Coppins close to 2012 MX Nationals title after Round 9

Following 2-2-1 results on the hard-packed Moree track, the 35-year-old New Zealander is now in the box seat for what is his final season of professional competition.

In dry conditions, Coppins was pushed all the way by Motul Pirelli Suzuki's Todd Waters, who qualified fastest, won the first moto, then finished on the podium in the other two. Currently second in the championship, Waters is still a threat for the title should Coppins suffer an injury in the final round, as he did in 2011. Waters' team mate Cody Cooper completed the podium at Moree.

British champion Brad Anderson (Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing) and Lawson Bopping (CDR Yamaha) continued their fight for third in the series, placing fourth and fifth respectively at Moree. Defending champion Jay Marmont (Monster Energy Kawasaki) finished sixth overall, but improved to sixth in the series. Marmont will miss out on the MX1 title for the first time since 2008.

"The first two races were a bit of a struggle as I got a bit of arm pump and had to ride through it but it was good to finish on a strong note and win the final moto," Coppins explained.

"To win the round, gain a few points in the championship means it was a good day for me and the CDR team, but a 14 point lead with three races and 75 points on offer, isn't much and there is still a lot of laps left to run.

"14 points ahead heading into Coolum isn't a big lead, but I'd rather be 14 ahead than behind. I'm healthy, the bike's good, so… I want to win [at Coolum] and the championship."

The final round of the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship, will take place at Coolum in Queensland on 25-26 August.

Visit www.mxnationals.com.au for further information on the Monster Energy MX Nationals series.

2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship
Round Nine - Moree, NSW

MX1 Round Results
1. Josh Coppins 69
2. Todd Waters 67
3. Cody Cooper 61
4. Brad Anderson 51
5. Lawson Bopping 49
6. Jay Marmont 44
7. Billy Mackenzie 41
8. Daniel McCoy 40
9. Craig Anderson 38
10. Dean Porter 31

MX1 Championship Standings (after 9 of 10 rounds)
1. Josh Coppins 549
2. Todd Waters 535
3. Lawson Bopping 469
4. Brad Anderson 463
5. Cody Cooper 449
6. Jay Marmont 332
7. Jake Moss 311
8. Daniel Reardon 301
9. Daniel McCoy 289
10. Dean Porter 288

Images: Two Three PR, Shayne Rice (Yamaha)