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From Ian Miles:
COPPINS SECOND IN CZECH, SECOND IN WORLD
Motocross star Josh Coppins has leapt back to second in the world 250 championship with just one round remaining.
A commanding second place in today's Grand Prix of the Czech Republic at Loket leapfrogged the factory Honda rider over his former teammate Pit Beirer and provided a comfortable cushion going to Russia in a fortnight.
Expat Kiwi Coppins, 25, led from the start today and was passed only by Mickael Pichon, the Frenchman who has already won the world title.
It's a brilliant comeback by Coppins who was docked 20 points after taking the wrong hay fever tablet two months ago, but now leads feisty German Beirer by 11.
"I felt great out there today," commented the normally quietly-spoken Coppins. "The Honda was perfect and I felt I was getting back to my best after a pretty tough time recently. "It's always easier when you take the holeshot from the start and for a while I was able to hold Mickael off . the temptation was there to run with him once he slipped past, but mostly I was mindful that I had to be sure of getting points."
It turned into a lonely ride for New Zealand's top motorcycle racer as he steadily pulled the red Alpinestars Honda away from the KTM of current 125 world champion Jamie Dobb (England) in third spot.
The day was a nightmare for Beirer, who has bested Coppins by just one placing at the final round of the past two seasons.
Beirer blew the start today and was dead last in the 30-strong field. After 40 minutes around the demanding Loketske Serpentiny circuit near the Czech-German border Beirer managed 15th spot and took six points compared with Coppins' 22.
Even if Beirer wins the final round for the maximum 25 points, Coppins needs to finish only sixth to secure runner-up spot in the championship. His previous best was fourth two years ago.
The Motueka-born pro racer was second for much of this year, enjoying an unbroken run of seven podium placings, but had a nightmare mid-season with team problems then the doping charge.
He was found innocent of doping but docked points because he was considered negligent in taking the hay fever tablet. His Berni / Vismara team from Italy has since collapsed financially and Coppins has been supported by factory-backed importers Honda Europe.
He has repaid their faith by playing a large part in Honda's now-unassailable second place in the constructors championship.
Coppins was fourth quickest in Czech qualifying yesterday, Beirer 11th.
Recent floods did not affect the circuit at Loket, 140km west of the capital Prague and a similar distance south of eastern German city Dresden, and fans have enjoyed good weather all weekend.
Belgian legend Stefan Everts (Yamaha) is tipped to wrap up his sixth world title in the 500 class event today. Coppins' Kiwi protégé Ben Townley rides in the 125 Grand Prix after that.
World 250 championship after 11 of 12 rounds: 1 Mickael Pichon (France) Suzuki 263 points; 2 Josh Coppins (NZ) Honda 200; 3 Pit Beirer (Germany) Honda 189; 4 Jamie Dobb (England) KTM 159; 5 Kenneth Gundersen (Norway) Kawasaki 147; 6 Fred Bolley (France) Yamaha 146; 7 Gordon Crockard (Ireland) KTM 140.
Constructors: Suzuki 263, Honda 228, Yamaha 189, KTM 177, Kawasaki 172, TM 86, Husqvarna 80.
