Joshua "Josh" Coppins (born 11 March 1977) is a New Zealand former professional motocross rider. He competed in the Motocross World Championships from 1993 to 2012. Coppins posted four top three results during his career including a second place in the 2002 250cc motocross world championship and a second place in the MX1 world championship.[1][2] He is often regarded as one of the greatest riders that never won a world title.

Josh Coppins
Coppins in 2007
NationalityNew Zealander
Born11 March 1977 (1977-03-11) (age 47)
Motueka, New Zealand
Motocross career
Years active1993 - 2012
WinsMX1: 11
GP debut1993, GP of Australia, Manjimup, 125cc

Motocross racing career

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Coppins was born in Motueka, New Zealand. He began his international racing career in 1996 as a privateer. Coppins was runner up to Mickaël Pichon in the 2002 F.I.M. 250cc motocross world championship riding a Honda. In 2005, still on a Honda, he finished second to Stefan Everts in the MX1-GP championship for 450cc four-stroke machines.[3][4] He has represented New Zealand in the Motocross des Nations since 1997. He also earned a nickname as the “Kiwi Kid”.

During the 2007 FIM Motocross World Championship, Coppins built a 100-point lead in the championship, only to break his shoulder blade in the 12th round forcing him out of the next 3 rounds and ending his title hopes.[5] Coppins retired from full-time racing in 2012.[6]

Career results

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Year Rnd
1
Rnd
2
Rnd
3
Rnd
4
Rnd
5
Rnd
6
Rnd
7
Rnd
8
Rnd
9
Rnd
10
Rnd
11
Rnd
12
Rnd
13
Rnd
14
Rnd
15
Rnd
16
Rnd
17
Average
Finish
Podium
Percent
Place
2004 MX1 2 9 12 5 5 1 2 4 4 8 3 2 3 3 2 - - 4.33 53% 3rd
2005 MX1 7 4 2 7 2 4 2 7 2 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 3 3.41 59% 2nd
2006 MX1 OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT 3 2 3 2 2 1 2 5 - - 2.50 88% 7th
2007 MX1 1 1 2 1 3 3 1 1 5 2 DNF OUT OUT 18 OUT - - 3.45 82% 3rd

References

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  1. ^ Martinez, Peter (17 November 2009). "Josh Coppins jumps ship". New Zealand Herald. APN Holdings NZ Limited. Retrieved 12 March 2010.
  2. ^ "Josh Coppins race results". mxgpresults.com. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  3. ^ "2005 MX1-GP Overall Standings". mxgpresults.com. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  4. ^ "Josh Coppins career profile". bestsports.com. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  5. ^ "Everyone's rooting for the good guy - Josh Coppins". The Nelson Mail. 23 August 2007. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  6. ^ "Josh Coppins still a winner". Nelson Mail. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
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