News Release

Cooper in Command in Taupo

25 October 2011
Mount Maunganui’s Cody Cooper again won the big annual Labour Weekend Motocross Extravaganza in Taupo on Sunday and that came as a surprise to absolutely nobody.

Cooper is, afterall, the man who won this popular annual event last season and he is also the reigning New Zealand MX1 Champion.

His undoubted talents were also recognised just over a month ago by the Suzuki factory team in Europe when they drafted the Kiwi in to replace their injured world championship superstar Clement Desalle.

But the comprehensive manner of Cooper’s victory at Taupo’s Digger McEwen Motocross Park on Sunday did raise a few eyebrows nonetheless.

“I just felt really good today,” said the 28-year-old Cooper in classic understatement.

He was unbeaten in his MX1 class outings and also ran away with the coveted Nicky Smith Memorial feature race.

“It was a good way to start the season for Team Suzuki.”

Cooper was simply beaming about his new 2012-model Suzuki RM-Z450.

“The new bike is awesome ... so much power. I holeshot every race. It is just so grunty. I’ll be doing lots of riding now to warm up for the motocross nationals and then will step up my training even more before the Summercross (at Whakatane) just after Christmas and then the supercross champs and motocross champs (at the start of next year).”

It could easily have been a Suzuki 1-2 in the feature final too as Cooper’s team-mate, fellow Bay of Plenty rider Rhys Carter, also ran near the front for much of the all-in feature race on his Suzuki RM-Z250, eventually settling for third place behind national MX2 champion Darryll King, of Hamilton.

Carter also finished overall first-equal – level with King – in the separate battle for MX2 class honours but was forced to accept runner-up spot on the count-back rule.

“I’m pretty happy with today, especially considering I was sick with the flu all week,” said the 22-year-old Carter afterwards.

“I know I’ve got the speed to win this year and I’ll be fitter and stronger by the time I race the nationals (in February).”
 
It was a great weekend all around for Bay of Plenty riders, with Suzuki men Kayne Lamont and Dion Picard also impressing.

Mangakino’s Lamont (BikesportNZ.com Suzuki RM250), just back from a season racing in the United Kingdom, was one of the few riders to threaten King and Carter in the MX2 class.

Lamont finished 3-2 in the first two MX2 races but was then forced out of the deciding third race with injury after coming to grief in the first corner.

Atiamuri’s Picard (Darryl August Motorcycles Suzuki RM-Z250) easily won the junior 14-16 years’ 250cc class on Saturday, finishing the day unbeaten in all three races. He then backed that up by racing against the seniors the following day and finished seventh overall in the MX2 class.

For further information contact Simon Meade, Motorcycle Sales Manager, simon@suzuki.co.nz.