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January 29-30 2000
The biggest turnout at a motocross event in MNZ history marked the New Zealand Motocross GP as the motocross event of the new Millennium. Over 600 riders arrived for the 39th annual event hosted by the Manawatu Orion Motorcycle Club.
With so many riders to host, qualifying started on Friday for the 11-12 years junior class for the first time in Woodville motocross history.
While other sporting events around the country were being cancelled or washed out, perfect Motocross conditions delighted riders with overcast conditions, cool temperatures and virtually no dust on the Saturday.
One of the toughest, hardest fought junior racing days saw just two dominant riders in the respective classes. Mason Wilkie in the 8-10 year olds and 15 year old Cody Cooper in the 15- 16 class, neither rider letting the finish flag out of their sight.
The other classes saw fortunes made and lost with four different riders securing wins over five races. With the lead switching so often the crowd was treated to a smorgasboard of exciting Grand Prix Motocross.
Top form NZ National Supercross Champion and world number seven motocross rider Josh Coppins made seven from seven starts winning the three 125cc class races, three 250cc race wins and grabbing the International Feature race from New Zealand international rider Darryll King.
The weather finally caught up with Woodville and the track turned muddy and slippery giving the audience some spectacular spectating.
This didn\'t stop Cody Cooper the young junior rider who made a come back appearance at the track. Not seen competing for sometime, Cooper launched an all out assault on the class and walked away with a 5 out of 5 in the Juniors.
A huge ten out of ten vote was given to the event by MNZ Motorcross Commission Director Dave Craig.
\"The Manawatu Orion Club must be congratulated for the way its promoted this event - this is now one of, if not the \"must be there\" events of the year.\"
With the New Zealand Motorcross Junior champs in April motocross looks set for a win-win this season.
RESULTS AND PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON SILVER-BULLET
