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More misfortune for motocross ace Josh Coppins at the 250 world championships.
For the second time in three events the expat Kiwi found himself upside down on the first lap at today’s Dutch Brabant Grand Prix and it took a major effort to drag himself back to eighth placing.
Needing a huge start to come off a poor grid position after more bad luck in yesterday’s qualifying session, Coppins led the field through the first turn before coming unstuck with championship runner-up Gordon Crockard.
“I knew I needed the holeshot to pick up some big points after all the problems I’ve had this season,” said the 24-year-old from Motueka.
“I managed that, then I had to push hard to get a break on the field.
“But that was just too much pressure on this track and I ended up in deep sand with Crockard on top of me.”
By the time Coppins remounted his Corona Suzuki he was dead last in 28th position.
A meritorious ride saw him blast through the field to eighth place after 40 tiring minutes on the historic track of Lierop near the Dutch border with Belgium.
But the latest setback meant another blow to his championship standings, dropping Coppins to sixth overall one point behind reigning two-time world champion Fred Bolley.
Fourth in the world last year, Coppins was tipped a safe bet for the top three this season but a succession of unlikely misfortunes has derailed his campaign.
“It’s got beyond frustrating to the point of being tragic,” said the multi New Zealand champ.
“As soon as I battle back, like the podium at the last GP, bang I’m wiped out again and my points disappear.
“I’ve lost so many points that I have to take risks, and things happen like today,” Coppins added.
His high-flying Corona Suzuki teammate, Frenchman Mickael Pichon who wrapped up the title last race, stumbled today and handed a maiden GP victory to devil-may-care Australian Chad Reed.
Pichon took second place in the race, while the win lifted Kawasaki rider Reed to third in the series with two rounds remaining.
Meanwhile Coppins’ young protégé Ben Townley notched up an impressive showing on his return from a broken shoulder.
The 16-year-old scorched around the difficult circuit to grab 19th spot in his first GP on the KTM factory-supported125.
While the deep sand of Lierop dented some illustrious reputations Townley was the highest finisher for his new team, Vangani Racing.
It’s another feather in the cap of the expat from Taupo in his rookie grand prix year.
World 250 Championship points after 12 of 14 events: Mickael Pichon (France) Suzuki 268, Champion, Gordon Crockard (Ireland) Honda 166, Chad Reed (Australia) Kawasaki 154, Claudio Federici (Italy) Yamaha 141, Fred Bolley (France) Honda 119, Coppins 118, Pit Beirer (Germany) Yamaha 107.
