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New Zealand\'s hottest young motorsport star, world champs motocrosser Josh Coppins, goes back to the future in Europe this weekend.
Cruelly robbed of the biggest day of his career by England\'s fickle weather last weekend, the Motueka-born 23 year-old fronts up the home grand prix of his powerful Suzuki Corona team in Belgium.
Looking for big points to boost his already lofty fourth overall in the glamour 250 championship after sensationally grabbing pole position at Foxhill last Friday, Coppins was plunged into nothingness when the event was washed out.
But the talented young professional racer is vowing to bounce back.
\"I know now I can foot it with these guys - and get away from them when I get things right,\" said Coppins from his team\'s headquarters in northern Belgium.
\"This weekend I\'m out to do it again, even though this is home territory for so many riders in the championship.\"
It\'s also virtual home turf for Coppins\' senior teammate in the top-notch Suzuki outfit, flying Frenchman Mickael Pichon who leads the championship.
\"The team has made it clear to me that they\'re delighted I\'m in the top five in my first year as a factory rider, but I know I can improve further if I concentrate on being consistent.
\"I was delighted with pole last weekend and gutted when they called it off. But there\'s another ten grands prix to come and I\'m looking for my first podium finish.\"
The 1832-metre circuit at Spa is just an hour from Coppins\' team base in Belgium, a country with a long motocross history. Team manager Sylvain Geboers himself was a star here 25 years ago.
And there\'s even more incentive for the young Kiwi to perform - a television crew from New Zealand is at the event filming a documentary to screen at home later this year.
\"When you race for one of the top teams in the world, the distractions increase out of sight,\" said the worldly Coppins. \"The trick is to block it all out and just get out there and perform.\"
The two moto legs at Spa are held overnight Sunday NZ time.
Ian RJ Miles, Miles Better Ltd
ph (03) 379 7907 fax (03) 365 4466
email milesbetter@ezysurf.co.nz
Electronic photos of Coppins available directly from the circuit
Ask for a media background kit
Visit the team\'s website:
http://www.alstare.net/site2000/gp250
