Josh Coppins will lead New Zealand's Motocross of Nations team in 2012. Image: Adam Riemann.

Motorcycling New Zealand has announced the NZ Team that has been selected to contest the 2012 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations in Lommel, Belguim, on 30 September.

The Kiwi squad will consist of retiring legend Josh Coppins, Cody Cooper and Kayne Lamont – all three regulars in the Australian Motocross Championship.

Also attending as reserves will be Rhys Carter and Hamish Harwood. The team will be managed by 2007 World Veteran Motocross Champion Tony Cooksley.

Motorcycling New Zealand has also confirmed that it’s received funding from the FIM to assist in sending a team to the Motocross of Nations.

The funding application emphasised a development team as Motorcycling New Zealand acknowledges the need to start developing riders at this level.

“It is not often that we are given the opportunity to develop riders at international level, to have this assistance to future proof sending a team to this prestigious event,” commented motocross commissioner Bryan Davidson. “That is viewed by millions of people worldwide is something that Motorcycling New Zealand is very grateful for.

“Without the assistance of the FIM, Motorcycling New Zealand would not be in this position of sending a team plus riders who have been targeted to represent New Zealand in the future at the Motocross of Nations.

“Of the riders who applied to be part of the team, we have targeted two additional riders who will be able to represent New Zealand in the future, with the view of their development.

“They will be attending the event to work with the team prior to and at the event to have an understanding of the magnitude of the event, these riders will be contracted to MNZ with performance indicators to meet for the future.

“Each year it will be the aim of Motorcycling New Zealand to have additional targeted riders.”

Coppins currently leads the MX1 class of the Monster Energy MX Nationals in his final season of racing, with Cooper currently ranked fifth. Meanwhile Lamont is the runaway leader of the MXD class.