Cody Cooper on his way to the 2013 NZ MX1 title at Taupo. Image: Madmaxphotography.com.

Words: Sharon Cox.

Bel-Ray Moto-City Suzuki Cody Cooper has won the MX1 overall in the 2013 NZ Backflips Motocross Championship after going 1-1-1 in Taupo’s final round on Sunday, 31 March.

Winning nine out of 12 races over the four-round series, Cooper claimed victory with a moto to spare from JCR Yamaha’s Billy Mackenzie and Motorex KTM rider Todd Waters.

“Pumped is all I can say,” Cooper commented. “I won the last six races in a row, holeshot the last three on a tough track.

“I knew Todd would be strong in the last race, I felt confident and now look forward to Australia’s opening round in a fortnight.”

Waters gained momentum to lead part-way in moto two and three, taking 2-2-2 results for the final round and third overall for the series.

“Competing in NZ’s motocross championship has definitely been a positive for me,” Waters said. “Learning new tracks and gaining race time, it has given me an edge heading into Australia’s championship.”

MX2 racing provided more than expected with point margins close.

JCR Yamaha Scott Columb claimed the overall win from CMR Red Bull KTM’s Brock Winston, with Bel-Ray Moto-City Suzuki Rhys Carter rounding off top three.

Australia’s Ryan Marmont (Raceline Suzuki) claimed the round win, making it two in a row, along with two holeshots in the final.

“I came over to see where I’m at, with the help from [Daryl Hurley] and it’s definitely been beneficial,” Marmont said.

Josh Coppins’ newly-formed JCR Yamaha team achieved success, taking three podiums overall with Mackenzie in MX1, Columb in MX2 and new National 125cc Champion Cameron Vaughan.

“To achieve our goals as a team is as good as could be hoped for, making it successful for riders and the brand,” Coppins reflected.

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