Coppins continues MX merry dance

Yamaha’s former world No. 2 Josh Coppins has taken control of the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals (Australian Motocross Championship) with his second round win in succession at Raymond Terrace (NSW) on Sunday, April, 10.

The 34-year-old is now 9pts ahead in the Pro Open standings after swashbuckling 2-1-1-2 results in the four 20-minute motos.

“I wasn’t really sure what to expect today, but the bike was good and we got better starts – I really have to thank CDR Rockstar Energy Yamaha,” Coppins said. “I just rode decent all day, didn’t do anything special, but was just solid and consistent.

“That’s what I was hoping to do. I knew if I could get good starts and ride like I can then I’d have a good shot to win. That’s what happened.”

On a day where starts were all important, Coppins’ team-mate and defending triple champion Jay Marmont, 28, produced a string of lightning getaways to score second overall in a stunning 1-2 for the factory Yamaha team.

Wollongong resident Marmont’s 5-3-3-1 results raised him to third in the title standings, while former title leader Dean Ferris (Kawasaki) rounded out the overall podium with 3-2-2-5 finishes to maintain second in the title chase.

Fourth overall marked a return to form for 2007 champion Dan Reardon (KTM), the Queenslander still battling a variety of niggling injuries, but managing to qualify first and win the opening moto of the round. Completing the top five in the premier class was Victorian Cheyne Boyd (Honda).

The Motul-supported Pro Lites category witnessed 2009 champion Matt Moss take his third overall win in a row, continuing his perfect run since joining KTM for this season.

“I got great starts all day and did what we needed to do,” 22-year-old Moss said. “Being in Newcastle, I’ve always done good here.

“All in all we’re just doing the right things – the bike’s good and I feel like I’m riding really consistently this year. This weekend has been unbelievable.”

Moss’ finishes of 1-1-1-2 on the day saw him take victory ahead of team-mate Brenden Harrison, the win good enough to stretch his series lead to a bordering on impenetrable 85pts.

Rounding out the podium was 26-year-old Daniel McCoy (Suzuki), marking his first rostrum since rejoining the Lites class for this season with Suzuki’s factory effort.

Honda’s Dylan Peterson realised his 2011 potential with his first overall win of the season in the Under 19s category via 2-1-4-1 results.

“I’m just pumped,” Peterson said. “I got four good starts and was on the podium in all the races except for one. I felt good all day, my bike was working well and my team helped me out so much.”

Round four of the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals will be contested at Murray Bridge (SA) on Sunday, May 8. Practice and qualifying will commence at 8:30am with the official opening ceremonies taking place at approximately 10:30am.

Visit www.mxnationals.com.au on the web for complete series and round information on the 2011 season.

Round three results:

Rockstar Energy Drink Pro Open
1. Josh Coppins (Yamaha) 94
2. Jay Marmont (Yamaha) 81
3. Dean Ferris (Kawasaki) 80
4. Daniel Reardon (KTM) 69
5. Cheyne Boyd (Honda) 67
6. Lawson Bopping (Suzuki) 67  
7. Michael Phillips (Honda) 50
8. Billy Mackenzie (Kawasaki) 50
9. Beau Ralston (Yamaha) 36
10. Ryan Marmont (KTM) 35

Motul Pro Lites
1. Matt Moss (KTM) 97
2. Brenden Harrison (KTM) 74
3. Daniel McCoy (Suzuki) 63
4. Kade Mosig (Honda) 60
5. Keiron Hall (Honda) 60
6. Kirk Gibbs (Yamaha) 59
7. Cody Mackie (Honda) 59
8. Justin McDonald (Honda) 58
9. Josh Cachia (KTM) 45
10. Phil Nicoletti (Kawasaki) 43

Pirelli Under 19s
1. Dylan Peterson (Honda) 90
2. Luke Arbon (Yamaha) 78
3. Errol Willis (Suzuki) 78
4. Jake Emanuelli (Yamaha) 65
5. Dylan Long (KTM) 61
6. Ben George (Yamaha) 54
7. Shaun Redhead (Yamaha) 54
8. Kyle McKeddie (Kawasaki) 47
9. Jay Wilson (KTM) 45
10. Mitch Budd (Honda) 38

Championship standings (after three of nine rounds):
Rockstar Energy Drink Pro Open
1. Josh Coppins 228
2. Dean Ferris 219  
3. Jay Marmont 199
4. Cheyne Boyd 190
5. Lawson Bopping 188
6. Billy Mackenzie 187
7. Ryan Marmont 163
8. Michael Phillips 163
9. Daniel Reardon 142
10. Louis Calvin 132

Motul Pro Lites
1. Matt Moss 277
2. Kirk Gibbs 192
3. Brenden Harrison 185
4. Cody Mackie 179
5. Daniel McCoy 174
6. Josh Cachia 169
7. Phil Nicoletti 163
8. Kade Mosig 159
9. Keiron Hall 153
10. Ford Dale 149

Pirelli Under 19s
1. Errol Willis 259
2. Luke Arbon 233
3. Dylan Peterson 203
4. Shaun Redhead 185
5. Jake Emanuelli 148
6. Kyle McKeddie 146
7. Dylan Long 112
8. Jacob Mcleod 110
9. Kale Makeham 109
10. Jay Wilson 108