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NZ MOTOCROSS GP 23 - 25 JANUARY
Tokyo, Bangkok, Macau, Woodville?
The Blue Wing Honda New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix featuring over 700 riders takes place for the 43rd time just outside Woodville on the weekend of Jan 23-25.
The event, which is the first Motocross GP on the world calendar, attracts the best riders in New Zealand as well as from overseas. Former World Champion and current National and GP Champion, Shayne King, has rested for a month but he will be back to defend his GP title which is coveted by many. Those who would have the most valid claim to it are brother Darryll, Mark Penny and Corrie Sargent who beat King at the Oceania Champs late in 2003.
Cody Cooper who won every 2003 125 title except the GP will be wanting to make amends. Michael Cotter who has the trophy on his mantle piece and Barry Morris will provide much of the resistance. Morris, a former Scottish Champion, competed in the GP last year as a holidaymaker, since then he has made his stay semi permanent and also came up with an eye catching third at the NZ Nationals.
The Manawatu Orion Motorcycle Club as GP host and organising club have arranged a package that will see three of the top Asian riders competing at this years GP.The well performed Glen Aguilar (Philippines) is the current Asian Champion and runner up Tadakazu (Teddy) Ohtsuka of Japan are competing. A top junior rider is also coming.
Motorcycling New Zealand applauds the innovation. MNZ CEO Trevor Gill was effusive about the Asian visit. \"The Manawatu Orion Club is one of the most innovative clubs in the country, it is now showing that it understands the bigger developmental picture and wants to be part of it. The Asian Motocross Circuit has been an integral part of the development of most of our current stars,\" he said. \"People like the Kings, Townley, Coppins, Broxholme and more recently Jayden Gray all have Asian GP wins on their CV and in many cases has been financially assisted by the Asian Federation.\"
Asian Motocross Commissioner, Stephan Carapiet will travel to New Zealand with the team. Commenting from his Manila office Carapiet was realistic about the assignment ahead. \"New Zealand riders are very well respected in our continent. We have seen the best of them up here, they are always world class – we want to have a look at the factory they are made in\"
Carapiet is not just coming to watch. There is a possibility of extending the NZ GP to become an Asia Pacific Championship or even part of the Asian Championships which are currently held over nine months in nine countries. He will be involved in discussions with NZ administrators during the visit.
