Coppins caps off stellar career with title

Retiring CDR Yamaha rider Josh Coppins clinched his first Australian Motocross Championship at Coolum (Qld) on August 26.

The former world championship No. 2 finished second overall at the season finale with 2-1-2 finishes in the MX1 class on his YZ450F. The New Zealander’s final title-winning margin was 11pts, capping off a brilliant professional career.

“I’m really happy for the team, its staff and all of the CDR Yamaha sponsors,” the 35-year-old said.

“Everybody has all been working really hard, so this is a rewarding result. It’s been a great series to be a part of; there are a lot of great teams and a lot of good kids coming up. This is a nice way to finish off my career.”

Coppins edged out talented Gold Coast resident Todd Waters (Motul Pirelli Suzuki) in the title, but the 21-year-old still finished his campaign on a high with 1-2-1 results.

“We did everything that we could do to win this championship, but on a positive note we end the season knowing that we were the fastest around Coolum,” Waters said.

“It’s nice to know, but to be honest we ran out of time. We kept Josh honest the whole way, but as soon as I got it down to a few points he’d put it straight back up. I’m pumped for Josh and he deserves it.”

Completing the podium for both the round and series was another Kiwi in Cody Cooper (Motul Pirelli Suzuki). A trio of thirds at Coolum elevated him to a podium position in the series, gaining the position on count-back due to having more race wins during the year than fourth place finisher Brad Anderson (Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing). Rounding out the top five was Coppins’ teammate Lawson Bopping.

Four-time champion Jay Marmont (Monster Energy Kawasaki) was sixth, one position ahead of top privateer Jake Moss (Campbell Mining/TLD/Maxima/Honda).

Sunshine Coast rider Ford Dale won his first Australian Motocross Championship in the MX2 category for Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing aboard a CRF250R. In a nail-biting decider, Dale claimed fourth overall with two sixths and a third at Coolum, concluding the season with a 2pt advantage over Yamaha’s Luke Styke (Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha Racing).

“This is just amazing,” Dale said.

“I am totally overwhelmed. I have had my fair share of ups and downs but if feels so good to finally claim this title.?It has been an incredible journey and I couldn't have gotten here without the support of such an amazing team.”

The round was won by JDR/KTM Factory Racing’s Josh Cachia, who claimed victory in motos one and three, but had to settle for second in moto two after stalling while leading. Cachia ended the series third, 6pts in arrears of Dale following a lightening finish to the season.
South Australian Kirk Gibbs (Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha Racing) was involved in a critical incident during the final MX2 race, and was transported to Nambour Hospital in a serious, but stable condition. Updates will be released when available.

New Zealand rising star Kayne Lamont (KTM) won the Pirelli MX Development (MXD) championship for Under 19s riders. Lamont won the series by 21pts, finishing second overall at Coolum with 3-1-6 finishes.

MX2
1. Josh Cachia 72
2. Luke Styke 69
3. Kade Mosig 52
4. Ford Dale 50
5. Cheyne Boyd 45
6. Brock Winston 44
7. Scott Columb 42
8. Kirk Gibbs 40
9. Ryan Marmont 36
10. Justin McDonald 32

MXD
1. Dylan Long 68
2. Kayne Lamont 57
3. Sam Martin 52
4. Jay Wilson 47
5. Mitch Norris 46
6. Kale Makeham 46
7. Wade Hunter 46
8. Dylan Leary 44
9. Luke Clout 44
10. Daniel Banks 33

MX1 final standings
1. Josh Coppins 618
2. Todd Waters 607
3. Cody Cooper 509
4. Brad Anderson 509
5. Lawson Bopping 506
6. Jay Marmont 374
7. Jake Moss 347
8. Dean Porter 331
9. Daniel McCoy 329
10. Dan Reardon 320

MX2 final standings
1. Ford Dale 571
2. Luke Styke 569
3. Josh Cachia 565
4. Kade Mosig 499
5. Kirk Gibbs 441
6. Cheyne Boyd 411
7. Adam Monea 409
8. Scott Columb 360
9. Justin McDonald 320
10. Lewis Woods 306

MXD final standings
1. Kayne Lamont 521
2. Dylan Long 500
3. Dylan Leary 462
4. Jay Wilson 439
5. Kale Makeham 428
6. Sam Martin 411
7. Mitch Norris 322
8. Wade Hunter 268
9. Joel Milesevic 230
10. Mitch Budd 201