Coppins achieves two overall podiums in racing filled weekend

It’s been a busy weekend for Yamaha Monster racer, Josh Coppins, in which the New Zealander achieved two overall podiums at different track venues. The hard- working Kiwi who committed to riding the Belgian motocross champs for 2008 took part in round 4 and 5 held on Friday August 15th (a Bank holiday) in Balen and then two days later on the 17th of August in Orp le Grand.

The two Belgian circuits are worlds apart in layout and soil with the ‘Keiheuvel’ probably one of the most grueling and demanding sand circuits in the world. Orp le Grand leans more towards a Namur style circuit with lots of elevation changes, hard pack and technical.

It was the soft sand that Coppins first had to tackle with a world class field of riders. He posted a 7-3-4 to claim 3rd overall. “I missed Keiheuvel last year so it was good to be back racing it this year especially as it is somewhat of a’ home away from home’ race for me. I have a lot of supporters from this area and even though the track is not on my favourite list, it’s always great to put on a good show for the fans.” explained Coppins.

With only a days rest Coppins then headed to Orp le Grand for round 5, situated approximately 50km north of Namur and the famous Citadel.. He went head to head with MX1 nemesis Jonathan Barragan with the two putting on some exciting racing for the Belgian crowd. Coppins’ consistent 3-2-2 result was enough for second overall.

‘This is my first time here so it took some getting used to. It’s a special track, similar to Namur so you really have to be on your game. I was a little bit disappointed about the final moto as I should have cleaned up. Barragan grabbed the hole-shot and I managed to get by him really quickly. I pulled out a ten second gap and with 3 laps to go I hit a post which bent my hand guard and front break. I was still able to get up and finish second.” said the New Zealander.

Coppins will enjoy a weekend off before heading to Dublin, Ireland for round 13 of 15 in the FIM MX World championship to be held on the 31st August.

www.joshcoppins.com

Race results:
Round 4, Balen - Keiheuvel

1 DE REUVER Marc 64
2 DE DIJCKER Ken 57
3 COPPINS Joshua 52 Yamaha Monster
4 LEOK Aigar 51
5 RAMON Steve 47
6 PRIEM Manuel 46
7 STRIJBOS Kevin 46
8 BARRAGAN Jonathan 42
9 VERHOEVEN Bas 41
10 VAN NOOTEN Jurgen 35

Round 5, Orp le Grand

1 BARRAGAN Jonathan 72
2 COPPINS Joshua 64 Yamaha Monster
3 CAPS Patrick 54
4 LEOK Aigar 52
5 STRIJBOS Kevin 45
6 COLUMB Scotty 43
7 VERHOEVEN Bas 37
8 GYSEL Roy 34
9 VAN NOOTEN Jurgen 33
10 PRIEM Manuel 27