CDR Yamaha’s Josh Coppins finished his full time racing career in impressive fashion, winning the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals championship in the season finale, delivering the fifth straight premier class title for CDR Yamaha in the process.

In front of a large crowd at the Coolum Pines Circuit on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Coppins came into the final round carrying a 14-point advantage over his nearest rival, Motul Pirelli Suzuki’s Todd Waters. After crashing out of a potentially championship-winning position last year, the kiwi veteran knew that nothing was assured until he’d crossed the finish line in the final moto, so went out with the determination that has marked his riding all season.

A second place in the opening short moto, was backed up with a win in the second. With only the traditional ‘long’ moto to go, Coppins was in a winning position on the CDR Yamaha YZ450F, but still had to ride fast and clean to lock the championship away.  

Coppins rode the final moto with the skill and control that has seen him lead the championship for much of the season. In what was a fairy-tale finish to his 17-year professional riding career, Coppins finished his last ever race in second position, but it was enough to wrap up the championship. A clearly relieved Coppins raised his fist skyward as he crossed the finish line, realising a life-long dream to win an Australian Motocross Championship.

“I have to say it was a great feeling as I rode up the final straight on the last lap,” Coppins said. “I tried to be as calm as I could all day, but inside I was really nervous as I had been in similar positions before only to have something go wrong.

“My first emotion was one of relief as I really wanted to win this championship not only for myself but the CDR team. The two years I have been here have been nothing but a great experience for me and this championship is something that I’m proud to win with them.

“I also want to congratulate Todd Waters on his season. He has been a great competitor and I have enjoyed racing him this year and I’m sure he will have plenty of success in the coming years.

“But all credit must go to the CDR Yamaha team. Craig, Gary and my mechanic Jason have put in huge hours over the past 12 months and this is as much about them as it is me,” Coppins ends gracefully.

Team owner Craig Dack again found Coolum a happy hunting ground for his team and they walked away with their fifth consecutive MX National championship. With the CDR Yamaha team celebrating their 20th year in the sport in 2012, the Coolum finale was a day for Dack to remember and a fitting finish to the career of Josh Coppins.

“I’m excited for Josh that he was able to win this championship. He has experienced some gut wrenching moments in closing out a championship over the years and last years’ fall must have been in the back of his mind, but today it was a near flawless performance from him.

“I have said it before, but the working relationship I have with Josh is still the best I have had with a rider in doing this role in 20 years. For Josh to secure our 36th championship, in our 20th anniversary of CDR Yamaha is a fitting reward and another historic moment for CDR and Yamaha.”

Also at the event was Yamaha’s Motorsport Manager, Ray Howard.

“On behalf of Yamaha Motor Australia, I would like to congratulate Josh, Craig and the entire CDR Yamaha team and sponsors for another remarkable season. This result again shows the professionalism of the CDR Yamaha team, the talent of Josh Coppins and the performance of the Yamaha YZ450F.”

“Five championships in a row is a significant achievement, full of hard work from a dedicated team. It was a great way for Josh to cap his career and the perfect way for CDR Yamaha to celebrate their 20th year.”

Team mate Lawson Bopping finished of his season with a very respectable fifth place in the final championship standings. Bopping was on track to make it a team 1-3, but a huge crash in moto two at Coolum dented his changes and he could manage ninth for the round.

“I’m a little disappointed on my result today but overall pretty happy with how I raced this season. I feel I have made a step up in my racing and training and working with the CDR team has been a huge benefit to me.”

For more information and results on the MX Nationals, go to; www.mxnationals.com.au

To follow CDR Yamaha on Facebook, go to; www.facebook.com/cdrrockstaryamaha  

The CDR Yamaha team have little rest as both Josh Coppins and Lawson Bopping will contest the upcoming Motocross of Nations in Belgium, while Bopping is also a starter for the upcoming four round Australian Supercross Championship, which starts in October.

2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals

Round 10 Results – Coolum Pines, QLD
MX1  

Pos    #    Rider                     Bike             Points
1st    47  Todd Waters         Suzuki         72 Points
2nd    5    Josh Coppins      Yamaha     69 Points
3rd    10  Cody Cooper        Suzuki         60 Points
4th    60  Brad Anderson     Honda          46 Points
5th    30  Dean Porter          Suzuki         43 Points
6th     1   Jay Marmont         Kawasaki    42 Points
7th    18  Billy Mackenzie    Kawasaki    42 Points
8th    65  Daniel McCoy       Suzuki         40 Points
9th    70  Lawson Bopping Yamaha     37 Points
10th   6   Jake Moss            Honda         36 Points

2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals - MX1 Final Championship Standings
1st Josh Coppins 618 Points
2nd Todd Waters 607 Points
3rd Cody Cooper 509 Points
4th Brad Anderson 509 Points
5th Lawson Bopping 506 Points
6th Jay Marmont 374 Points
7th Jake Moss 347 Points
8th Dean Porter 331 Points
9th Daniel McCoy 329 Points
10th Dan Reardon 320 Points

Images: Shayne Rice, courtesy of Yamaha