Motorsport: Coppins retires in style from grand prix circuit

Kiwi Josh Coppins collected 12 grand prix wins in his 15-year world championship career. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand motocross rider Josh Coppins ended his world championship-chasing career in customary fighting style at the Italian grand prix at Fermo at the weekend.

After posting 10th in the first race on the spectacular hillside circuit for the 15th and final round of the championship, Coppins, 33, had the entire paddock cheering for him in the second race after he got off to a great start behind Belgian Clement Desalle.

A three-way battle ensued between Desalle, German Max Nagl and Coppins with another Belgian and former world champion Steve Ramon joining the fray.

Coppins eventually succumbed to the superior speed of the leading group - finally settling for seventh placing in the race and seventh overall for the day with 25 points.

With 256 points over the season, Coppins finished 12th in his final world championship season, which was won by Italian Antonio Cairoli with 625 points.

"Today has been very emotional for me" Coppins said in an email. "On the one hand I'm going to miss this competitive level of racing, not to mention all the friends and kind people I have met over the years in all the different countries.

"But on the other hand I was really happy to cross the finish line and put an end to a memorable career in grand prix motocross."

In a lengthy world championship career lasting 15 years, the durable Coppins collected 12 grand prix wins, achieved over 50 podium placings and finished championship runner-up twice and third twice. He was also twice British MX1 champion.

Having turned his back on Europe, Coppins has set his sights on contesting next season's New Zealand and Australian championships.

In the United States, meanwhile, fellow New Zealand rider Ben Townley completed a successful return to racing, finishing fourth overall in the American outdoor championship after the final round at San Diego.

Townley returned to action this year after a two-year injury layoff and had to fight another setback at the start of the season when he perforated his bowel while practising at home, missing valuable testing and physical preparation time.

"Looking back on the championship I guess I can't be too disappointed with fourth overall after such a long layoff but there were also some opportunities I missed this year," Townley said.

"My goal is still to win races and championships and I am really looking forward to doing everything possible to achieve that in the future."

Coppins and Townley will team up with Hawera's Brad Groombridge for the annual Motocross of Nations world teams championship in Denver, Colorado, on September 25-26.

WORLD MX1 STANDINGS

1 Antonio Cairoli (Italy, KTM)625 pts

2 Clement Desalle (Belgium, KTM) 537

3 David Philippaerts (Italy, Yamaha) 502

Also: 12 JOSH COPPINS (NZ, Aprilia) 256

US FINAL STANDINGS

1 Ryan Dungey (Suzuki) 543 pts

2 Brett Metcalfe (Australia, Honda) 398

3 Andrew Short (Honda) 393

4 BEN TOWNLEY (NZ, Honda) 321

5 Mike Alessi (KTM) 314


- NZPA