New Zealander Josh Coppins is determined to take advantage of recent testing at Coonabarabran.

CDR Rockstar Energy Yamaha’s Josh Coppins is eager to make inroads on the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals series lead this weekend following a positive month of testing since Toowoomba.

Coppins enters Coonabarabran’s sixth round of the series third in the standings, 29 points behind red plate holder Dean Ferris in the Pro Open class, and he’s confident gains made during the month off will boost his chances of victory.

“Since the Toowoomba round we have been able to continue testing with the team and feel we have made good gains,” the Kiwi former world number two said.

“My lap times certainly improved during those sessions and now it’s up to me to do it on the race track.”

Coppins has arrived in Australia following early concerns of travel from New Zealand, departing Auckland yesterday despite the volcanic ash cloud that continues to cause chaos in the airways of Australia and New Zealand.

Earlier this season, MX Nationals ‘rookie’ Coppins captured victory at both the Appin and Raymond Terrace rounds of the series.