one down in 10th placing. He bounced back in the second moto to win on the final lap and took out the third in great fashion.
Josh Cachia held onto his title aspirations also, winning the first moto and with third and fifth placed finishes in the remaining two, ended the day in second. Kade Mosig brought his Monster Energy Kawasaki home third overall after finishing second in the opening two races.
In the Pirelli MXD Development category, Jay Wilson broke through for his first MX Nationals win, breaking the four round winning streak of Kiwi, Kayne Lamont. Wilson’s performance saw him win the first two races aboard his Raceline Suzuki before rounding out the day in third.
Second placed man in the Championship, Dylan Long edged out fellow KTM racer, Lamont to claim second in the round overall. Despite finishing third, Lamont holds onto a 27 point lead in the Title chase.
The winner of the final moto of the weekend was Championship debutante, Dylan Leary for Axis Motorsport. This elevated him to fourth overall for the round in a stunning debut.
The next event on the Monster Energy MX Nationals campaign is the penultimate round in Moree, NSW on August 19.
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (Top 10 – after 8 of 10 rounds):
MX1:
1. Josh Coppins 480
2. Todd Waters 468
3. Lawson Bopping 420
4. Brad Anderson 412
5. Cody Cooper 388
6. Jake Moss 311
7. Jay Marmont 288
8. Daniel Reardon 278
9. Dean Porter 257
10. Daniel McCoy 249
MX2:
1. Luke Styke 477
2. Ford Dale 446
3. Josh Cachia 429
4. Kade Mosig 395
5. Adam Monea 374
6. Cheyne Boyd 366
7. Kirk Gibbs 347
8. Scott Columb 286
9. Justin McDonald 282
10. Lewis Woods 255
MXD:
1. Kayne Lamont 414
2. Dylan Long 387
3. Dylan Leary 352
4. Jay Wilson 340
5. Kale Makeham 337
6. Sam Martin 323
7. Mitch Norris 237
8. Joel Milesevic 230
9. Wade Hunter 176
10. Mitch Budd 175
