    |
 |
|
|
|
Hundreds of Kiwis are off across the Tasman for Easter to see Josh Coppins and the world\'s other top motocross riders race in the southern hemisphere for the only time this year.
The Australian Grand Prix at Broadford an hour north of Melbourne, the third of 15 rounds on the world championship calendar, brings all three classes to this part of the world for the first time.
The premier 250 class in which Motueka-born Coppins is ranked in the top handful of riders will be supported by the 125 sector where ex-Taupo youngster Ben Townley is a coming force, and also by the 500 class where four-stroke bikes dominate.
The classes come together for the first time throughout this season - last year just the 500s raced on the hard Victorian circuit.
\"I\'ve ridden there before my grand prix days and I recall it being a flier,\" said Coppins.
\"I gather the track has changed a bit since then, but it\'ll still be a high-speed challenge which will suit us Kiwis.\"
The factory Suzuki teamster is looking to repeat his podium placing of the last round in the Netherlands as the season begins to shake out the high fliers.
All eyes will be on his Corona teammate, Frenchman Mickael Pichon, who has won both races so far for a perfect 50 points.
Coppins has 26, just three off second place and is again dicing with German Pit Beirer who pipped the Kiwi expat for third in the championship last year.
\"It\'s Mickael we all need to beat - he\'s made a screamer of a start and it\'ll be interesting to see how he handles Australia,\" said Coppins whose fourth in the championship last year made him New Zealand\'s top performed motorsport star.
Among the fans heading to Australia is an official group of Coppins fans, the Lizzard Tour taking their title from his European nickname.
They\'ll also be watching the form of Coppins\' 16-year-old protégé Townley who amazed European observers by qualifying for both races so far this year.
Riding for the Phase Suzuki team out of Germany, Townley showed maturity beyond his years to step from School Cert to success in the hurly-burly of professional racing. Like Coppins he will be keen to look his best at his virtual home grand prix.
Practice and qualifying take place on Friday and Saturday with the grand prix races for all three classes on Sunday. The next round is in Belgium a fortnight later.
Points standings, World 250 Championship, after two of 15 rounds:
Pichon 50 points, Gordon Crockard (UK, Honda) 29, Beirer (Yamaha) 28, Coppins 26, Paul Cooper (UK, Yamaha) 24.
