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Motocross ace Josh Coppins has survived a frightening crash to qualify for the Grand Prix of Namur in Belgium.
Chasing a fast time on his last lap of the timed Saturday session, the expat Kiwi sent his factory Suzuki racebike slamming end-for-end off the tree-studded Citadel circuit.
“It was just a small mistake, the back end of the bike kicked up and I got into a big tank-slapper,” said 24-year-old Coppins.
“I saved it and got upright, but by that stage I was flying off the track and towards the haybales. I tried to dodge them but I clipped one and the bike went flying.”
Coppins has a sore shoulder but after therapy tonight he will line up in sixth spot for Sunday’s 250 GP, round nine of the world championship in which he is poised to overtake third spot.
“Fortunately I had already done some fast laps that got me up to sixth and I was just going for one final hot lap when the crash happened,” explained the Motueka-born star of the Corone Suzuki team.
“It was raining when we first went out and the track was getting faster as it dried, so I was trying to make the most of that.
“But sixth is fine, anywhere in the top 10 is enough to get a good starting gate here.”
Today’s qualifier saw reigning two-time world champion Fred Bolley of France bounce back to form for virtually the first time this season as he dominated proceedings on his Honda.
Coppins’ highly-fancied teammate, Frenchman Mickael Pichon who leads the title chase by a country mile, was back in fifth place … a shock for his countrymen who have applauded his stellar season.
Between rain showers the fans have been treated to spectacular sights as the world’s best racers blast through the fortifications of this historic walled city on a hill dominating the Flanders fields of French-speaking Belgium.
A big crowd is expected for Sunday’s grand prix.
