The MX Nationals contenders took to the track at Coolum on Friday for press day. Image: Alex Gobert.

The title contenders of the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals hit the track for the series’ first time this season at Coolum Pines Motocross Park in Queensland today for press day ahead of the weekend’s season finale.

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

Kiwi former world number two Josh Coppins completed a number of sections for local media at the circuit this morning, and he’s 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. “If I do that then I believe I have a very good shot to win. I can’t worry about my competition, I just have focus on what I’m doing and do the job the best I can.”

Coppins will have to fend off triple defending champion and CDR Rockstar Energy Drink 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 coming into Coolum, but never this far behind in points,” Marmont explained at the press day. “I need to be dominant and obviously Josh doesn’t have to be. 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.”

At last weekend’s penultimate round at Moree, Coppins and Marmont tied for the victory, setting up a close title fight throughout this weekend’s finale on the Sunshine Coast.

Coppins and Marmont are the favourites for the title, while Monster Energy Kawasaki teammates Dean Ferris and Billy Mackenzie also stand mathematical chances at taking the crown. Ferris is returning after crashing out of Moree and sits 40 points off the lead, while Mackenzie is 44 in arrears.

JDR Motorex KTM’s Matt Moss is on track to secure his second title in the Pro Lites title chase, 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 carried out between Brenden Harrison (JDR Motorex KTM), Phil Nicoletti (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and Daniel McCoy (Rockstar Motul Suzuki).

The Pirelli Under 19s title was won with a round to spare last weekend 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 finale round of the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals will take place at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland next weekend, 30-31 July.

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