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Kiwi-born motocross sensation Josh Coppins has rocketed to a clear third in the glamour world 250 champs with a stunning second equal placing at today\'s grand prix in Luxembourg.
The 23-year-old expat from Motueka now has 297 points in the title chase - 17 clear of his nearest challenger with just two rounds remaining.
He is led only by the flying French, reigning world champion Fred Bolley and his own Corona Suzuki number one Mickael Pichon, whom he helped to gain valuable points at this hillside GP.
Fourth going into this weekend, Coppins again produced the consistent riding for which he is becoming known to nab third and fifth placings, good enough to share second place overall in the event with Irishman Gordon Crockard and behind only Bolley.
Honda rider Bolley took the title lead for the first time this year as Coppins\' French teammate Mickael Pichon failed to finish moto one - while Coppins got his own taste of Bolley.
\"I was hit hard by Bolley and he took me off the track, twice in one weekend,\" said the expat Kiwi. \"I couldn\'t believe it.\"
\"I was annoyed with Bolley - he didn\'t have to take me off the track, I made fair and clean passes on him and this is what he does in return.\"
With Pichon dropping out of moto one, the Suzuki team was anxious he score maximum points in the second race. That meant Coppins had to forego a repeat third spot.
\"I got the message, a team instruction to let Pichon come by, so I did, I moved over and stayed with him for a while,\" said the young professional.
\"But with only two laps to go Paul Cooper was right with me, he was riding fast and stronger than me and I could see Pichon in front riding with a sore shoulder.\"
Frenchman Pichon acknowledged the Kiwi\'s help.
\"That second race was very, very hard for me,\" said the veteran. \"I had Cooper closing in on me and Coppins really helped me out.\"
\"I owe him a big thanks, he helped me out with those two extra points in the end, they may help me in the fight for the championship if it comes that close.\" said Pichon.
Coppins triumphed in his own private duel with German Pit Beirer who had a miserable day on his Kawasaki.
Going into the weekend the pair were neck and neck in the championship and Beirer was desperate to hold the third he has targeted all season.
\"Beirer passed me at one point but I soon caught back up to him, he was riding wild, out of control, unbelievable crazy riding,\" commented Coppins.
\"I knew he would crash so I just stayed with him and waited just in case he took us both out.\"
Beirer crashed into an advertising board and allowed the Kiwi to pull 17 points clear overall.
The final two grand prix rounds are held in a fortnight, then a week later, in Germany and Switzerland.
Luxembourg Grand Prix.
Moto one:
1 Claudio Federici (Italy) Yamaha,
2 Fred Bolley (France) Honda,
3 Josh Coppins (NZ) Suzuki,
4 Yves Demaria (France) Yamaha),
5 Mickael Maschio (France) Kawasaki.
Moto two:
1 Bolley,
2 Gordon Crockard (Ireland) Honda,
3 Mickael Pichon (France) Suzuki,
4 Paul Cooper (GB) Husqvarna,
5 Coppins.
Championship points:
Bolley 370,
Pichon 352,
Coppins 297,
Beirer 280,
Federici 254,
Crockard 251,
Cooper 228,
Demaria 223,
Maschio 144.
