NZ Team in England for the Motocross of Nations

NZ Team in England for the Motocross of Nations

Considered the most prestigious event on the motocross calendar, Josh Coppins, Ben Townley and Cody Cooper will represent New Zealand at the 2006 Motocross of Nations at Matterley Basin at Winchester in England this weekend.

Brothers Shayne and Darryll King are also there as reserves with Team Manager Russell Burling.

Coppins is based in Balen Hulsen, Belgium and returned from an eight week injury at the end of May and was immediately back on the MX1 podium on his CAS Honda. He has also made the podium in some country GP’s.

Townley, who is based in the Florida, USA, rides his Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki KX250F in the AMA Motocross Nationals Series in America. He is now back on the bike after a right shoulder separation operation. An impressive 3-3 performance at Glen Helen last Sunday showed all on hand what Townley is capable of.

Cooper lived in Australia whilst completing in the 10 round Nokia Australian Motocross Championship. On his No Fear Honda he finished with a creditable 3rd place despite several dnf’s. In the current NZ Senior Champs he rides for Honda Racing’s Castrol Honda Red Riders.

Motorcycling NZ’s CEO Paul Pavletich said “The team have all arrived in England in great shape including the King brothers who will stand-by as reserves. You will recall last year Cody arrived very late because of the timing of Daryl Hurley’s injury. Should they be needed Shayne has indicated to me that he will stand aside for brother Darryll as this is not only his last ride on the world stage but he is in devastating form at present."

Also present, for the final time, are two of the most successful two riders from the modern era. The 2006 and ten-times World Champion Stefan Everts, who has appeared on the MXdN podium an incredible fourteen times from fourteen appearances including five victories. Everts will again lead Team Belgium and will be counting on the support of Kevin Strijbos and Steve Ramon. Everts, on his familiar #72 Yamaha is in great shape as he showed last Sunday in Ernée with two back-to-back wins.

The 2006 AMA Supercross and Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael hopes to lead the reigning Champions Team USA. The Suzuki ace and most successful rider in AMA history has been under an injury cloud and will fly to England tonight our time. Carmichael crashed in the first Moto at the final round of AMA Toyota Motocross at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino,California, injuring his left shoulder. The latest from the Carmichael camp is that a decision will be made on Friday morning whether he will participate. The other two members of the American team make for a formidable line-up with World Supercross Champion James Stewart set to make his first pro racing appearance outside of the States and young 2006 Motocross Lites Champion, Ryan Villopoto. USA’s reserve is Ivan Tedesco.

Billy Mackenzie, Carl Nunn and Tommy Searle are confirmed as the UK's representatives.

The Motocross of Nations was established in 1947 and is the oldest running FIM event. It's a pivotal year in the history of the 60-year-old Chamberlain Trophy with the United States and England tied at 16 on the all-time win list. Belgium is next with 14 wins.

ENDS

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