Josh Coppins

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. He is often regarded as one of the greatest riders that never won a world title.

Motocross racing career 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. 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. Coppins retired from full-time racing in 2012.

Career results

2009: 6th MX1 World Championship, winner of 1 GP 2008: 5th MX1 World Championship, winner of 1 GP 2007: 3rd MX1 World Championship, winner of 5 GP's 2006: 7th MX1 World Championship, winner of 1 GP 2005: 2nd MX1 World Championship, winner of 2 GP's 2005 British Motocross Champion 2004: 3rd MX1 World Championship, winner of 1 GP 2004 British Motocross Champion 2003: 11th MX1 World Championship 2002: 2nd 250cc World Championship 2001: 6th 250cc World Championship 2000: 4th 250cc World Championship 1999: 7th 250cc World Championship