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NEWS
MX Nationals preview: Moree
The penultimate round of the championship, where there's a battle royal at the top of the table between Josh Coppins and Todd WatersThe 2012 Australian Motocross Championship will go around for the second last time in Moree (NSW) on August 19.
In the championship, Yamaha’s New Zealand rider Josh Coppins holds a slender 12pt advantage over Suzuki’s Todd Waters.
Waters, 21, has been a revelation in 2012, displaying consistency beyond his years after being signed by Suzuki during the pre-season. For both riders, the Moree round will set the stage for an all-out war come Coolum’s season finale on August 25-26.
“If I extend (the lead) out and take that further 4pts, it will turn from 12 to 16 going into the last round,” Coppins said.
“That starts to put him under a hell of a lot of pressure. If he brings that from 12 down to eight, it puts the pressure more onto me as well.
“I don’t think he wants to go into Coolum knowing that he has to win all the motos. Obviously he’s going there to pull some points back and I’m going there to extend some points.”
Behind Coppins and Waters, still in with a mathematical shot at the title, is second Yamaha contender Lawson Bopping. He’s 60pts in arrears of Coppins, but has his own battle on his hands in the race for the final podium position.
Just 8pts behind Bopping is defending dual British champion Brad Anderson (Honda), while in-form New Zealander Cody Cooper is coming on strong in fifth as teammate of Waters.
Defending four-time champion Jay Marmont (Kawasaki) has conceded his crown after a nightmare campaign, but has a renewed bout of confidence on his side after a solid state-level victory in Western Australia earlier this month.
Bourke local Tye Simmonds is scheduled to return following a number of rounds off the bike through injury, and last week won a local event in Dubbo upon return to racing. With two podiums picked up during the season’s first half, his national return could be a strong one with hometown support urging him on.
The Motul MX2 category is led by Yamaha’s Luke Styke, maintaining a commanding 31pt margin with just two rounds remaining. Despite his buffer, Styke is aware that consistency in the final races will be the key.
“It’s a handy lead, but with so many good riders in the field I have to keep my training and preparation up and work towards getting in the top three every race,” Styke said.
“So, it’s right back to work tomorrow and stay on my regular routine.”
Chasing Styke will be Honda’s Ford Dale, fresh from victory at round eight. The wildcard in the title chase is KTM’s Josh Cachia, who has been a standout in the season’s second half to date.
Kiwi Kayne Lamont (KTM) enjoys a 27pt lead ahead of the Moree round in the MX Development ranks.
Moree event information
Adults $30
Children (aged 5-15 years) $15
Family (two adults and two children aged 5-15 years) $70
Gates open 7.00am
Practice starts 8.30am
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Written byBikesales Staff
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