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Coppins podiums in amazing GP come back!
CAS Honda star, Josh Coppins has raced onto the podium at the British GP to produce a brilliant comeback after a devastating shoulder injury sidelined the New Zealander two days prior to the season opener in April, earlier this year.
Coppins proved that he had not lost his touch when he grabbed the hole-shot in race one, which had 39.000 frantic spectators cheering the Kiwi on. An aggressive Steve Ramon made his way past ‘Lizzard’ only to bite the dirt a few corners later with Coppins having to over-run his turn to avoid hitting the Belgian. After settling into position, he managed to re-pass Frenchman Pascal Leuret and Cedric Melotte to move into second behind championship leader Stefan Everts. Coppins defended his position with determination however a last lap battle ensued with fellow team-mate Ken De Dycker which would see the two Honda riders have a ding dong battle right to the finish line. ‘Lizzard’ was content with third place.
Another great start saw Coppins going bar to bar with Stefan Everts into the first turn however the Belgian had the advantage of the inside line and forced Coppins wide. A hectic first lap placed the New Zealander in fifth as he tried to keep touch with the leaders. A dislodged goggle lens caused by a flying rock from Tanel Leok’s back wheel meant that ‘Lizzard’ had to keep his distance and ride his own race to finish fifth. Consistency rewarded the New Zealander with third overall and spot on the podium for to conclude a magnificent return to GP racing.
“This was an important race for the team and our sponsors which is why we took the decision to race earlier than planned. I’m far from 100% fit and had problems riding the fast pace. I was not so smooth and was fighting with the bike. I broke my goggles in the second moto and had a lot of dirt in my eyes but I just rode my own race – actually the first race was seriously harder. Anyway it’s not such a bad race for first time back and Sweden and the next races will be better,” explained the elated New Zealander.
The two times British champ will contend the next round of the British MX series in Desert Martin next weekend before heading to Uddevalla Sweden for the ninth round of the MX GP series on 01-02 July.
