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Coppins signs with CAS Honda for 2006.
Josh Coppins has signed to remain with the CAS Honda team for the 2006 season. The New Zealander signed the contract in Gaildorf, Germany and will race the MX1 class for the team. Coppins who has won three Grand Prix this year for the team, and is looking the strongest rider at this stage of the season, is very much the man everyone wanted inside their race tent. There is not doubt the flying kiwi is ready to go to the next level, and take a world title in the near future.
"I am really happy to stay with the team. We have been together now for some time and we are really working towards our goal of winning the MX1 world championship. CAS made the move to take their race shop to Belgium this year to be closer to me, and it has made my job much easier. I could not ask for a better situation, they have just done everything asked and I could not be happier at this moment in my career."
Team manager Neil Prince was also glad to see Coppins name on the contract, as many teams were hunting for Coppins signature. Prince has been very instrumental in Coppins making the step to GP winner and knows that his rider will always give 100% and never give in on his dream of being a World champion.
"Having Josh stay with the team is an important step for us. We have put our complete effort into Josh winning the title. This year he has prove to be on a level par with Stefan Everts for most of the season and the improvement in both Josh and the team is easy to see. We all want one thing, and that is a world title."
Honda Europe spokesman Roger Harvey is also excited that the New Zealander will remain on Honda machines. It's little secret that several of the major teams in the GP paddock wanted Coppins.
"Of course there are only a few riders at the level to win a world title, and Josh is amongst that group. He has shown amazing courage to get to where he is, and I am looking forward to working with him again in 2006. It's another good step by the team to remain involved in the championship for years to come."
