2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals final round preview

Saturday, July 30, will see practice for the premier Pro categories, while the Veteran and ATV Cup classes do battle. Sunday, July 31, marks the all-important championship decider in the Rockstar Energy Pro Open and Pro Lites categories.

CDR Rockstar Yamaha's Josh Coppins is confident that he has what it takes to hold onto his 18-point lead in the championship.
"For me personally, I think it's just a matter of riding to my potential and not making any mistakes," Coppins, 34, commented.The former world MX runner upwill have to fend off triple defending champion and CDR Rockstar Yamaha teammate Jay Marmont, the 28-year-old Wollongong resident not prepared to give an inch in the race for the number one plate.
"I've been in this position before, but never this far behind in points," Marmont explained. "I've got to be dominant and do the best I can, but I also need luck on my side and a few extra guys to step it up in the races on Sunday."

Behind the CDR teammates, Monster Energy Kawasaki's Dean Ferris and Billy Mackenzie also stand mathematical chances at taking the crown.

In the Pro Lites title chase, JDR Motorex KTM's Matt Moss is on track to secure his second title, the 2009 champion coming into Coolum with a 33-point lead over Queensland-based Serco Yoshimura Yamaha rider Kirk Gibbs. Moss was also on hand at press day, excited for the weekend's action to come.
"My preparation has been great coming off a win in the final moto at Moree and I'm really excited - I've never been this excited coming into a race meeting," the 23-year-old said. "I'm 33 points in front and I've won nearly every race I've had here at Coolum so hopefully I can keep that up and win my second motocross championship."

Gibbs will challenge Moss on Sunday for the title and he's coming off a round victory at Moree just seven days prior. The battle for third in the series will be between Brenden Harrison (JDR Motorex KTM), Phil Nicoletti (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and Daniel McCoy (Rockstar Motul Suzuki).

The Pirelli Under 19s title was won at Moree by Errol Willis, the 18-year-old from Wagga Wagga taking out his first national title for Raceline Pirelli Suzuki. The ninth and final round of the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals will take place at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland this weekend, July 30 - 31.

Championship Standings (after 8 of 9 rounds)
Rockstar Energy Drink Pro Open
1. Josh Coppins 603
2. Jay Marmont 585
3. Dean Ferris 563
4. Billy Mackenzie 559
5. Cheyne Boyd 494

Motul Pro Lites
1. Matt Moss 567
2. Kirk Gibbs 534
3. Brenden Harrison 478
4. Phil Nicoletti 477
5. Daniel McCoy 461

Visit www.mxnationals.com.au on the web for complete series and round information on the 2011 season.