CDR Yamaha's Josh Coppins has built an early lead in the MX1 class outdoors. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

CDR Yamaha’s Josh Coppins has down-played his chances of running away to a comfortable Monster Energy MX Nationals title victory, aware there’s a long way to go if he’s to capture his first MX1 crown.

In his planned final season of professional competition, the New Zealander has dismissed predictions that the title is already his to lose.

Coppins has a 24-point lead in the series over Honda privateer Jake Moss after two of 10 rounds, striving to keep up his current form.

“Leading now doesn’t mean much as we have a long way to go, but so far things have been going to plan, the CDR team has been working tirelessly and we need to keep the momentum going,” Coppins said following round two.

Although the rising Aussies stepped up and set the pace for much of the Goanna Tracks round, Coppins put his best foot forward when it counted in the final moto, winning to seal the overall.

“I qualified fifth on Saturday and didn’t feel that good on the track, so I just shifted my focus for Sunday and was able to make it work,” he explained.

“Starts are really important with these shorter races so it was good to get them nailed and I was battling up front every race.”

Coppins will lead the field into this weekend’s third round of the 2012 title chase at Wonthaggi in Victoria.