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Kiwi-motorcycle ace Josh Coppins switches fulltime to stadium supercross next week as he starts the three-round world championship in France.
High-flying motocross bikes invade the football turf at Stade de France in Paris in Saturday night\'s spectacular opening round (21 Oct).
Motueka-born Coppins, fast-rising star of the Suzuki works team, was one of the racers head-hunted to contest this series after his fourth place finish in the premier 250 outdoor class which ended last month.
\"I enjoy supercross, although outdoor motocross is where I\'ve made my name,\" said the 23-year-old from France where he has been honing his stadium skills.
\"Supercross is much more short and sharp, very spectacular for the fans.\"
\"That\'s the way supercross is viewed in Europe, a fun way to attract the crowds and sponsors to outdoor motocross, a bit like the test cricketers view one-dayers.\"
This year\'s world championship has attracted the top American riders to take on Europe\'s best over three rounds - moving from France to Italy then Germany.
Coppins will share the Suzuki Corona pit with his outdoor teammate from this year, Frenchman Mickael Pichon who took second in the 250 title.
Coppins\' chief mechanic, Blair Selfe of Oamaru, is also alongside for the supercross events.
Supercross season:
21 October World championship round one, Stade de France, Paris, France
27-29 October Paris Bercy one-off event, Paris, France
4 November World championship round two, Torino, Italy
25 November World championship round three, Leipzig, Germany
