    |
 |
|
|
|
Few New Zealanders make it into the elite ranks of professional motorcycle racing. Fewer still land the ultimate prize of full backing from a Japanese manufacturer, a factory ride.
In the modern era no Kiwi has made that level in the tough world of 250 motocross, the top level of this gruelling sport until the arrival of Motueka\'s Josh Coppins with Suzuki.
Our latest superstar marks his 23rd birthday this weekend (Saturday 11 March) with an international warmup event in France for the world champs which start in Spain a week later.
Already marked as a high flier on the European scene bursting with talent, Coppins again turned heads with outright victory at another French international race a fortnight ago - beating last year\'s world championship runner-up in the process.
\"I try not to read too much into pre-season events,\" said the mature young man from the top of the South Island.
\"But I was delighted with that ride, and with the way our new bike is performing.\"
Suzuki, probably the most respected name in the game, has supplied Coppins with an all-new RM250WS machine in its traditional yellow as he joins French ace Mickael Pichon in the works team run by former world great Sylvain Geboers of Belgium.
The big break was no surprise to those in the know in Europe - Coppins was hastily recruited as an outrider to the team last year when he began beating the factory riders on his privateer Suzuki.
On a factory machine still inferior to the works riders\' he finished seventh in the world, ahead of Pichon\'s 15th.
It was a culmination of six years\' climbing the ranks from 41st in 1995, Coppins\' rookie year. Now he\'s ready to push for the top.
\"Realistically I know I shouldn\'t expect to challenge for the title this first year on the team, but I\'m making that my goal anyway,\" Coppins said.
\"Certainly I\'m looking to win a few races and let the established riders know I\'m here.
\"I definitely want that world crown in the next two or three years.\"
Round one of the world 250 MX championship is raced over two moto legs at Talavera, Spain on Sunday 19 March. The season continues over 16 rounds in 14 countries as far afield as Brazil, concluding in September.
Visit the team\'s website:
http://www.alstare.net/site2000/gp250
