Coppins For GPs, Then Retirement
Cycle News Staff | September 5, 2012
Former Yamaha factory rider Josh Coppins will ride a Monster Energy Yamaha in this weekend’s Italian round of the MX1 World Motocross Championship and again in the German round of the series on September 23. The two races will be the last of the New Zealander’s career as he will retire at the end of the current season.
Coppins, who won this year’s Australian Motocross Championship, will rejoin his old team members with whom he worked with from 2007 to 2009, winning seven GPs with the team. He also came close to winning the 2007 World Championship.
The 35-year-old Coppins rode a YZ450F in winning the Australian title this season and will team with Shaun Simpson for the final two GPs.
Coppins will also represent New Zealand in the Motocross of Nations event, scheduled for Belgium just a week after the German Grand Prix.
“After winning in Australia it was great to have the opportunity to properly close the book by coming back to one of the most professional teams I’ve worked with in Grand Prix racing,” said Coppins who won the 2008 GP at Teutschenthal with a convincing double moto triumph. “Obviously, I’m used to the Yamaha and posted good results with the bike this season and it will be fantastic to get on the factory bike in Monster Energy colors and tackle these events again with Michele, Fabio and Mino and the guys.
“There are no expectations. I just want to go out and show there is still gas in the tank and give a good account of myself and the team. It will be good preparation for the Nations in Belgium and overall a nice way to finish a long career.”
