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March 29: New Zealand\'s Josh Coppins continues to
impress upon the world motocross stage with another pair of
top results in Greece this morning.
He finished 9th and 5th in the 250cc
motocross world championship meeting at the muddy and rutted
Megalopolls circuit, round two of the 16-event series.
The 22 year old from Motueka had qualified 11th
fastest but defied that early rating when the gate dropped
for the first 45 minute race.
"I was feeling quite stiff at the start because I knew
it was so important not to crash. The track was very muddy
and one-lined. As the track dried out, things started to
improve but it was difficult to pass. I was disappointed
with finishing 9th", he said.
"Race two was a different story. I got a great start
and rode smooth and consistently throughout. I was thrilled
to finish 5th."
Those results, combined with his 4th and 5th
placings from the opening round in Spain a week earlier, put
Coppins 6th in the overall standings, the highest
ranked Suzuki rider.
"We (the Winfield Suzuki Team) will do some suspension and
engine testing this week with some new factory parts."
The young Suzuki stalwart, already in his fifth consecutive
season racing at the sport\'s premier level, carries the No.
13 on his bike this season after an excellent 1998 season and
now looks set to move even further up the World rankings.
