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Young Kiwi motocross sensation Josh Coppins is on top of the world in the Eurasian nation of Slovakia this weekend.
All eyes are on the Motueka-born expat after his barn-storming leap onto the podium at the most recent round of the world 250 championship in France.
With that result following a stunning pole position in England last month, only for the event to be rained out, the cool 23-year-old is rocking the established stars of world motocross in its glamour class.
Controversy still bubbles over whether Coppins pulled back from passing his championship-leading Suzuki Corona teammate, Frenchman Mickael Pichon to grab second place in France - a question Coppins is avoiding.
\"It was just pretty fresh to stand up on that podium at last, that\'s all I can say,\" Coppins commented.
\"I felt ripped off when I missed out in Britain last month now it\'s starting to happen.\"
Round nine of the title hunt this weekend sees a venue switch; the scheduled event at Teutschenthal in Gemany has been delayed with the troupe going to Lucenec instead.
This 2.4km circuit, called Filakovske Klacany just outside the Slovakian town, is as demanding as any on the championship trail.
\"It won\'t be an easy track to ride, but it\'s the same for everybody,\" said Coppins.
\"The Suzuki is really flying and I\'m looking for a big weekend.\"
The youngster, very much number two rider at Suzuki Corona and expected to strive for the top five in the championship while his teammate went title-hunting, has surprised veterans by storming up the points tally.
At midpoint in the season he is already fourth overall and, with his big points last round, now pressing the experienced German Pit Beirer (Kawasaki) for third.
The only riders beyond that are Pichon and another Frenchman, defending world champion Fred Bolley (Honda). These were the two who beat Coppins at Brou in France.
\"They\'re all great riders, as you would expect at the top end of the toughest championship in the world,\" Coppins said. \"But they\'re only human.\"
\"I realise now I can run with them and beat them on my day. Let\'s hope Lucenec is my day.\"
