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Photo - Josh Coppins #5 in Sugo:
This report is from Josh's manager, Glen Dempsey. Visit Josh @ his Website: Josh Coppins.com: It features the Kiwi`s latest news, pictures, profile, wallpapers, etc.
An Eager 24600 spectators turned out to watch the Japanese GP at the spectacular Sugo circuit. CAS Honda star, Josh Coppins, was disappointed with his two, fourth place finishes – the Kiwi was looking for more than consistency to impress the Japanese.
An almost certain hole-shot in race one was short-lived when the Dane, Brian Jorgensen, pushed Coppins aside to take the lead. After regaining his composure, Coppins moved back into fourth position but had lost touch with the leading trio. Lizzard rode a steady, consistent race and crossed the line in fourth.
Looking to make more of an impression, Coppins lead the pack of charging riders going into the first turn but ran a bit too wide and had to give up a hand full of positions. He quickly caught on to the fast moving train consisting of Everts, Pichon, Townley and Smets. Coppins tried all he could to make his way past a swerving Smets and in the final minutes he went into the back of the Belgian and lost all his momentum. After fellow countryman, Townley was sidelined with technical problems, Coppins crossed the finish line for yet another fourth position.
“My starts were pretty good all weekend although there was quite a bit of bumping in the first turn. I didn’t feel so comfortable in the first heat and suffered from a bit of arm pump. We made some good changes to the suspension and the bike for the second race which helped me a lot. The racing was quite exciting in front of me with Townley, Pichon and Everts. I managed to close the gap but Smets was really difficult to get past. I hit his back wheel with four laps to go and that was basically my race over. I was a little bit disappointed that I couldn’t stay in the race until the end but I guess I have to work even harder if I want to be up there with them,” explained Coppins.
