The New Zealand Motocross Championships will go down to the wire this weekend at New Plymouth in a winner takes all scenario to wrap up the season.

Team Rockstar Motul Suzuki’s Cody Cooper again won the premier MX1 Class last Sunday at Rotorua, now just one point behind series leader Josh Coppins with one round left to run.

“It was an excellent day for me, although I would have liked to win all three of course,” said Cooper. “I had no strength left in my arms after chasing hard to catch Josh in that second race.

“But I’m looking forward to Taranaki next weekend. I won all three races there last season.”

Rockstar Yamaha’s Coppins is eager to rebound after battling to make the podium after an opening lap crash last week.

“My knee is sore and my elbow is sore, so I’m feeling a little beaten up,” said Coppins. I’m a bit disappointed with my day today but it could be Cooper’s turn for a bad day next weekend, you never know.”

It was also a tough day for Coppins’ Yamaha team boss Daryll King, who lost his lead in the MX2 Class as Cooper’s Australian teammate Daniel McCoy came on strong to win the day.

King sits two point behind McCoy entering the round, but he’s hoping a home track advantage will help him pull through for the title.

“It will be a battle like nothing else next weekend – it’s a track I grew up on,” King said. “It’s my home track and I know how it needs to be ridden.”

McCoy is focused on maintaining the title lead, which would be the first major title of his career.

“It’s incredible. I was third in the championship but now I’m leading,” McCoy reflected. “I could go on to win the title, my first major title, and it’s in a foreign country.

“I’m looking forward to putting it all together in Taranaki next weekend.”

The fourth and final round of the New Zealand Motocross Championship will be held on Sunday, 27 March at Taranaki Motorcycle Club in New Plymouth.