Josh Coppins will lead the Monster Energy MX Nationals into Moree on Sunday. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

The Monster Energy MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship, will reach its penultimate round of the season this Sunday, 19 August, at Moree in New South Wales.

A popular circuit amongst the riders of the MX Nationals, Moree will play host to a pivotal weekend in the 10-round series. Entering round nine, CDR Yamaha’s Josh Coppins holds a slender 12-point advantage over Motul Pirelli Suzuki’s Todd Waters.

It’s an all-ANZAC battle at the top with retiring Kiwi veteran Coppins determined to keep 21-year-old Cairns ace Waters at bay. Last time out during round eight it was Coppins who won, on a weekend where he announced his retirement at the close of the season.

Waters has been a revelation of sorts in 2012, displaying consistency beyond his years after being signed by Suzuki during the pre-season. For both riders, the Moree round will set the stage for an all-out war come Coolum’s season finale on 25-26 August.

“If I extend [the lead] out and take that further four points, it will turn from 12 to 16 going into the last round,” Coppins explained, looking ahead to Moree. “That starts to put him under a hell of a lot of pressure.

“If he brings that from 12 down to eight, it puts the pressure more onto me as well. I don’t think he wants to go into Coolum knowing that he has to win all the motos. Obviously he’s going there to pull some points back and I’m going there to extend some points.”

Behind Coppins and Waters, still in with a mathematical shot at the title, is second CDR Yamaha contender Lawson Bopping. He’s 60 points in arrears of Coppins, but has his own battle on his hands in the race for the final podium position.

Just eight points behind Bopping is defending dual British champion Brad Anderson (Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing), while in-form New Zealander Cody Cooper is coming on strong in fifth as teammate of Waters.

Defending four-time champion Jay Marmont (Monster Energy Kawasaki) has conceded his crown after a nightmare campaign, but has a renewed bout of confidence on his side after a solid state-level victory in Western Australia earlier this month.

Bourke local Tye Simmonds is scheduled to return following a number of rounds off the bike through injury, and last week won a local event in Dubbo upon return to racing. With two podiums picked up during the season’s first half, his national return could be a strong one with hometown support urging him on.

The Motul MX2 category is led by Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha Racing’s Luke Styke, maintaining a commanding 31-point margin out front with just two rounds remaining. Despite his buffer, Styke is aware that consistency in the final races will be key.

“It’s a handy lead, but with so many good riders in the field I have to keep my training and preparation up and work towards getting in the top three every race,” Styke said following Appin. “So, it’s right back to work tomorrow and stay on my regular routine.”

Chasing Styke will be Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing’s Ford Dale, fresh from victory at round eight. The wildcard in the title chase is JDR/KTM Fatcory Racing’s Josh Cachia, who has been a standout in the season’s second half to date.

Kiwi Kayne Lamont enjoys a 27-point lead ahead of the Moree round in the Pirelli MX Development (MXD) ranks for Under 19s competitors, stamping his authority on the class in the latter stages of the season.

Lamont has fellow KTM contender Dylan Long on his tail, while recent Axis Motorsports Kawasaki convert Dylan Leary is placed third. The most recent round of the MXD series was taken out by Raceline Pirelli Suzuki’s Jay Wilson.

Click here for MotoOnline.com.au’s official Fan Guide for the Moree race weekend.